Author Topic: Goodbye to my friends here (Read 22626 times)

KimInTheForest · « **on:** August 18, 2015, 06:15:06 pm »

To all my many friends here:

I have decided to ask hepmags.com to cancel my membership and delete my account here on these forums because the forums have become an unsafe environment for me due to one very hostile and abusive individual who has recently come on board.

If I am successful in my bid to delete my account, then all my postings here, including this one, will immediately vanish. (It may be harder to delete an account here than I am imagining. We shall see.)

I have made so many friends here, I didn't want to vanish on you without saying goodbye. I have valued your friendship and affirmative energy and friendly conversations enormously during my treatment and now post-tx journey. I would have otherwise been completely isolated on this journey, since I have told no one in my "real" life. I had every intention of remaining active on the forums indefinitely.

But healing must be a time for off-loading all toxins. And unfortunately, these forums have become a toxic space for me. I cannot safely post anything except "welcome to the forums" at this point. Nor can I simply walk away without deleting my account because then I am still exposed - at some level - to this individual and his abuse. My first priority must be my recovery. And that means elimination of all toxins.

Wishing SVR12 and healthy new life to all!

Kim

Redbird29 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2015, 06:57:31 pm »

Oh Kim,
I am so sad to hear this. You have always been so kind, compassionate and supportive that it breaks my heart to hear of someone on this forum making you so uncomfortable and unsafe that you feel you need to leave us.

I for one will miss you. Though we did not speak often I have always appreciated your input and your joy. I wish you all peace, light and blessings on your journey.
~Robin

Bree · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2015, 07:04:00 pm »

Although I just "met you" your posts have given me comfort and been invaluable.

I too had a response on this forum that troubled me for days... I almost left or reported it... but I was new to the forum and scared so I took the high road and just gently corrected his misinterpretation of my post without naming names. I'm wondering if it is the same person.

I appreciate you and wish you all the best! I love that you call yourself KimInTheForest. I'm Bree and almost called myself "BreeOnTheBeach".

I wish you everything wonderful!!!

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2015, 08:08:20 pm »

Thanks Robin and Bree! Best of luck on your own journeys! I will try to reconnect down the road with each of you down the road somehow.

And for anyone wondering, yes, the problem is sickpuppy. I post that information (which some of you had already guessed), simply so other people will report postings that they feel assaulted by or that they consider toxic to the trust and respect of this community. We are all here to heal and help each other, and I have experienced nothing but that until recently. There are over 3,200 registered users in these forums now. All it takes is one to have a toxic effect.

kim

cazbyrd · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2015, 08:27:14 pm »

You will be missed by me..I can honestly say that for the last few months I've looked forward to your postings since I am such a newbie I always get good information from your experience...I am also a genotype 3 but doing Sovaldi/Ribavirin as of July 2...I wish you all the best...Its too bad that it only takes one bad apple...

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2015, 08:38:50 pm »

Kim, I will miss you, too. You are a beautiful soul who contributed a huge amount to these forums. I had reported the abuse (that is why a moderator posted a response) but it took me a while to decide that involving a moderator was probably a better course of action than my trying to post to the thread a response addressed to the perpetrator. It must have been hard on you that so many hours went by during which no posts appeared objecting to the nastiness.

While I can completely understand your decision, I am deeply sorry it has come to this. You are in my heart.

KAL · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2015, 09:03:54 pm »

Kim , i think you can put him on "ignore" and you won't see his post's ,......... i sure hope you reconsider , you've been a great help to me along the way , you were the first to greet me here!........im speaking for many other's here as iv'e seen you share some great advice and encouragement .

i have 5 days to go and hoping we can share post treatment progress ,.... i hope you have change of mind and stick around !

your friend , KAL

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2015, 09:21:18 pm »

Thanks Kal! I am not aware of an "ignore" setting. But I don't think it would solve the problem from my perspective if he is still posting abusive and demeaning comments about me, as he has for other women here, and in other forums he frequents.

The toxin of his replies would still be out there, still poisoning the collective well, still having a chilling effect on other female members who will become much more cautious about what they post or just stop posting. And the toxin of his abusive replies would still infect my body and my sacred creative seed whether or not I can actually see it. Invisible toxins scar and infect us all the time in this society. Abusive energy is a big one.

