I am sorry that you weren't aware of that Norma. You could always rejoin under a new name that reveals less about who you might be. That's why I chose my screen name...pretty hard to identify me. Many here do know my first name and I am now comfortable with that, although I was leery at first.

One thing to keep in mind is that with the vast information on the internet people are almost less likely to come across things you have written. They would really have to be fishing for your specific information. Even with your name, it would be pretty hard to find you unless you knoew exactly what to look for.

I hope you can find soe solace in the fact that the information you have revealed has helped others who go through the same thing. And that is a very valuable contribution...even if you have made just one person feel less alone in this world.

All the best!

thanks for your comments. If you knew the information about Daily Strength that is published on the internet, you wouldn't believe your eyes! anything in regards to anything with Daily Strength is published, doesn't matter who you are or what the subject matter is, it's there in black and white. Why on earth do we have to have a password, what difference does it make, I don't get it. It was very easy to find the information about me, I simple typed in anxiety and up popped Daily strength with all my comments. no sence i changing my screen name now, the damage is done.

Yeah, I was surprised when I first found out that forum was public. There should be a feature where, if they will not make the forum private, that users could make their comments only able to be seen by who they wish them to be seen by.

Also, Google should have something where you can easily remove information that is posted on there (which I have tried, but there are strict rules on removing things. They will only rmove something if you can prove that it was a violation of one of their rules.)

That being said, even with strict privacy settings, there are still instances where sites get hacked and personal information is leaked. So it is never safe to put personal information online such as SSN, credit card numbers, address, phone number - any of the things you wouldn't give to a stranger on the street.

The exception to this rule is when the site you are using is a secured site. Usuaully sites for online banking or where you buy things wll be secure. I don't know if all computers do this, but on mine, the URL bar turns green to show me it's secure. Those are just as secure as using your credit card in person in the store, maybe even more secure. Because stores get "hacked" too, usually by people who work there.

You can't be too scared about buying things online because not too long from now that will be your only choice. If you have gone to Wal-Mart lately you can see they have almost no selection in the store, but a huge selection online. Malls are closing left and right - and not because they are being pushed out by competition - stores cannot afford to rent the space so they are putting all their stuff in warehouses and creating online malls.

Now that's something to invest in - online malls. Basically you monitor a website and you get a percentage of how much money is made off of it. Then you find other people to run other sites and you get a percentage of what they make too. It's an incredibly fast moving trade. In a few years, the people who are in it now will be making loads of money.

The sucky thing is that I like going to the stores and looking at things. Too bad that in approximately (according to what I've been told by investor friends) 10 - 20 years we won't really have that option. But I'm guessing that after that happens and the price to rent or buy spaces decreases dramatically as al stores try to sell most of their property, I'd say in X - number of years, real life stores will open again because after a while people are going to get sick of buying everything online. However, that means that retail jobs will shift to postal and stocking jobs. That and accounting. I don't see this making the economy better. Probably worse because there will be less jobs available.

Almost everything is computer automated now. You an literally shop all day and not come in contact with a single person.

Anyway, if I have to do all my grocery shopping online, forget that I'm going to make a greenhouse and grow my own produce (I don't trust the stores anyway). As for meat, idk, maybe I'll become vegan (no way am I going to raise animals for food). Or maybe go to farms that sell their meat directly. You go, tell them how much of what you want and then come back to get it. You can buy in bulk this way and freeze even a year's worth of food. At least you know where it came from that way.

Hi honey, I just wanted you to know that I appreciate all that you have said. However I have been doing online banking and purchasing for a very long time and have never had an issue or problem with it. THIS is what I have a problem with. For a company to give the appearance of being private, such as passwords and screen names, usually indicates that it is private. And BTW, how did you find out that this place is not secure or private? I'am really curious about that??

Thanks for all your help, but I have been around the block a time or two in my life and pretty much know whats going on, but I guess not, as Daily Strenght sure fooled me! Take good care and congratulations on your baby, I am so happy for you and your hubby. Keep us all posted as you go through your pregnancy, won't you.

lots of love and hugs,
Norma...

I think I figured it out when I would look up questions I had asked on here and it would come up even when I wasn't logged on. That and when people that weren't part of this group started friend requesting me (which I found very strange, but I'm very picky about who I am friends with.)

As far as pregnancy, we were playing around with the Ouija board today and I asked if I was havng a boy or girl and it spelled girl really fast. I never played with one of those before so it was pretty cool, lol. I'm hoping to make an ultrasound appointment while Jose is here for his 96 (96 hrs leave for labor day) We should be able to find out the gender then.

Norma:
I understand how you feel. But I wouldnt worry too much about it. I think it is very unlikely that anyone will recognize you at all. Most people are not interested in PKD, only those that are affected by it (on the most part), and those will most probably benefit somehow by your comments. Those who may read anything you write are most certain related to PKD, many are just researching due to a new diagnosis. There are many Normas around the world, and besides, as far as I can remember, you have always behaved properly here in Daily Strength, so there is nothing to be ashamed of.
But I do understand your point.
PKDAD

Hi Dad! lol...this was a long time ago before you joined the group. I was suffering miserably then and talked about it with everyone on the forum for a good week anyway. I let my hair down, so to speak and everyone was wonderful and made me feel at home. I never should have done that because now it is plastered all over the net! I have since found more comments that I made on DS, they are harmless but the pure veracity of it all makes me ill.
I guess a woman my age should behave herself, right? lol It's ok, I'am better today but I will never get over seeing all those comments published.

thanks a lot!

love,
Norma...