Got Chronic Illness?

[kblackthorne]

As I hobbled into work last week with my cane (my knees kill me when the weather's changing) and one more person identified themselves to me as having Fibromyalgia, a thought occurred to me.

It seems an unusually high number of Pagans I know have some form of chronic health problem... often the kind that are hard to diagnose, and are sometimes "disbeleived" by certain members of the medical community. (As in, certain doctors deciding they don't believe a certain condition exists... ever.)

So I thought I'd check that perception here.

Me? Besides my knees, which are mostly annoying, I'm recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and am told that my gastro-intestinal difficulties are Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

[Danustouch]

I have Chronich, severe athsma, and leukopenia (sp), This usually lands me in the hospital at least once a year. Twice this year. Leukopenia is a low white blood cell count that I was born with. When I was young, I took treatment for it, but it seemed to go into remission. However, it has left me permanently prone to sickness...I get sick at the drop of the hat, and have bouts of phneumonia, bronchitis, flu's and the like, often throughout the year.

[flar7]

hmmm, needed another multiple choice thingie!
have diabetes known as CFRD, Cystic Fibrosis, and other stuff.
am hospitalized about 4 times a year!
Have beat the odds so far! :boing:
not pagan though...:(

[MammaStar]

I have Lyme's Disease. Though not as bad as quite a few other people I know. They caught in the early stages. I had to take antibiotics for over a month. I get flare ups, which are similar to arthritis. The other things mentioned, diabeties, heart conditions...run in my family. I TRY, note the word, TRY, to be careful of what I eat & treat myself, but I'm human...I mess up from time to time. But for the most part, I at least THINK I take pretty good care of myself.

[Psyche Ague]

Perhaps this is a "Just Silly" reply, but my chronic sickness is life. Ha. Okay, my "sick" joke is finished (sorry, had to throw that one in, too). It was honestly the first thing I thought of when I saw the post. *Ahem.* I'm not making fun of or being lighthearted about anyone's illnesses or the severity of said illnesses. Yeah.

No, I'm fortunate enough to be blessed with good health. I'm 17 years old and although I've had an appendectomy, eye surgery, several broken bones, and various yucky illnesses, none of them have been really life threatening. I do become ill with colds and such more than anyone else I know, however. I don't get enough sleep and I think that lowers my immune system. I also have an over-acidic stomach for which I take Zantac. I get more stomach aches than anyone else I have ever met (besides my father, who felt the need to pass them on to me). I also have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which means I become depressed in the dark, winter months of the year. And anyone who says that's not an illness has never been depressed. Oh, and ADD, but that's not that bad. ;)

[cybele]

I hope I do not "jinx" it by mentioning it but I am free of health problems. I have not ever as much as broken a bone ( that I know of, I think I fractured my toe once in a unfortunate ballet accident. Please kids, do not drink and go en pointe!)

I think you are correct Katherine, in seeing a lot of chronic illness in many Pagans. Do you think it is the nature of a hard to diagnose (sp) illness leading to alternative healing and then in finding/solidifying Pagan religions?

Cybele

[Danustouch]

Personally, I believe that most illnesses have a root in, or can at the very least be exaserbated by emotional or spiritual issues, too. I wonder if perhaps part of the reason that many Pagans suffer from chronich illnesses, is also connected to the fact that many pagans I know have had traumatic emotional issues in their past, or simply try to be more aware of the spiritual realm. Does perhaps our sensitivity also leave us open to illness?

Might it have anything to do with the amount of energy we expend?

[cybele]

Ah, Look at my bad manners! I did not mention that I send my best to each and every one who suffers these sicknesses. Especially the afflictions that are dismissed sometimes by doctors as being "all in your head". One would think that "hysterical" illness would have gone out of the medical vocabulary fifty years ago. I know people who have been denied treatment by doctors or insurance companies for this reason and have almost died. As rote as it may sound, my thoughts and best wishes are with you.

Blessings,
Cybele

[Witchy Cowgirl]

I'm very grateful and thankful that I am in good health. Probably in better health than most 40 year old women that I know....and I know I'm in better health than my 36 year old husband....who always says that if he'd known he was gonna live this long he'd have taken better care of himself;)

But, I was born with a heart murmur. I remember going to Vanderbilt Hospital as a very small child to have checks and such done. But all I know is the doctor's cleared me to do whatever I wanted and when I go for check-ups (to the family doc) they have to listen very closely to even hear it.

(After voting I realized that maybe I shouldn't have....cause I'm not Pagan? Maybe you'll want to take that into consideration as you view the totals on your poll.)

[Dellit Tandannon]

the only thing wrong with me is that i'm a dumbass :lol:

[cybele]

Danustouch,

Maybe empathy plays a part too? To heal/understand some have to feel and "own" the affliction.

Myself, being raised by Christian Scientists, do have to agree with the your corralation between emotion and illness ( though not in a "psychosymatic" way. I know that is not your meaning, I just wanted to make myself clear on that point)

I believe that the energy we expend is replaced like blood given. Could it be when we give ourselves, we get back, stronger? ( I do not hold the "three fold" concept as absolute, but this seems the case with my opinion here ;)

Always eat the cookie and juice,
Bless,
Cybele

[Arduinna]

I needed more choices, how about 1 and 2 .