And there is no reason why I or anyone here should have to put up with it. So really, my departure under these circumstances is an act of empowerment, wholeness and integrity. Saying no to abusive toxic energy and individuals. Removing myself from such energy fields. That is all pretty fundamental to the healing process, imo. Investing in beauty instead. Which is always my motto ;> .

I have always enjoyed your presence here Kal, and I hope I find a way to reconnect with you and others down the road.

Good luck to you.

kim

slats1056 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2015, 09:34:37 pm »

Kim, sad that it had to come to this. I find You to be a kind & caring soul. Wish You all the best. Farewell & keep riding the crazy train. As You said, Your health & well being are paramount to everything else.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2015, 09:36:59 pm »

Thanks so much gnatcatcher and cazbyrd for your comments here and well wishes.

Thanks gnatcatcher for reporting his comment. I did too.

See you guys down the road!

kim

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2015, 09:44:23 pm »

Quote from: slats1056 on August 18, 2015, 09:34:37 pm

Kim, sad that it had to come to this. I find You to be a kind & caring soul. Wish You all the best. Farewell & keep riding the crazy train. As You said, Your health & well being are paramount to everything else.

Thanks Tommy! You too on riding that crazy train right to the end.

kim

slats1056 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 18, 2015, 09:44:38 pm »

BTW Everyone the ignore is in the modify Your profile setting if You need.

HEALTH AND SVR TO ALL, INCLUDING THOSE WHO ARE ABUSIVE AND INTOLERANT.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #12 on:** August 19, 2015, 12:49:49 am »

NEW INFORMATION has come in. And it could mean that none of the women here, including me, will have further problems with this individual. So I want to see how that plays out in the next week or two. Won't be pulling the plug just yet after all.

I know - Liar, liar pants on fire! Ha ha!

I had every intention of cancelling my membership the following day when I made this Goodbye post. It wasn't any kind of tactic or ruse or play for sympathy or anything. I am a very straightforward, honest person. I have no hidden agendas. I really was just saying goodbye so that people would know why my account and all my posts were suddenly gone and not think I had died or something.

At the time I announced my departure, I did not know that this individual had already been sent an official Moderator message (as a result of his "Listen honey" post to me), reminding him of the rules in the Terms of Use agreement and that future violations can result in suspension.

So I'm going to see how things go for now. No reason for me to leave if the problem of his demeaning and abusive attack posts does not continue for me or other women here. So some larger good seems to have come out of all this.

Wellness to all - and that does mean everyone,
kim

terih · « **Reply #13 on:** August 19, 2015, 12:28:16 pm »

I just stumbled onto your post Kim, I'm so glad you're not leaving! You are a valuable member of this forum, he is not! He sort of came at me sideways also! I'm hoping he is gone forever!

Again, I'm very happy you are staying and steps are being taken to insure you feel safe here! Teri

Lynn K · « **Reply #14 on:** August 19, 2015, 05:35:19 pm »

Not wishing him gone. We all need each other this is just a reminder to all there are real people behind our identities with real feelings.

Always consider before you hit post if you would want to say the same things person to person and face to face.

Let us all strive to be kind to one another. We are all in the same boat.

Lynn

bkmusic · « **Reply #15 on:** August 20, 2015, 07:57:00 pm »

OH I'm SO sorry you are being harassed. Isn't there a site moderator that you could lodge a complaint to. We don't need this kind of energy here as we are working towards positive healthy outcomes with fellow travelers.

I will really miss you and your wise words!!

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #16 on:** August 20, 2015, 08:55:04 pm »

Thank you bkmusic! I think the problem has been resolved and things will go back to normal, so I am sticking around. I didn't know that when I made this post. Wasn't trying to be a drama queen or anything.

And I agree with Lynn that these forums should be big enough to hold all. Every one of us who comes here does so because we need something. "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." etc.

best to you,
kim

drummerman · « **Reply #17 on:** August 20, 2015, 09:17:18 pm »

Stunned.

Glad to hear you are getting this worked out. You have always been quite helpful to me and I would hate to see you go.

Plus I absolutely love your avatar!!! Most creative award goes to you!

dm

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #18 on:** August 20, 2015, 09:19:49 pm »

Quote from: drummerman on August 20, 2015, 09:17:18 pm

Plus I absolutely love your avatar!!! Most creative award goes to you!

