Horrible Phone Call

I got a phone call today from my father. He informed me that a lady we know commended suicide :'( , she also had an autoimmune disorder like so many of us on this form.

When I first found out about her diagnoses I was getting my first Rituxan treatment. Dad called me and asked me to call and talk to her so I did when i got off the phone with him. Talked with her for about 45min, talked face to face a couple of times after that also. When I first saw her after talking to her on the phone I had shaved my head due to excessive dead loss. She had already decided not to treat, I honestly can't remember her diagnoses but do know she was talking about a type of Chemo. I know it wasn't cancer but like we all know most of the treatments are far worse than the condition.

My heart is heavy and I just wish she would have picked up the phone and called.

With my ITP I have gone through all 5 stages of grief. When I was first diagnosed 2 years ago I also was thinking of suicide. I now have accepted the cards that have been dealt for me. I am always willing to talk with people that have question and like educating people on ITP (that is including the ER doctors, I think everyone on here has done that).

I work at an animal hospital and we have a lot of patients that have also been diagnosed with autoimmune disorders. The clients take comfort in talking to someone that has taken the medications that their animal is now on. The blood work of the animals looks just like mine.

Not only does it effect you physically but mentally. No one know what we are going through on a daily bases not even our family's.

But on a good note sending love out to all my ITP peeps....

Sending you a huge hug.

Sorry about your's and your dad's friend. My thoughts will be with you...

I'm so sorry to hear that. It breaks my heart. I am very grateful for this forum. Battling ITP, which isn't even that bad of an autoimmune disease ( most of us live pretty normal lives) there were many days where I felt very alone and in a dark place. Being a part of pdsa has helped me so much emotionally especially when many treatments failed for me. It helped to be able to vent in a place where others had experienced what I had been through. Also, there were so many stories of hope and encouragement.

It would be wonderful for more support groups like this for people battling other autoimmune disorders. It may even help save lives.

Amber,

My parents have had two dogs with Addison's disease, so unfortunately autoimmune disease effects animals as well. I'm glad that you can help people whose pets are going through this from your personal experience.