Thank you for this post. I hope Louise will join our community; indeed, we share many of the experiences she has endured.

You are very brave and strong, Louise. I had the blessing of many years of adulthood before my pancreatic pain became chronic and debilitating at 38. I doubt I would have had the poise and self-reliance to deal with this and to develop a career in my twenties; I give you a great deal of credit.

Reaching out to others has been one of the hardest lessons for me to learn. I left home at 18, too. I am fiercely independent and introverted. I am lucky to have a wonderful chronic illness coach who has encouraged me to get involved in new activities that have helped shift my focus from my pain. The balance this is creating in my life is critical for me in keeping my career.

I love the analogy to cats! In addition to landing on our feet, we have the cat-like ability to deeply enjoy a good rest.

With warmest regards,
Diana