Haha! I am afraid I can't claim that "most creative avatar" award for my own, since I merely selected an avatar from the avatar library here on this site. I grabbed it from the Tribal Designs category.

kim

ms.nomoreC · « **Reply #19 on:** August 21, 2015, 12:38:51 am »

KimintheForest,

So sorry that someone has been mean to you!

I'm so glad that you were able to get things sorted out and that you will be able to stay. You have been such an encouraging presence here on this site.

Thank you for your kindness!!

ms.nomoreC

Jorah · « **Reply #20 on:** August 21, 2015, 09:44:44 am »

GRRR..nobody touches Kim

Patience · « **Reply #21 on:** August 21, 2015, 02:47:21 pm »

We all need every bit of help we can get to make it through this. Glad you're sticking around!

drummerman · « **Reply #22 on:** August 21, 2015, 09:24:57 pm »

wait a minute.... you mean there is an avatar library?? duh...
anyway... good choice!!!

dm

coloradogirl · « **Reply #23 on:** August 22, 2015, 08:38:50 pm »

Glad you are sticking around. We need more kind souls like you around. Hugs!

maneman · « **Reply #24 on:** August 23, 2015, 06:05:34 am »

Kim,

Only just recently joined this forum and now into my second week of Harvoni/Ribavirin.

You posted a lovely welcome message to me and having read many of your posts that are so helpful and kind, I cannot understand why anyone would be abusive to you.

Shocked and saddened when you were leaving now I sincerely hope you stay around. Selfish of me yes, your experience and kindness is of great reassurance, help and comfort not just to me but all on here that need it.

I really do wish you you well whatever you eventually decide to to do and thank you for being you.

MJ82 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 23, 2015, 06:37:57 am »

I hope you don't leave!

But seriously, anyone being consistently abusive and offensive to other members should be BARRED. I know everyone here is going through a struggle of one kind or another in fighting this virus (or dealing with for the first time), but forums should be a safe and respectful place, and if anyone is making a habit of such behavior, I for one, think THEY should be penalized (given a warning and if it's not heeded, they should be banned from the forum, at the very least for a set period of time).

They should not be given the power to drive away good people who are a support for others here, and who deserve the support they need in return.

Just my thoughts, and I hope it gets dealt with properly so you're able to stick around!

slats1056 · « **Reply #26 on:** August 23, 2015, 11:58:39 am »

Great posts in support of kim everyone. Hip Hip Hooray kim, hope Your caring words & kindness stay around here forever!!! Glad You are sticking around!!!!
DAMN, practicing My Happy Dance in expectation of SVR , & I think I threw My hip out. LOL, boy it's hell getting old ain't it?

lporterrn · « **Reply #27 on:** August 24, 2015, 02:30:26 pm »

Hi Kim,
I was on vacation and just now saw what happened. I am so glad you have reconsidered. I know it hurts. I've been in your shoes many times. One thing that helps me (and am passing this along to everyone), is to focus on the positive and ignore the negative - whatever I feed will grow, and I try not to feed negativity.

Looking forward to your uplifting presence, and walking shoulder-to-shoulder to you in this dragon fight.
Lucinda

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #28 on:** August 24, 2015, 02:41:22 pm »

Quote from: lporterrn on August 24, 2015, 02:30:26 pm

Hi Kim,
I was on vacation and just now saw what happened. I am so glad you have reconsidered. I know it hurts. I've been in your shoes many times. One thing that helps me (and am passing this along to everyone), is to focus on the positive and ignore the negative - whatever I feed will grow, and I try not to feed negativity.

Looking forward to your uplifting presence, and walking shoulder-to-shoulder to you in this dragon fight.
Lucinda

Thanks very much , Lucinda - and thanks to all others who have posted here recently.

I do agree about focusing on the positive and ignoring the negative. And I certainly try to do that most of the time. But there is also the problem of toxicity and the problem of a single toxic individual repeatedly poisoning a collective well we are all drinking from. And often the healthiest response to that problem (at least if it can't be eliminated) is to remove oneself from the toxin. In this case, I think the problem has been rectified. It is a great community here. And all of our excellent moderators have a lot to do with that!

