Contacting one another

I just wanted to throw something out here, and only do it if it you're COMPLETELY comfortable. I understand if you're not, 'cause hey, I'm one of the ones who won't even use my real name here .

I consider this group to be my closest friends. I have very good friends in my non-tech world, but the group here gets to see my ups & downs, inside and out and understand the frustration of our migraine world.

This week we became concerned about one of our forum friends and were trying to how figure out to contact her, if we should contact her, etc. I was able to get hold of her, and she wasn't angry that we reached out to her. I was able to find her about she was very open about her work and name. We wouldn't be able to do that for many of us here.

I would like to just offer a suggestion that IF YOU WANT TO, could you PM your phone number to the person or persons you're closest to on the forum? That way when one of us worry warts doesn't have enough to keep our brains occupied we can throw up a post and whoever has the # can contact them and let the rest know if you're okay?

I wouldn't recommend posting your number on the open forum. Who knows who might see it. The person who receives the PM can put it in their save box. If you don't know who to send one to I would be happy to save it for you.

I have phone numbers and addresses for a few of you. One is strictly for emergency only and gives me a time period on how long I should wait before I contact them. The other persons is for chit-chatting though we don't use it often as with the M's neither of us are much into long conversations.

Please, this suggestion is strictly take it or leave it. No pressure.

You know, I never understood Internet dating and subsequent marriages etc from meeting on the Internet. After being on this forum I do now. I see how close the relationships can be.

With lot's of love and hugs... Charlotte

Yes, keep it very private and I think specifying the waiting period is a great idea.
After all we all need just a break sometimes, or we go on vacation, and we don't wish to be bothered with phone calls, do we.

Risa

Wish I had your name and address, Risa. I would have knocked on your door and begged to be your houseguest (breakfast around 8:30 AM please, after YOU have walked my dogs) during the winter Olympics. So would say about 20 to 30 other migrainers! LOL

Let's see, the next summer Olympics are in London UK. Hmmmm So many possibilities here for freebies! LOL

On a serious note, Ravenhurst atop beautiful Table Mountain, with its high chapperal landscape and opportunities for great antique shopping, walking, and casino gambling PLUS the famous Back Porch in Season is open to any member of Ronda's who wishes to come visit for one or two nights. I promise you great dining at dinner thogh breakfast and lunch are both iffy or on your own. The dog pack ill greet you at the gate and see you off when you leave ... and Molly, Madison, and Maggie are quite worth the drive from Sacramento or the Bay Area airports.

Just PM me for the bed and dinner opportunity of peace and quiet and fine dining.

What a beautiful offer Richard. Thank you for putting that out to all the members. Wish I could see California, I'd definitely take you up if my ENT situation wasn't any different than it is! Your home sounds beautiful.

I'd gladly extend my home friends who would like to stay on LI. You'd have two LARGE loving sloppy mutts to adore as well as a cat who is tempermental but very cute. Unfortunately I am not very eclectic at cooking but I am very experimental and can try to accomodate you! Breakfast is non-negotable. It is NO! LOL!! Air mattress is necessary, no spare room..sorry. Private living room though, quiet at night. We are clean, except my bedroom hehe!

Any one coming my way is welcome, but give me two months notice so I can clean

Slowly getting the guest room done so there will be a place to sleep.

Charlotte

I welcome anyone coming to the Madison area as well. The only downside is that I have no spare rooms but my couch is a futon and you will have a doggy to cuddle with (or you can kick her off ). On the plus side - my dogs are very quiet...only bark to alert and if it's dinner time (growl more in play rather than bark)...the downside - they seem to be shedding constantly so be prepared for lots of fuzz.

I am a decent cook and unless things are horrible, I do. And I take requests - just be prepared for something interesting if I've never done anything like it before.

One thing that just struck me - for as bad as things can be with our health, we sure are a friendly bunch.

You are very sweet, HeelerLady! Don't worry, we won't be at your door when we come to Madison on Wednesday. But if we are ever there longer than for one day, it would be nice to meet. The food wasn't so terrible at the UW Hospital cafeteria when we were there on 2/3! We could eat out, LOL. I had some chicken stir fry there that was pretty decent

Cheryl

Cheryl,

Would enjoy a meeting. And you would be welcome if something ever came up and you needed to spend an unplanned night. I have to admit the UW Hospital has a decent cafeteria...for a hospital. I actually work in a connected building and have eaten there on more than one occasion. I worked for the hospital a number of years ago and at that point...yeah wouldn't have recommended it. But the little convenience store across the hall also has sandwiches and other lunch items if nothing in the cafeteria looks appealing.