I've been diagnosed with arthritis, and I suffer from IBS although not diagnosed. I also have had cancer, but I'm currently in remission and have been for 4 years. I can't be considered cured until 10 years though.

I know that all of my illnesses have a stress componant on some level, and especially the IBS.

I agree with Danus theory.

[shnen]

I have a heart condition, have had 2 surgeries, and they still have no clue what it is... had it all my life, and probaba;y always will, but I can still pretty much function normally... just have to watch it, no skydiving or running marathons :)

[Felidae]

I was born with a hole in one of the valves in my heart. After my immediate demise was predicted (ahem) the specialist that handled my case told my parents to treat me normally and let me do what I wanted to do.

I don't think about it that much, and don't go to doctors that much anymore, either. Birmingham is full of teaching hospitals and I get tired of Interns gathering about for a chance to listen to my "classic murmur". Makes me feel like a zoo animal. :mad:

[Yvonne Belisle]

One and two here too. I have degenerative arthritis, ADHD, cronic pain syndrome, IBS, bronchitis and asthma, and an acidic system, I also suffer from migraines. Not my idea of fun but I look at it this way, I could be worse. :)

[Scarlettvixen]

options 1 and 2 here as well

feel like a medical freak sometimes when i have to go thro with all the problems i have
polycystic ovaries
diabetic
asthma
multinodular thryoid goitre
migraine
cluster headaches
stress headaches
depression - tho not visiting me at the moment thank the goddess!
irritable bowel syndrome
arthritis
sciatica

and last visit to the doctor he tells me my BP is borderline so looks like we have to add high BP to the list

funny thing is up till 5 yrs ago i was as healthy as a horse

[Old Witch]

Chronic bronchitis and asthma and a weird heart thingy that is congenital and has a name a block long that I can't spell, but will eventually cause me to get a pacemaker................

[Mithrea]

I was born with faulty growth plates in my legs. As a result I have crooked legs and arthritis.

But most of my health problems are mental and very stress related. I have never been able to handle stress well and it causes a whole slew of bad nasty stuff.

I think that the reason so many pagans/new agers/wiccans, etc. have these problems is very simple. These people, because of their pain have become aware of the inability of mainstream religion to help them cope. In my case, I feel that Christianity specifically was keeping my self confidence low and anxiety high so I sought another path.

[Desert_Shadow]

I've had surgery on both hands and both feet, the disks in my back are starting to crumble, and two weeks ago my knee went out. Hurts very badly to bend my knee, even to try to walk up the stairs. Allergy induced asthma. I also agree with Danustouch.

[Illuminatus]

Sleep apnea, rough allergies, mild athsma, repetetive stress disorder taking the form of TMJ, and a lingering back injury. I'm fine if they don't all gang up on me at once.

- Ill

[Twig]

I'm placed in that "other" catagory. I have "degenerative disk desese {sp-come on it's early here} in my lower spine. This comes with sciatica and menengiscials on my coccax{sp-give me a break here, I'm not a doc ;)}


All that came about by doing manual labor for 30 years. Us Leos are notorious for bad backs though.

peace,
Twig
:elf:

ps- the docs said I'd never do my kind of work again when they finally found out it wasn't just sore muscles but 2 crushed disks. :razz: :razz: :razz: HA!

[WandererInGray]

*smiles* Well cancer and diabetes run in my family (in the grandparents, no immediate members affected at this time)....as does sleep apnea.

I've got the sleep apnea though, it's probably a condition of the extra 65 pounds I'm carrying around with me. If it doesn't go away after I lose that then I'm in to see the doctor.

But otherwise...*smiles and shrugs*....I'm healthy, never spent much time in the hospital or ill.

I count myself pretty damn lucky on that point.

[MammaStar]

Originally posted by Twig
....All that came about by doing manual labor for 30 years. Us Leos are notorious for bad backs though.


Hmmm....maybe Eshallet being a Leo explains some of his difficulties as well. He has SEVERE asthma, like you Danus. In fact, he told me that when he was born, they didn't tell his Mom about him (he's a twin) because they thought he wouldn't make it through the nite! Ha. Ha. Fooled them. In addition to his asthma, he has bad allergies as well. Funny thing is he WORKS OUTSIDE!!!!! He also is achy all the time, back, feet, mainly all his joints. It's not Lyme's, he's got the vaccine through his job, but there are times when it hurts him to move. Like this week is bad for him. He says its early stages of arthritis.

[Old Witch]

Another Leo with severe asthma.......hmmmm.......

[Flar's Freyja]

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year but think I've had it most of my life. Doctors said it was the results of trauma from major spinal surgery, it did get a lot worse after that. My left foot had become paralyzed and my left leg was following prior to surgery, and a badly chipped vertebrae that had slipped and caused this had gone undiagnosed for nine years. The two conditions inflame each other so it's difficult to live with at times, especially this last week when my spine flared up big time from a mild slip on a wet floor.

