Hi Aussiegirl and Dow, and anyone else that found this topic upsetting. When I first read through the original post, what I saw was someone concerned about other people making themselves worried sick over a lack of diagnosis. Even if it wasn't Kevin and even if he didn't mention my name I would have thought the same... Or would I? I read it again and still felt the same. Anyhow, I decided to add a little something extra because I wouldn't want to see someone getting worried sick either, more specifically because I've done it to myself, but not over a diagnosis.
Knowledge is best for everyone... I have always thought that way. I have always thought that the best thing for all of us to do is keep informed about our health issues and do what's best for us. However, I wouldn't want people to go through the added pain and frustrations of having to do it all on their own either, including having to diagnose themselves. With the way things are, a lot of us already have done so or still have to, unfortunately. If it were a matter of their personal choice, I would much rather see someone enjoying life than eventually feeling miserable about not knowing what's wrong with them. I understand that not everyone has that choice though.
About the severity part... Having AS is severe business no matter how I look at it. Technically I do consider my self as having a 'severe'/advanced/classic case of AS, but there must be thousands of people worse off than I am (even though my back was assembled with a torque wrench lol). I'm glad I can joke about that now.
I hope every one can see now that my intentions were meant as support, and not to drive people away from getting the support they need or something like that. I'm sure Kevin had the same intentions too.
Take care,
James.
