Topic of the Week

[forumadmin]

Someone suggested starting a "Topic of the Week" where some subject could be discussed by anyone who wanted to weigh in with their experience and opinion. We want to get a range of views on a topic--not to necessarily achieve a consensus but rather to give people a chance to share their thoughts, feelings, decision-making processes, outcomes, hopes, disappointments, and coping strategies.

Everyone is encouraged to participate. We don't want this space to become a back-and-forth conversation among only a few people, so the rule is that you can only make two posts on each topic. Say what you want to say and then settle back to read what others have to say.

I'd appreciate it if people suggest topics. Here are a few I've thought about--let me know if you think they'd be worth making the "Topic of the Week."

• What did you consider when deciding whether or not to have surgery? Pain? Being able to urinate more "normally" (whatever that is)? Doctor's recommendations? Possibility of complications? Being totally fed up with the condition and hoping surgery would make it go away? Sex? Appearance? etc.


• Who have you told about your condition, and how did you tell them?


• Did you experience teasing/ridicule about your condition? Can you suggest anything for parents regarding how they can help their children with this?

"Topic of the Week" will start on Sunday, March 1, 2009.

--Betty
Forum Administrator

[clark IV]

Possibility of complications.
This would be a really good topic because there's no realy fix for severe hs an so,so for mild cases. Me having severe hs has definetly been a road trip I'm will have surgery for the rest of my life an of course yearly follow up.My condition is. So bad it takes the risk of having bladder an kidney damage in the long run an u don't want to lose these vital organs. Good week topic!!