A few months ago, I started a pagan online support group for fibro. We've also attracted others with conditions such as MS, Chron's, rheumatoid arthritis - so it's not exclusive to fibro sufferers. It is also open to family members and other loved ones. The members are all very special people with varying degrees of disability.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WiseWitchesFibromyalgiaSupport/?yguid=91543205

[Danustouch]

Ldy Starlight,

Yep..when I was a kid, it was much the same as Eshallot. When I was young, I was in the Hospital for two weeks at a time, a few times a year. My mom never thought I'd make it to adulthood. The athsma, bronchitis, and low white cell count made phneumonia a constant threaght, and I had it several times. It's scary in a young child. For me, the high fever associated with it would make me unable to eat, or keep down fluids..so I would often become dehydrated too.

My mother moved everything that could contain allergens out of my bedroom, and did everything she could to protect me from airborn allergens, including keeping me in the house, with doors/windows shut and airconditioning on, as much as she could. My schools were informed that they weren't to spray any chemichal cleaners in the classroom during the day, and that if they used them at night, they had to leave the windows open to allow the fumes out. If I came in the next day, and smelled them, it would launch me into an athsma attack, and I'd wind up in the emergency room. The low resistance to viruses and colds, and such, also left me prone to really bad ear infections. I remember waking in the middle of the night screaming in pain from these ear infections, with fluid leaking out of my ears. My mom would rush me to the ER, and upon examination, the doctors would discover I had blisters in my ear tubes, that were popping...my poor mom!

It took years of allergy shots, drug treatments, and a complete alteration of lifestyle, for me to get stableized. But I haven't been on the shots, or prescribed drugs for the allergies for quite some time, which seems to be causing a relapse into the athsma problems. The shots are not covered by many insurance policies, including the temporary public health insurance I'm on right now. So it's very difficult. Also, the public health insurance doesn't cover antihistamines, and so I have to buy the over the counter brand, and all of them make me extraordinarily tired.

My husband has a hard time understanding my illnesses, because he's the type of person who very rarely get's ill. For me, I come down with a cold and 24 hours later, it's bronchitis, and severe athsma problems causing me to go to the ER. If I don't go quickly enough, it almost immediately turns into either phneumonia, or such a severe athsma attack, that I need hospitalization. For me, there is no such thing as a common cold. And if I am sick, I'm sick for at least two weeks. Then the medication they use to treat the athsma, causes side effects which make it an even longer recovery period. One of the treatments used, when I'm hospitalized, is an extremely high dosage of Introvenus Steroids...Solumedrol (sp). They gradually reduce your dosage, but it leaves me with massive bloating, sore muscles (sore to the point of screaming in pain if anyone touches me), sore joints, and bones, acidic stomach, headdaches, major mood swings and hot flashes, high blood pressure. The bronchio dialators they use, also cause the shakes, sleeplessness, erratic heart beat...etc.

Pretty much, it's hell.

It's very hard to keep a job with this sort of situation, because you often have to take so much time off of work, as a result of getting ill often...and then the recovery periods needed for each. You also have to choose jobs which don't expose you to the things which will set you off into an athsma attack. For me, this includes high stress jobs, jobs where I'm exposed to dust and molds, jobs which expose me to chemichals, jobs which include any amount of physical exertion, jobs without proper airconditioning...jobs within a reasonable distance to be able to take a bus to, or get driven to, and even the bus thing is difficult on the bad o-zone days, or really cold/windy days. That all can trigger it off, too.

The thing that sucks, is that when you tell people.."Oh..I have a low resistance to viruses." or "Oh, I have athsma". They don't understand the severity of it. Most people think..."Oh..she has athsma, so..if she gets tight, she just shoots a couple of puffs of her inhaler, and it's all ok". It's not like that..at all. It snowballs. And sometimes, totally sneaks up on you, and many times, by the time you realize what is happening, the inhaler doesn't even work. Especially if it's complicated by a cold or virus.

[kblackthorne]

Wow -- such a slew of responses!

I'm grabbing a few minutes at the end of my lunch right now, so haven't (yet) given as thorough a reading as I'd like.

Just to counter one theory being tossed around, however: I've been Pagan for over a decade, now. And had great health until 5 years ago. In fact, as an herbalist, I seldom worried about "catching" anything from my patients. I was enough in tune with my own immune system that I could tell whether or not I was vulnerable... and usually I wasn't. (This "perception" of my own risk was confirmed by my not catching their cold/flu/bronchitis/other contagious icky.)

Then, almost overnight, all that changed. :( Ah, to be young again!

[Phoenix Blue]

Ya know, until a couple hundred years ago, the perspective on most of this was very much different. People would probably have been exorcised for such things as PCOS--and definitely for epilepsy. People with diabetes, probably would have died without ever knowing what killed them. **Shudders** For all the romanticising we sometimes do of the medieval era, you couldn't pay me to actually live a normal life back in that time.

I'm fortunate enough to have a clean bill of health. My worst problems are allergies to dust and pollen and a persistent, diet-induced reflux.

[Azure]

Was it Danustouch that suggested that a heightened spiritual/ psychic awareness might be a correlation to health problems??? I would agree with that, especially since the conditions I have a largely stress triggered.