I go for my 4-week post-treatment labs tomorrow. I hope the news continues to be good. And for everyone else on this journey too!

wellness to all,
kim

KAL · « **Reply #29 on:** August 24, 2015, 04:09:06 pm »

hi Kim , sending you good luck wishes on lab test's , .....i know, the suspense of it all . have you been feeling better ? ....getting sleep , building strength ?

i took the last sovaldi / ribavirin yesterday !.........now the wait begin's , i think i'll be on slight edge till (and if) i hear svr 24 weeks .
im feeling pretty good as the side effects from years of hcv and early cirrhosis are gone ! .....im just left now with some mild effects from the ribavirin and i'll welcome that any day compared to the direction i was heading before treatment , hopefully in time the medication effects will disappear and a new me will emerge .

positive good thoughts to all !...............K

Patience · « **Reply #30 on:** August 24, 2015, 04:52:08 pm »

Kim,
I think I read that if your 4 week post comes back und, that is mid to high 90s% predictive of 12week post SVR. Can't remember the exact stats, but it sure looked good to me! Best wishes for good luck and good news.

Rosie13 · « **Reply #31 on:** August 24, 2015, 05:16:45 pm »

Kim, you may not realize what a profound effect you have on us newbies...so glad I kept reading & found out the good news...You are such a great cheerleader & I will be reading for your awesome labs to be stamped CURED! Lots of love & support ...

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #32 on:** August 24, 2015, 06:36:32 pm »

Quote from: KAL on August 24, 2015, 04:09:06 pm

i took the last sovaldi / ribavirin yesterday !.........now the wait begin's , i think i'll be on slight edge till (and if) i hear svr 24 weeks .

Congrats Kal on downing the last of those pills yesterday! As for my own post-tx health, it's still day by day for me. My treatment nurse thinks I have a prolonged flu or series of flu-like maladies. She says in the old days with Interferon, it was not uncommon for a patient to come off treatment and be stricken with flu and things like that right away. She said it was due to the immune system thinking its job is done once the HCV is gone, so it goes on holiday. She said that has not been so common with the all-oral treatments. But I do feel my body got quite depleted during my 12 weeks of treatment with low hemoglobin, minimal sleep (I had insomnia issues for most of it), and great difficulty eating enough quantity or high nutritional quality where food was concerned. I really had no appetite and could only eat certain foods.

So my message to everyone on treatment: Do your best to take care of yourself on treatment (even if side effects have a different plan for you), so you can enjoy your new virus-free body when you come off treatment. I am still waiting to be able to do that.

best,
kim

Tom1952 · « **Reply #33 on:** September 01, 2015, 09:17:57 pm »

Kim,

I was just surfing the forums looking for tips and info on what others had successfully done during treatment and came across this..... Since you have obviously haven't gone let me just add, again, my thanks for your service to the community. None of should stand by and let someone be bullied or threatened or disrespected and so I'm happy the moderators did their job and you are still here.

Best wishes for your new life.
Tom

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #34 on:** September 01, 2015, 09:23:39 pm »

Quote from: Tom1952 on September 01, 2015, 09:17:57 pm

Kim,

I was just surfing the forums looking for tips and info on what others had successfully done during treatment and came across this..... Since you have obviously haven't gone let me just add, again, my thanks for your service to the community. None of should stand by and let someone be bullied or threatened or disrespected and so I'm happy the moderators did their job and you are still here.

Best wishes for your new life.
Tom

Thanks Tom!

And congrats on your own good news of getting approved to start treatment!

And as I have now mentioned elsewhere on these forums today, I just learned that I achieved SVR4 - that's right, I am still virus-free 4 weeks post-treatment. Very relieved to hear that, since I had been stricken with fever and fatigue and strange malaise post-treatment. But at least it's not a return of Hep C!

Post-treatment problems are also now going away for me. I regained my appetite a few days ago and can now eat normally again for first time in 16 weeks. Have been feeling much better in last few days with some real food in me.

best to all,
kim

ms.nomoreC · « **Reply #35 on:** September 01, 2015, 11:54:55 pm »

KimintheForest,

So glad to hear of your good results! It's great that you are feeling better! Four weeks clear is good, good, good!!!

Happy dancing,
ms.nomoreC

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Author Topic: Goodbye to my friends here (Read 22626 times)