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From: Barb Wimpee
Date: 15 Oct 2005
Time: 11:53:34 -0500
Remote Name: 69.76.71.129
Thank you for writing me. It is only recently that I feel I am not alone with this covert stuttering that has been so stressful for my whole life. I, too, have physical issues that I think may be related to the constant stress. I have a constant rash all over my body that just sits there all of the time. I have had it now for 20 years ever since my usual stress level went through the roof. The year the rash showed up I was 30, my children were 6,4, and 1.5. My Dad was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and I would drive up from LA to San Jose every weekend to help out. My mother has had MS since 1950, so I was needed to help at that time. I was sleep deprived and to the bone stressed out. I am sorry that you have the MS diagnosis. I am familiar with the disease. My mother has had it for 55 years and has had a great life in spite of it. She is still alive and is living next door to me since last year. She has fought it every inch of the way. We were doing Yoga when I was in high school to help her with her balance and general health. That was 36 years ago. I am also a toxicologist and study the stress response to many toxins. In one of our studies we showed that just stress causes the same proteins to be expressed as many toxins do. I am sure this must have a link to overall physiology. I am trying to not be so stressed, but it is hard to do with my makeup. I think the stuttering has had a huge impact on my basal physiology. I have been doing Jazzercise for 3 years now with a bunch of other women my age and that has helped with relieving some of the deep stress. Also, going to the NSA meetings and the Chicago conference have helped me accept myself more and this,I'm sure, has a positive impact on my overall well-being. Please keep in touch. I wish you all the best. You need to be deeply confidant that there is someone out here who knows what you are going through with your covert stuttering. I hope that will help you accept yourself and relieve some of your anxiety and stress. You are not alone. Sincerely, Barb Wimpee