I have mild (so far) asthma, really dreadful allergies, and some minor gastrointestinal problems that aren't really severe enough to qualify as IBS. Also lactose intolerant and suffer from migraines. Then there's the insomnia and tendency toward eating disorders, but those really aren't physical.

Even so, I tend to consider myself a relatively healthy person, and treat each ailment as I have to deal with it. So far, that attitude seems to help.

[Mythrel]

not sure of the spelling but I have renound syndrome variant..
it is a combination of uranic acid poisoning and rhuematoid arthritis...it's been found in my feet at the age of 10 and I believe it has moved to my hands and knees but haven't had it rechecked in a long long time....

[Psyche Ague]

What's great about all this is that psychology is also recognizing the correlation between physical and mental health. I don't know if I believe that Pagans in particular become ill easily. I think genetics, lifestyle, diet, environment, age, and mental health probably have something more to do with it. Depression, for example, lowers your immune system's defenses and makes you more susceptible to illness. But the body breaks down with age, plain and simple.

[GingerBurkley]

It's because we're non-Christian devil-worshipping HEATHENS and we're being singled out by God for punishment.

JUST KIDDING!!

I'm in perfectly perfect health. I sometimes have trouble sleeping so I'm tired more than I like to be, but other than that, no complaints.

[clef0628]

Diabetes, does run in my family. I don't have it but, my Mom does.

[Sequoia]

when I was little, I would get really bad asthma. From anything scented, or if I got sick it pretty much was automatically bronchitis.

Now I don't get sick TOO much *knock on wood* but when I do come down with something, I stay sick for weeks.

I have a bad ankle. the doctors havn't diagnosed me with anything, but every once in a while it'll just take up aching really bad, almost like a badly sprained ankle, but it just HURTS a lot and is weak. It's very easy to sprain. But supposedly there's nothing wrong with it. . . -_-; my a$$. And I monthly get a really bad back. . . -_-; that's not normal pms lol but it goes right with it. .

one time when I was about 12 I had my head turned, and I sneezed really hard, and I perminantly injured my neck -_-;;; I can't turn it as far to the left as most people can, and if I'm stressed or something I am really prone to getting knots in my neck. I used to get them so bad I couldn't move, and I'd have to miss school.

[Psyche Ague]

Yeah, add EVIL PMS to my list, too. ;)

No, I'm serious. *growls and hisses* :scream:

[Yvonne Belisle]

For who ever is keeping tabs on the leo's with back problems add another to the tally I am a leo too.

[*Adia*]

well..
i'm 17 years old and I'm...of average health. I mean, I've had the common cold too many times to remember, and the flu..anything that goes around. Unfortuantely, last year I got mono from one of my good friends, and now my immune system is shot...i'm pretty much sick the whole year with colds and flu..that sucks a lot. :p but I do get to eat lots of ice cream. hehehehe :lol:
as for any other health problems...none that I know of. I did have a blood disease when I was really young, tons of broken bones, tissue damage...thanks to soccer. ;) I'm sometimes afraid to mention it..but I"m terrified of my family history. My mom's side has heart disease, and my dad's side carries a long history of cancer and diabetes. Basically I'm royally screwed. 8O my dad's parents both died of cancer, and my mom's dad died of heart disease. my sister has cancer..and I"m scared to death of getting it. I've seen too many people die to that horrible....TERRIBLE disease..I can't bear it happening to anyone else, let alone myself.
Woo..enough about all this sad stuff... :D
I'm healthy, and plan on staying that way and beating off the family history as best as I can. Hopefully I"ll win!

[Danustouch]

I don't know if it will help to allay some peoples fears who have a history of Cancer in their family...but some forms are Hereditary, while some aren't. And some are more likely to strike males, some more likely to strike women. Some are more based upon lifestyle, and some tend to skip generations.

So...the best idea is to speak with your doctor, after getting the details of your family's history with Cancer, and have him tell you what your chances are of getting it. That way, hopefully, you can allay some of your fears, or maybe change certain patterns in your lifestyle which may contribute to your chances of getting cancer.

[Flar's Freyja]

I've believed for a long time that there is a predisposition to some illnesses. Look at the people who take such good care of themselves and still get cancer, lung diseases, etc. And all the people who take lousy care of themselves and never get anything even when there is family history.

Heart problems do run in my family and my mother developed a severe one. My lifestyle is totally different from hers, I've had better medical care, I exercise, etc. It'll be interesting to see if it makes a difference or not.

Something very strange about my back problem is that the only person in my family who had any kind of problem had a broken back - she died as a child and I am named after her. She is one of my guides.

Anyone keeping track of back problems or fibromyalgia with Taurus?

[Flaire-FireStar]

I voted that I *am* healthy...Physically, I guess you could say.

I forget what the technical term was that my councellor used, but I'm depressed & anxious.. :eyebrow: As well as being an agraphobic (sp??) and having a bad immune system (stupid allergies..and getting every cold that comes along)...

[gunner]

thanks freyja, i've passed that on to a christian (but not "that" kind of christian!) friend who doesn't visit here in hope it might help her and she help others.

