PFAM First-Anniversary-Ever Edition… At Last!
Wednesday, June 30 2010
At last – it’s finally here! The first-ever anniversary of Patients for A Moment – the blog carnival for, by, and about people with illness.
When I started blogging just under two years ago, I was disappointed that there weren’t more people blogging about living with illness. But I was even more disappointed to learn that the people who were blogging really weren’t talking to one another. I started Patients for A Moment to try to change that, and I’ve been delighted to watch this conversation unfold – especially since we started asking specific questions for each edition.
This edition’s question was: what have you learned? What have you learned about yourself, your illness, and other sick people? If nothing else, I hope you’ve learned over the past year that we really do have more in common with one another than our differing diagnoses would suggest. No matter what pills you take, what specialists you see, what bills you pay – you’re still doing all of those things, just like any other sick person. The details are different, but the experience is the same.
As for me, I have learned over the last few months that I can’t do justice to this carnival; I don’t have the time to give it the attention it deserves. So I put it up for adoption. Leslie at Getting Closer To Myself will be hosting the next edition – July 14th – and after that she will be in charge of coordinating each the calendar and helping hosts put together each biweekly edition.
Much as it pains me to let go, I know Leslie will do a great job with this. She’s been one of the most reliable hosts over the last year, and also one of the most consistently thoughtful and interesting contributors. For this week’s edition, Leslie writes about her learning curve with lupus and RA. She’s come farther in two years of dealing with illness than I did in my first ten years.
Lisa at Rest Ministries says her answer to this week’s question could be a book – and her post is long and fruitful.
Selena at Oh My Aches and Pains! writes about the benefits of being a sick chick. Did you know there were any such benefits? I would not have guessed it, but you have to go read her post to find out what they are.
Aviva at Sick Momma writes about an “Unhappy Anniversary” – fortunately, she’s not talking about PFAM. Even after three years of dealing with illness, she’s still a “medical mystery”.
Joanna at Dear Thyroid writes “I hate you, thyroid cancer, and love is bigger than fear” – which is also a concise synopsis of her post. Joanna hates cancer, but “loves the person” she’s become. I think a lot of us share the same sentiment.
Most people who are chronically ill learn sooner or later to stop apologizing for their illness. Still, some people feel they’re taking up too much of their doctors’ time. Dr. Rob at Musings of a Distractible Mind writes about those apologies – not that he’s apologizing himself, just writing about apologies.
Finally, Dot at Fibro World reports on Botox as a treatment for fibromyalgia.
There you have it: a strong showing for the first year of Patients for a Moment. Be sure to check in with Leslie for future editions, and let her know if you can host. I look forward to another year of engaging conversation through this carnival – and I hope you do, too.
(Photo: cleverboy68)
Thank you so much for including Joanna’s post in the one-year anniversary PFAM carnival. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY. What are you doing to celebrate?
Can’t wait to read all of these wonderful posts. Checking them out now.
Oh, I see that you are a friend of Nurse Ratched, too. We adore her.
Thanks, Duncan, for starting this remarkable carnival.
Katie-
Duncan, thanks for all your hard work in starting this carnival and what you have put forth to sustain it. I have appreciated the fact that you have been able to bring so many people together, regardless of what chronic illness or condition they have, because, as we know, oftentimes, it’s the emotional and mental side of it all that is so similar for us, despite whatever physical condition we may be struggling with. It’s been a joy to work with you on this and I look forward to continuing to be a part of it.
This most recent topic seems so “normal” but it was good “therapy” for me to be able to sit and just think for a moment of all of the many things that illness has taught me as I have lived with rheumatoid arthritis since age 24, 18 years now. Thanks again for making us think, reflect, and share with others.
Lisa
Duncan, thanks so much for starting PFAM and congrats on a successful first year!
I am so grateful that I found PFAM. It’s been so encouraging and affirming to connect with fellow bloggers with medical challenges. I’ve learned how to cope better and to keep positive and productive.
Thank you again for bringing us all together!
I am diagnosed with RA since January 2006. Today is the first time i am seeing this website of people with chronic illnesses.
i would like to sign on for future updates.
I look forward to participating!
205 degrees here in NYC!
Dianna
anyone on here who has had thyroid cancer, metastasized, thankfully gone. Then become weaker and weaker, diagnosed with Crohn’s and celiac disease, and RA? Betcha you think I am making this up. My 35 yr old daughter has it/them and the irritable bowel stuff is keeping the synthetic thryoid from being absorbed. and any other meds, we think.
a worried mom whose daughter is about to give up on ever working again