(((Everyone who replied)))!!! Thanks for your input & I'm here to support you all, too!

Ratanddragon- You make a great point about it not mattering b/c the brain is so resilient. I have A LOT of avoidant traits, too (& may have that PD as well), which I think has been a cumulative response to too much abuse & then being repeatedly victimized b/c eventually a person identifies themselves as such (a victim), & people treat you the way you teach them to. So, I have become very reclusive in an effort to protect myself, b/c I can't trust my own behavior, but living an isolated existence is worse. That's the difference between Aspergers & Schizoid: the former desperately wants to bond but somehow can't, while the latter have no desire to. You should check out a great movie, a true love story between two people w/ Aspergers called Mozart & the Whale.

Shezbut- From what I've learned, all BPD's exhibit the exact same behaviors, but to more or lesser degrees. IMO, that gives more credence to the genetic factor. I agree w/ you that the brain has influence over physicality, b/c my depression & stress have caused my body to break down & I now have two autoimmune diseases. I'm so sorry that your operation exacerbated your BPD symptoms. I hope I can be of some help to you w/ support & friendship.

(((Michah)))- You have no idea how inspiring your post is to me. Clearly, you're an amazing, strong, positive individual, & I'd love to learn more about the lessons BPD has taught you & how it has formed the person you are today. I'm looking forward to reading your blog. I hope we can support each other thru this!

Echoes- I know that our experiences play a huge role in developing this disorder. I just get so frustrated, as I've been dealing w/ this for 30 years! (I'm 43) Thanks for the bookl suggestion- I'll check it out.