("not 'that' kind of christian", she respects my beliefs as i respect hers, unlike the minority of "witch hater" "christians".)

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by gunner
thanks freyja, i've passed that on to a christian (but not "that" kind of christian!) friend who doesn't visit here in hope it might help her and she help others.

("not 'that' kind of christian", she respects my beliefs as i respect hers, unlike the minority of "witch hater" "christians".)

We have a Native American spiritualist who is also a born-again Christian as an active member of our local pagan community! Friday night, he's doing a water cleansing and naming ritual for us. :)

[Witchy Cowgirl]

Freyja, How cool - about your Native American friend. I see your from Oklahoma. My husband and his family are orginally from Checotah. They are Native American. My husband is the Arena Director for the local Pow Wow every year and that is where we meet the family's Medicine Man.

[Radocs]

I've got ADHD but otherwise I'm fine. ^_^

[MidnightSun]

It appears that I developed hypoglycemia...my mom and little sister already have it. I am going in for tests soon. Diabetes, heart disease, cancer..etc. run in my family.

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by Witchy Cowgirl
Freyja, How cool - about your Native American friend. I see your from Oklahoma. My husband and his family are orginally from Checotah. They are Native American. My husband is the Arena Director for the local Pow Wow every year and that is where we meet the family's Medicine Man.

:) I've learned alot from my Native American friends, actually, my Wiccan high priest is based in Lakotah tradition and he just can't keep it out of circle! I attend his prayer lodges and seek healing there, and I've also learned to drum. I've been to Checotah, nice little town!

I also have hypoglycemia but it's a borderline case, and it has never shown up on tests. I got so sick during the first test that I had to lie down and it still came up negative. I have severe symptoms at times, and my doctor isn't concerned with the test results. He said that since it's just treated with diet anyway, we'll just assume that's what it is and go with it. Fibromyalgia has a long list of symptoms and low blood sugar is one of them. I also developed dry eye syndrome and can't wear my contacts anymore:(

[seawitch]

chronic back pain (untreated) and asthama. and Leo also

[Euphoria]

awwww

[Bryony]

I am mildly autistic, asperger's syndrome; and adhd. they did not diagnose my autism till my sophmore year in high school. ;P
I have to avoid wheat, it makes it easier for me to control my behavior if i don't eat it. which is hard, because it is so cheap and they putit in everything. Blah....

asthma, too-but it only flares up every once in awhile
the doctor things i am getting arthritis in my fingers. I am a musician and an artist, so it ticks me off that i have to deal with it. i can only practice my flute for 2.5 hours in a row without taking a break now, and I use to do 4-6! grrr.... I can still play trumpet fine, though- but I did get tendonitis in my left arm from holding it wrong......

[*~*Chary*~*]

awww poor baby

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by Freyja


:) I've learned alot from my Native American friends, actually, my Wiccan high priest is based in Lakotah tradition and he just can't keep it out of circle! I attend his prayer lodges and seek healing there, and I've also learned to drum. I've been to Checotah, nice little town!

Lakota! Haven't you heard? THEY'VE DECLARED WAR ON YOU!!!!!!!

www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?threadid=4144

[Myst]

Nope. Healthy as a horse now. :)

This subject has been on my mind a lot tho. I imagine illness is often a manifestation of some other problem - I think of it as a) karma or b) something one needs to learn a lesson from (also karma I suppose). For instance, if someone is sick, maybe it's because they need to realize something they've done in their life, or some shortcoming in them. Maybe they need to learn to be stronger for example. Maybe some have to learn to face adversity head on instead of hiding from it all the time, or shunning self responsibility and strength. Who knows what the lesson is?

But then, how the heck would I know. ;)

[Illuminatus]

In addition to my previous illnesses, I have a sore throat and a cut on my left index finger. PLEASE SEND HEALING ENERGY!!!!!!!!

here's the address -

PO box 145
Long Branch, NJ
07740

- Ill

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by Illuminatus


Lakota! Haven't you heard? THEY'VE DECLARED WAR ON YOU!!!!!!!

www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?threadid=4144

Thanks, he'll be interested in that if he doesn't know already....but he is a tribal member and practices both traditions. He was an Eagle Dancer before he injured his knee. And I am Cherokee. No need to don war bonnet for this one.

Will send reiki to you for speedy recovery.....

[*~*Chary*~*]

:)

[Danustouch]

Couldn't find my book by louise hay that lists emotional correspondences with illnesses..but I looked it up on the web, and found this page, It might interest some of you. It made sense for me, with some of my illnesses.

http://www.worldtrans.org/TP/TP1/TP1-127.HTML

[sweetbabe]

well i still have my good health...no broken bones, colds at least 1-2 times a yr, have had eye surgury and thats about it really :D

[Azure]

No listing for asthma though. . .

I think people are ill for a wide variety of reasons. Some may be karmic, although I'm still iffy on that concept - it just seems a little too simplistic for me, but I'm not disallowing the possibility - but also perhaps, especially for those with chronic colds and things, perhaps it's just our bodies way of dealing with pollutants both physical and mental/emotional. I sort of buy into the "that which does not kill us makes us strong," especially now, watching my Dad go through his third bout of cancer!

