Your description made me giggle "When I read other people’s information and experiences, I stop feeling like I’m on the island of misfit toys, because it seems like I feel isolated at times."
I may steal it at some point!

Whenever I am tempted to engage in my own private pity party, I read a few posts here on Mayo Connect, and remember that I won't die of aching bones and joints!

I had a blessed day today - my daughter and I spent a rare rainy day indoors shopping for shoes - we both have fussy, fussy feet - in 6 hours we each found 2 pairs - and had a lot of laughs as we found ourselves reaching for the same pair in several stores. And she talked me into my first glass of bubble tea - I liked it!

Be patient with yourself as you heal, and do something that makes you smile each day.