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Having this is never easy, but luckily most people will heal totally within 6 months. For the 15% of us who do have some lingering damage we need to accept it before we can be happy. I find happiness in my family, as they do not judge me nor coddle me. I have found that helping others who are newly diagnosed has helped me be happier as I feel useful.
I had to give up reading and it was my passion. I simply replaced it with something else. My choice was loom knitting which I love. I make hats for others-- always feel good when I am helping others even if its a warm hat.