[Danustouch]

I think athsma would go under the heading of lung problems.

[*~*Chary*~*]

yeh

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by Danustouch
Couldn't find my book by louise hay that lists emotional correspondences with illnesses..but I looked it up on the web, and found this page, It might interest some of you. It made sense for me, with some of my illnesses.

http://www.worldtrans.org/TP/TP1/TP1-127.HTML

That's a great book, Heal Your Body by Louise L. Hay ~ she also has most of it in Heal Your Life. Carolyn Myss' Why People Don't Heal and How They Can and Anatomy of the Spirit are also excellent ones on this subject.

I've investigated all of the emotional and spiritual causes for my problems, but I really can't find where I'm getting any reward from them. I've not been able to use them as an excuse to get out of anything since there is no one here whose sympathy I can play on. I've had a family to raise and I've had no choice but to function, and I have. There are many people on disability for less than what I've got.

[StarryDancer]

Well, I was another allergic asthmatic Leo, but my asthma seems to have gone away, courtesy of a really good antihistamine (Zyrtec) and a concentrated course in telling myself that I was NOT being smothered by my work-a-day, middle class, scrimp-and-save lifestyle.

But I do suffer from High Blood Pressure, and I did suffer from endometriosis, that lovely "I'll tear-your-head-off -if-you-don't-give-me-something-for-these-freaking-CRAMPS" disease. And talk about FLOW? Yuck. Clots the size of golf balls. All that nastiness remitted by a simple, complete hysterectomy. Though in a way I think it's still there -- I can't take hormone replacements without getting a bellyache. All I can figure is that it just wakes up the old, bad, endometrial tissue!

[phoenix4]

I have FMS,& Myofascial P.S. And all the lovely conditions that come with both. There is no cure and no obvious treatments. It sucks, but I have had it for 15 years, I ought to be used to it! But do we ever really get used to constant cronic pain? Exersize & diet are the only things that keep me out of a wheel chair, so I thank The Goddess, I'm out of the chair!!! 2 years was enough!

[Rubi Waters]

Ok i haven't been officially diagnosed with anything in fact my doctors says nothing is wrong with me..but I don't have insurance and can't afford any tests. I know I do have seasonal allergies. that one is for certian. I have mild asthma , arthritis, insomnia, migranes, severe back pain, depression, and anxiety. I have gotten some arthritis meds (celebrex) it helps so much as for the rest I just either suffer or find some way to get through it. Kava works (usually) for the depression and anxiety. Back pain heating pads ibuprofin (and prayers), insomnia(meditation or just reading helps some) migranes= dark, quite room. ( no insurance sucks)
If anyone has some inexpensive alternative for any of these please let me know.

[materra]

Where is all of the above?

I have been working pretty hard on getting better. Moved to AZ from MN. Found a better Doctor etc. (Would you like some cheese and crackers with this whine?) Here goes: Heart is bad, asthma, no thyroid to speak of, a few surgeries, crushing fatigue, lots of pain from a wide assortment of things, and other health junk. I meditate to control pain, try to move energy through my ills to heal then, and swallow an amazing assortment of pills for my heart. Oh and my bad back is Virgo not Leo...well actually it was the fall from the logging truck...but that is another story..

Opinion? I think if there is a higher percentage of pagan ills it is about the energies we use, and the energies around us. We live in an age when there are lots of low level toxins, random energy from sources we know and don't know. I believe that these cause problems we don't understand. In addition we do open ourselves up to the powers and I think we don't protect ourselves as well as we might. Or know how. We just keep learning and trying, hopefully others will learn from our errors.

[phoenix4]

I totally agree with you!! Everytime I do healing spells, they get better and I get sicker. I NEVER protect myself, because I trust the Goddess to protect me. I dont ask for help from Them, I would feel selfish, not trying to be a marter. I will heal others but I wont heal myself, no matter how bad the pain gets!!
Good deeds dont go unnoticed! Not by who really matters anyway! I spent 2 years in a wheel chair, I am no longer in that chair! She helped me, I didnt ask. She knows how much is too much!!! Keep doing good and it WILL come back to you! I am proof of that!

[Flar's Freyja]

I've also worked very hard at getting better, lots of spiritual work, even worked up to power yoga because it helped. I felt great. It's been three years since my fusion surgery, and I was feeling like I could relax and appreciate that I must have finally healed. About 4 weeks ago I slipped on a wet floor and have been dealing with pain that is worse than before the surgery. I've been seeing my chiropractor, who has always helped before. This time, there has been almost no improvement. I'm going to a Workmen's Comp clinic tomorrow. Would appreciate any positive energy that anyone can spare that I'm sent to the right specialist, as nothing is showing up on an xray that my DC can see - but he isn't a radiologist or neurosurgeon. Last time it played invisible I ended up with paralysis.

[Old Witch]

Lots of energy being sent Special D............

[Witchy Cowgirl]

Freyja,
I'm also gonna send positive energies your way....Native American Style.;)

[Naillosotarrain]

I am a Libra and have good health. :devil: :smoke:


Just a question. Should this be here in Just Talk or in Healthy Pagan?