Becky

(breakfast around 8:30 AM please, after YOU have walked my dogs) during the winter Olympics. So would say about 20 to 30 other migrainers! LOL

lolol ok, I can take the dogs out back yard but I was always hoping to try your famous cooking, Richard !

Risa

If anyone ever comes to the UK and wants to see glorious Oxford I'll happily do B&B and tours. It's a great place to live and visit.

Great idea Charlotte. Those of us on facebook can also often see if someone is around but just not visiting Ronda's which is reassuring too. Anyone else want to be facebook buddies? PM me if you do. I'm not sure who else is on there that I'm not already friends with.

Amy

I forgot about facebook and it should be entirely obvious as I'm on it about everyday so if anyone would like to become a buddy, send me a PM.

Becky

Charlotte: I have seen other forums do just what you are suggesting. I think it is a great idea. Sometimes I am gone for awhile because I just don't feel like cracking the computer open. It would be nice just to know someone is thinking about me.

Leslie: Would it be OK for me to send my info to you? I think you are one that I have known the longest.

Richard: I might just take you up on that offer. My doctor is wanting me to see someone who is a specialist, not like what we have around here. Maybe I could find one near you? It is really special of you to offer. I would love to taste your cooking. You make it sound so good.

Cindy

Well I'm a little bit out of the way for most of you, but yes I have not one, but two spare rooms since the kids moved out - if your ever in Australia...

Marion,
I'm back in Australia for the time being, I live in Western Sydney. Are you nearby? Also have empty bedrooms.

Brisbane Lentils. Work on gold coast. Just about to leave for work and see if it's under water.

Howdy Cindy W

Love the Avatar photo - though I have to admit that you write very well for one of such a tender age.

Take a look at the UCSF Neurology Department for an expert to see for a treatment plan. UCSF = University of California at San Francisco. Their medical school is top notch with a great hospital attached and lots of MD's doing their residency there. I, personally, convinced two residents to study brain surgery instead of migraines! LOL but it is the truth. We discussed it and they decided to go after tumors instead of migraines because they could actually help a patient and see quick positive results. The treatment of migraine disease remains more of an art than a science in my view (and theirs). But after treating me, following the treatment plan of a world reknowned expert in migraine, both residents changed course and went after brain tumors. LOL

Ravenhurst is a quick 3 hour drive north of San Francisco. I know 3 hours sounds like a huge trip to folks in small towns and on the East Coast - it sure did to me when I lived there. But after 19 years in Alaska and now 11 years in California, a 3 hour trip is a day jaunt and really no big deal.

But I would love to have you (or Risa or Leslie or Holly or ... ) for a visit at Ravenhurst. I would even use my break-thru pain medications in your honor - so I could speak clearly at home with you! Just PM me and let's do it.

I do regret that my illness is currently preventing me from coordinating a Ronda Convention for us in San Francisco as I had hoped. Frankly, I am in a bad place and that load of work is just too much right now. Hopefully in the future.

Richard,

Thanks for the info.

That sounds like a really good place for me.

My migraines are so complicated. They don't follow a pattern and no preventative meds seem to help me at all.

That avatar is my grand-daughter Zoe Jane. Isn't she just the cutest?

Next time my doctor brings this issue us (and he will) I will tell him about California.

Guess I better start saving some money now.

A 3 hour trip wouldn't be so bad.

It is almost 5 hours one way to my parents house and it seems to go pretty fast.

Thanks so much for the info and the invite.

Cindy

Amy, I was in Oxford about 3 years ago, loved it. I felt smarter just being there Really! I took my mom for a week to London, and did a little day trip to Oxford. It was beautiful. If I ever get out that way again, I'll let you know. I can feel brain cells growing just thinking about being there with all the smart people in Oxford

Charlotte, I love your idea, I've PM'd you my address, email, and phone number for emergencies. Gia has my info as well. Nice to know my friends here care if something happens to me. You guys are the best.