Sorry, Gus, I missed what you said in this passage and I need to address it. Gus said, "But believe me, no physical pain compares to the emotional pain of having to deal with the condition all alone. That in itself can take a major toll on a person."

Wow, so true, Gus. This is exactly where I stand (with no live body to talk to in person) and that's partially why I ran on and on incoherantly recently at this group. My best friend confident and older sister, died three years ago and I have no one anymore. I am so lost without her. I have no one who is on the same mental wave-length as me, especially when it comes to naturopathy healthcare. I have people from church and one semi-friend, but no trusting friend confident. I talk to the Lord and He guides me. But I'm a realist, and I need a human body to communicate with from time to time.