[Witchy Cowgirl]

:cool: I'm also Libra and as I stated....excellent health.

[Happy Shrew]

Glaucoma and juvenile uveitis. Both treatable.

[paintedlayde]

I had asthma as a child and seem to have outgrown it but after being hit by a drunk driver almost two years ago, now have a host of symptoms that all fall into the soft tissue dissorder family.

I had blood tests taken but have had to wait almost 2 months to see doc for results. We tested for lupus, arthritis, and whatever all the rest is.......

I have no insurance either....and this doctor is not the best I've ever seen.

chronic pain
fatigue
joint pain
flu like symptoms
reccurent infections
swelling
brain fog(that's really what they call it)
depression

oh, yeah and I'm a virgo

[Flar's Freyja]

Heart disease. I believe I had another heart attack last week but since the last time I saw my dorktor and he said I "didn't look like" someone with a heart problem when he had the EKG in his hand showing the first one, I'm afraid to go back to him or even to the ER. I'm waiting on my employer to get the insurance in place so I can find someone else or go straight to a specialist.

I've been really sick with it and if they don't hurry, I'll have to break down and go to the ER.

[Jenne]

Heart disease. I believe I had another heart attack last week but since the last time I saw my dorktor and he said I "didn't look like" someone with a heart problem when he had the EKG in his hand showing the first one, I'm afraid to go back to him or even to the ER. I'm waiting on my employer to get the insurance in place so I can find someone else or go straight to a specialist.

I've been really sick with it and if they don't hurry, I'll have to break down and go to the ER.

Frey, I noticed you haven't been around much lately--heard you're taking a breather and whatnot--which you totally deserve!

Anyway, I hope to hell you're getting some good care now. I'm worry bout you Hon. Take care, take aspirin, and get in to see a specialist. Any way that Brenda can help you out there?

:hugz: and healing vibes for you...

[nifwlseirff]

Just noting what chronic problems I have. Endometriosis, severe adenomyosis, sinusitis, costochondritis, CFS, fribro, sciatica, insomnia, migraines, and the inflammatory markers in my blood are always way too high, but the docs can't pin it down to anything specific.

Fibro is very bad at the moment..._inabox_

[Karissma]

I have type 2 diabetes, PCOS, hypothyroid,high cholesterol.

[mucgwyrt]

Yes, CFS and IBS.

Apart from the obvious fatigue, my cfs also gives me very painful joints (most noticably my fingers, shoulders and knees).

The book I'm reading suggests there's a connection between this type of illness and psychic (etc) abilities, which is interesting; I have often noticed a connection between my own energy levels and my own sensitivity. When I'm ill I project more, I'm more emotionally sensitive and the like.

[Marcasite]

My poor mom has fibro, but she's been able to control it with a small daily dose of SSRIs and excersize so she rarely gets flare ups anymore
as for me, aside from chronic yeast infections, I'm perfectly healthy :)

[VelvetBlade]

I'd have to choose both 1 and 2 as well. I have DDD in my cervical spine that is causing bone spurs to compress my spinal cord. Fun huh? I also have TMJ, GERD and RLS as well as PTLD. Other than that....I'm perfectly healthy !!! lol..

~VB

[Nightmelody]

I was recently diagnosed with pulminary sarcoidosis, which is an autoimmune disease in my lungs. Docs think it may be in my heart and other organs, maybe bone marrow, and I'm scheduled for tests etc.

Treatment is similar to lupus etc--steroids. Plus medications for what ever organ is affected, so I'm on asthma meds, a nebulizer etc.

Hopefully it will calm down in a month or so. At this time I am not working but I do have my writing career, which I can concentrate on for a few months.

I am not in pain, I just tire really easily.

I'm in my late forties, never had any health issues until 2002--and it all might be sarcoidosis related.

[Callatya]

I'll add myself to the CFS & IBS bunch :) 9 years this June, yeouch!

My doctor mentioned to me once that CFS was common amongst high achievers and those who expected a lot from themselves.
I figure its a more natural place to find a connection than elsewhere, as there are plenty of pagans that aren't ill, but a decent number are well-educated and ask much of themselves.

Ah well ;) big enough pool there is probably little connection at all. And in this day and age, who isn't broken a little bit?

Sickie #268 reporting for duty :boing: :boing: :boing:

[blackroseivy]

Well, mine doesn't show, but I am bi-polar & it has been at times sheer hell (if you know what I mean) to live with... I have to keep taking pills for the rest of my life, & I am worried because I want to have a baby (late), & that will mean going off of them for probably at least a year. It's robbed me of a lot, such as having had children at a rather more appropriate age, etc.

[Chaos Hawk]

I have migraines and hypersensitvity to light. Those were not listed and I have them badly enough that it effects my life. I also have chronic lung problems.

[Nox_Mortus]

I have chronic depression, for which i will probably have to be on medication for the rest of my life. other than that i'm healthy.

[sari0009]

I don't think an unusual number of Pagans are chronically ill, I think chronically ill Pagans are highly likely to seek out people of like minds and community online if they don't have it in their area (and even if they do). It's not like I'm going to go to the church on the corner. I'm on the autism range and have found others online who are dealing with autism in their family (my grandson is also autistic, signs a few words, rarely has spoken, but understands much).

