Anyways, recently my sister (who also has PKU) and I were at a family party. The food being served was Mexican, which typically is a huge "NO" for PKU'ers. (It's all meat, beans, and cheese.) But, there was enough things that we could eat that my sister and I filled our plates.
She turned to me and said something, that I thought was quite important. She said:
"It's easier with a friend."I heartily agreed. And I do now. It's nice when people try and learn your diet. In fact, it makes you feel quite special. But, nothing can replace a fellow PKU'er.
It's important to be in contact with someone who truly sympathizes. Someone who knows all the ups and downs from experience. Someone who can give you ideas and solutions, that they've tried themselves.
I'm lucky. My sister and I are a couple years apart, so I've had her to talk to almost my whole life. But, if you don't have a sibling with PKU there are other ways you can connect with other PKU'ers.
Facebook is a big one. There are several facebook groups with PKU'ers from all over the world. There are PKU groups supported by the clinic you attend. (Ask your dietician for information.) You could go old style and get a penpal.
At the very least, you've found my blog. And you can connect to me. :)
But, why is it easier when you connect with other PKU groups? (Besides the sympathy...)
People naturally look for others like them. That they have something in common with. So that they can connect. Like in a high school lunch room; we naturally congregate into cliches.
People need people like them. And PKU is a trait of ours that we try and find a group to connect with over.
If you can't connect, then that trait becomes less desirable. Less important.
From what I've seen (and I am far from any professional) people with PKU that doesn't have a support group behind them or at least a person to talk to... they tend to fall away from the diet. I'm not quite sure why. But, if I have to guess... I would say that they hide the "odd trait" in order to fit in better.
Why do you think support groups actually work? Or exercising groups? You've connected to people over a trait, and don't want to let them down.
I feel like I'm rambling. But when I condense it all to one sentence, it boils down to this:
It's easier with a friend.
Just like my sister said. :) I'll try to get on and post again within the month. But if I don't... I'm terribly sorry. Like I said. I'm insanely busy. Thanks!!!
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