I hope that people who have read my first post do not feel that I am too negative, I justed wanted to share some of my feelings with people who understand. I have lived with Vit a long time and devised a coping system that meant cutting out any potentially difficult situations - I stopped going swimming, I pretend I am busy if invited to BBQs or outdoor parties when it is boiling hot, I dont travel to hot countries, etc etc - I guess I found this coping system many years ago and am too terrified to get out of it. BUT my feelings are changing I want to participate more fully, I want to swim or go to the gym. Some of you will not understand this as you have walked a different path (a better path) they probably seem like small ridiculous things but they are huge obstacles to me. I would like to hear from anyone but in particular people who have spent years hiding their vit and then made a decision to release themselves from that chain around their ankles. Your stories and experiences would be very welcome. Thanks to you all for this site.
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Louise, I am very glad that you are here. I hope u find the support that you need. Learning to love yourself in vitiligo is a slow difficult process. I however am one that is slowly feeling ok with it. I still do not wear short sleeves in public. But I do wear 3/4 length shirts, skirts, and capris. Just last summer I wore only long sleeves and pants. When people stare, I educate them. Like I said it takes time. Be patient with yourself. This site will allow you to meet people with vitiligo. I have met some wonderful people here and it has been incredible. I even met one person in person. We had some other things in common such as location and that we belong to the same sorority. When we met, it was like catching up with an old friend. It was divine sent. Please stop by my page for more encouraging words. Take care, Cawanda
Hi Louise. How are you. I am new to this site and was desperate to find others who suffer from vitiligo. I was diagnosed 2 years ago and was completely devastated. Like yourself, I stopped swimming, going to the gym ,and cover up all the time. Summer holidays are a nightmare and unless you suffer from vitiligo you can not understand fully how it affects your life.
Luckily, just this week I found this website and it is really great. Get in touch as be lovely to chatx
Hi Louise, wow i you sound like me, I cover up everyday, i own only two pairs of running shoes i dont think iv worn sandals or pumps in 10 years, or anything showing my legs. I remember i was at a grocery store (last summer) and the lady at the cash noticed my hands and she said, I should go to church more and pray to god to remove my curse. Excuse me! i wanted to vomit, how dare she put me down that way, i dont even no this lady and she has the nerve to say that to me, i should have gotten her fired. But i didnt, I walk out of there too embarrassed. Im glad i can talk you hear cause non of my family or friends truly understand what its like to live in my shoes, I put a front most of the time and just smile but im aching inside. But on a brighter note i know that god loves me and i usually try to stay positive most of the time.
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Luckily, just this week I found this website and it is really great. Get in touch as be lovely to chatx