I have a hyper and confused immune system. It attacks my own tissues, causing arthritis, illness, and it already pretty much killed off my thyroid, I've lost several inches in height, and all this started when I was in my late thirties.

Unfortunately, the doctor wouldn't listen to me and order a cheap classic blood panel that would at least have discovered the thyroid failure part ... the years-long delay in diagnosis cost me more permanent damage that is normally seen these days.

The type of arthritis I have (there are 200 kinds) involves flare ups that involve my muscles and I often get ill with whatever is (going) around, so much so that the last two winters were hell, as I went from flare up to illness to flare up (they overlap actually).

Nearly everyone is an "instant doctor." Because I can seem fine and then symptoms can swiftly set in, many people have thought I'm faking, lazy, or that I quit the art gallery and so on for other reasons. I usually find out rather belatedly or through others rather than any direct conversation. That’s so wrong. It's so common.


I have asthma and get migraines too. The allergies often cause the asthma.

Online, I can find people who understand the sometimes weird reactions, etc. (they're usually older).

They believe there are some correlations between autism and higher incidences of immune differences, including allergies and celiac disease (can't digest wheat either). How much, I don't think even they are sure.

[Teresa]

I don't think an unusual number of Pagans are chronically ill, I think chronically ill Pagans are [I]highly likely to seek out people of like minds and community online if they don't have it in their area (and even if they do). It's not like I'm going to go to the church on the corner.

I have a hyper and confused immune system. It attacks my own tissues, causing arthritis, illness, and it already pretty much killed off my thyroid, I've lost several inches in height, and all this started when I was in my late thirties.



Have You been tested for Lupus yet?

[Sun Sprite]

My list is long.... I try not to focus on it.

only 3/4 of an eye, daf in one ear, celiac's disease, lactose intolerant, allegies, light asthma, fibro and/or CFS, OCD, and the list goes on. Think thats enough.

I feel this place is more of a home to me, as I can be me, and my invisible illneses are not visible in my converstaions (meaning they don't appear to affect my daily life). I have spent four years learning how to live wih my chronic illnesses, an now, unless it is a flare up, I can appear to regular people as if I am normal, rather than lazy.

[Laoghaire]

Let me introduce a new one on the list...
I have mild psoriasis. But it tends to get worse when the weather gets colder. Like now... Itchy all over my body, especially my legs and arms... Yuk!

And I have Gilbert's Syndrome. Again, in a mild form. It has improved over the last two years, but my liver will always reminds me of it. It's not a dangerous disease and it cannot be treated. It was found by accident and I could have died without knowing it. But, I do know it and try to keep it in mind. I need a lot of sleep and I have to watch my food. I can eat a lot more now, but I still have bad moments... The nauseas are horrible, and there are very few people that understand how quick I can collapse. Might have something to do with my very low blood pressure...

What a list... :p

[Athena-Nadine]

I have mild asthma, and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. I am also going in to see my endocrinologist in 3 weeks to be tested to see if the diabetes I developed during pregnancy was indeed gestational.

[Zoey]

I have asthma and IBS. I also have a touch of OCD (but in a fun, kwirky way). imho :)

[Tanya]

anyone consider its not that pagans are particually troubled with bad health, but that Netizens in general are in poorer health and because they are in poor health do more socializing from their armchairs and laptops than people in good health?

[Branwen_Yr_Hardd]

anyone consider its not that pagans are particually troubled with bad health, but that Netizens in general are in poorer health and because they are in poor health do more socializing from their armchairs and laptops than people in good health?

Many chronic illnesses have little or nothing to do with over all ill health though. It's also possible that people with chronic illness might find it their only simple way to socialize with groups of people they wouldn't normally be able to get out and meet.

[Tanya]

i'm just saying the sampling method here might be skewed... always gotta wonder about sampling methodology...


healthly scientist here.... goofing off....

no physical complaints except she's too lazy to do her real work

:)

[Sequoia]

I've been told by my doctor that I "probably" have Fibromyalgia. I also struggle with a chronic mental illness. So, I fall into the category of "something for which there is no test".

But I'm one sick puppy some days. :lol:

[Shanti]

Your poll doesnt have yes and theres test for it but no treatment.
I have Spondylolisthesis Gr4, spina bifida, juvenile arthritis, degenerative disk disease and I was born with an extra vertebra in addition to all the above.
I need a new spine, but they dont do that yet. :)
Some of my probs could of been fixed if I wouldn't of been born with all of them.

[Philosophia]

Chronic mental illness (depression, OCD, and agoraphobia).

[Branwen_Yr_Hardd]

I'm a yes but there isn't any one test that can prove it and there is treatments but no cure. So mine wasn't covered either :D

[willa]

I have fm, ibs, & mcs along with along with allergies. Fun times.

[WitchyLady777]

Yup...

Lupus, RA, Sjogren's Syndrome poster child. Maybe MS (Jury's still out on that one, and Lupus can mimic a lot of MS-related stuff so we're waiting to see.) Also have irritable bowel, chronic sinusitis and serious back issues. