An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory words with opposing meanings, like “old news,” “deafening silence,” or “organized chaos.” Oxymorons may seem illogical at first, but in context they usually make sense. (Source: grammarly.com)

On November 2, 2022, a PRP caregiver (HH, Ontario, Canada) posted a question to the PRP Support Group. She wrote: “This may seem like a strange and maybe challenging question, but  what good came from your experience with PRP?

As I read the responses I was reminded that there can be a bright side to an otherwise oppressive experience.

As you ponder the bright side of the dark side, feel free to share. Either click EDITOR here or send an email to editor@prpSurvivalGuide.org.

CGC — Ottawa, Canada
It’s a wonderful question. For me, a renewed sense of gratitude for my family and friends and especially my incredibly strong and supportive wife. A new way of appreciating myself. A new way of taking care of myself. A new way of slowing down and listening to my body when it needs something. A new appreciation for the need for collective care. And this group! It doesn’t make the struggles easier but life gives us these opportunities sometimes. In grief and sadness we can find tremendous gratitude.

LJF — California
I love this question. My daughter is 11 and 8 months in and healing. She had horrible anxiety since birth really. She has become calmer, doesn’t sweat the small stuff anymore and become one of the most empathetic individuals, looking out for the one who looks different or doesn’t fit in. Overall in this group I’ve seen some of the strongest and most compassionate people I’ve ever encountered. PRP makes one humble and resilient for sure. 

APB — Pennsylvania, USA
Great question…..When I thought I was all alone and in the beginning stages, I found this group. The support that is given is beyond words. I think I am a lot calmer and don’t sweat the small stuff anymore.

CT  — England, UK
The only thing I will add to what he has already said is that I now have a real appreciation of wildlife and now have regular visitors to my garden that never cease to entertain me. PRP can only be overcome by accepting it rather than fighting it. It feeds on stress so I decided to ‘ride the storm’ by finding ways to increase my levels of peaceful acceptance. I have now found the true meaning of ‘patience’!!

CF — Ohio, USA
A very good friend of mine told me God works in mysterious ways. Because of PRP and not being able to work I was able to be my mothers caregiver and spend her last 3 months giving her all my love and caring. It meant so much to both of us.

LWP — Minnesota, USA
Grateful for family, friends, and doctors.

LF — Nebraska, USA
My hot flashes stopped, I didn’t have to shave for years and I have a whole new respect for disabled people.

RFG — Victoria, Australia 
Great question. I found the true meaning of real friends and family. The support i received was just amazing. When i found this support group , the words of wisdom, encouragement,and well wishes helped me when i was at my lowest. Now i look at life differently and never take anything for granted. Wishing you an everyone on this journey a speedy recovery

ARE — California, USA  
Patience for sure. Being more compassionate to myself and understanding that healing takes time. Also, switching to all natural products. That was the biggest and most important change in my lifestyle and I am so happy I did.

RR — Victoria, Australia
I have more empathy and respect for people suffering illness. I have more appreciation for everything. I found this group the day I was diagnosed as I jumped on Facebook as soon as I had a name for it. I can’t imagine going through PRP without this support. I would have thought I was going mad. Thanks to you all.

JNH – Western Australia, Australia
Stop the monkey chatter in my head and lay by the pool all day if that’s what it takes to relax. Working 7 days a week, 14 hours a day and still losing everything has done me in so time to learn to tune in to me.

MS — England, UK
An awareness of my own fragility and mortality. Gratitude for all I have. And confirmation that I am loved by those who were there for me. Stay strong, I’m now symptom free, a year ago I was really struggling. You will recover.

JLN — Massachusetts
I have learned to be sympathetic to others. You never really know what someone is going thru health wise or personally. I appreciate the small things in life a lot more in the past six years.

BS — Netherlands
Good question! Appreciation, gratitude and patience.

DP — Sweden
So glad you raised this! I have such a deepened appreciation for health care workers and have a stronger sense of empathy with disabled and those suffering from diseases. As for myself, I am appreciating being reminded that my job is not everything. This disorder forced me to distance myself from a lot of stressors and funny enough I’m a better teacher than ever.

TW — Florida, USA
Patience. Acceptance. Hope. Slowing down. Joy of reemergence.

MDC — Ireland
I work in health care. Having recovered from PRP I have a new understanding of chronic illness

CG — Florida, USA
I’m still alive. Had a brush with death with a huge attack.

MM — Czech Republic
Better discipline, I am learning to use and organize my time better.

JW — Ohio, USA
Very humbling experience

DF —Pennsylvania, USA
Husband took his wedding vow “for better or worse” to the max. Would not have made it without him.

GR — Ontario, Canada
Patience, empathy, and compassion for others.

TR — Indiana, USA                                       
That’s quite a question. I have a heightened sensitivity to others pain and frustration when dealing with health issues.

DA — Virginia, USA
More compassion for others. Realizing people are going through horrific situations that I have no clue about. I knew this already, but having PRP really cemented it more in my heart and mind. I pray now for those with PRP, which I had never heard of before getting it. I’ve had to let go of my pride and self-sufficiency and rely on others when I was unable to do much for myself. This strengthened relationships and made me more approachable and relatable. I value the little things more now than I ever have. I thank God every day that I’m able to get out of bed and take a walk outside, that I still have some hair left, that I’m to a point I don’t have to wear gloves 24/7 anymore – things I took for granted before PRP. Great question!

PA — England, UK
I am loving being well and appreciate that some illnesses are chronic and never get better. We don’t get to choose health issues
So if it’s PRP or MS or a brain tumour, I am lucky it was PRP\

LW — Queensland, Australia
A new understanding of suffering giving me more empathy, appreciation of good health. Slow down smell the roses, be peaceful and view every new day as a gift to enjoy and bless others. Grateful for my wonderful husband and all my medical team.

MD — Queensland, Australia
Knowing that I could be my daughter’s carer and care for myself, by myself. Strength, resilience, that isolation is not all that bad. A new appreciation of caring for my skin, always.