Hey Everyone! Thanks for taking a second to check this page out. If you've stumbled into this page by accident, this page explains a little about my site, the PTC Community. After viewing this page, please take a moment to visit our Welcome page.
When I first began submitting this site to the medical search engines, a few of them recommended an "about this site" page explaining a bit about me, the site, and why I created it, so here goes......
My name is Heather Bannon. I am a 33 year old female from Danvers, MA (USA); about 25 minutes north of Boston. I am currently in remission from IH (almost two years - med free). I was diagnosed with IH in late October of 2001 after about 45 days of debilitating pain, loss of vision, doctors visits, tests, etc. You can read a bit more about my entire experience under my member profile if you'd like.
When I was (finally) diagnosed, like many of you I had never heard of IH (PTC). I felt terrified, frustrated, and very much alone. I left my physician's office with very little knowledge upon being diagnosed, despite my life being completely altered in every respect. I had recently purchased a computer, and went online to find others like me. At the time (2001) there was not a whole lot of information out there, or places to talk with other IH'ers. The information I could find was scattered. I found some good articles, and a couple of support groups. But I couldn't find a site where everything was combined.
I began putting the information I was finding for myself in one central location, and gradually realized I wanted to start up a small website that would have a little IH information, and offer message boards for support as well. I started looking for sites with free web-hosting that would offer all these services, with limited ads (now there's a challenge!). I quickly found my way to MSN. The layout for the sites content, as well as other features, fit what I was looking for to a T.
I came across a few people early on in the Delphi forums who were extremely helpful in answering my questions. When I got enough content together they were the sites first members, and brought some friends along with them. The official "birth-date" of this site is approximately 11/20/01. Everyone had ideas and suggestions, and as I went along I discovered different capabilities MSN offered within their groups. I had no intention of creating a large group, or really much of anything at all. It all sort of evolved over time. But I do remember being excited when my member count reached 40; at the time of writing this it's 3003!
I have spoken with an amazing group of people in this time, of so many different backgrounds and experiences with IH. That is the one bright light to come out of my diagnosis. The content within this site truly is a product of its members, and I always welcome suggestions. To all of you who have helped along the way, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
In the time I've had the site, I've spent hundreds of hours pouring through information on and off-line regarding IH, and every aspect related to it. I have spoken with numerous people affected with it, in all stages. I have spoken with many Doctors, and have enjoyed corresponding with Dr. Glueck. I sincerely appreciate his attention, respect, and dedication, along with that of the many other physicians who have contacted me privately. It is your interest and dedication that keeps us all going, and will lead to a cure someday.
I hope you will find the site helpful, and I wish you many pain-free days!
PTC Community Manager and Founder
