What I have learned from having Wegener's granulomatosis?

[drz]

Not a dam thing except it sucks!

OK, that's my first reaction. Well, maybe there are some lessons to be learned if I dig deeper.

One cannot be diagnosed with a chronic and rare disorder without it having some effect upon you.

Certainly the near death experience taught me again or reminded me of what is important in life, and it isn't how many toys you have, or what's in the garage, or how you dress or any of those things like that.

When I thought I was going to die, it seemed like an easy thing to do and not something very scary or frightening at all so death is not something to fear.

It brought people back into my life that I have not seen or heard from in years. People and the relationships are what matters in life.

I don't sweat the small things as much and most things are small things once you can breath. Being able to walk is also a big plus in life as is the ability to dress oneself and toilet oneself.

Modesty is overrated when you are a patient. You are just an object to medical staff with medical and personal needs and anything they are doing to your body they have done hundreds of times so relax and let them do their job.

Some thank you's and appreciation go a long way in making your care go easier.

It helps to share your feelings and worries with staff but whining and bitching seldom improve things. A request for help goes a long, long way.

Most staff care and want to help you and that is why they went into their line of work.

Deal with today cause "Most of the stuff people worry about, ain't never gonna happen anyway.”

OK, your turn! What have you learned?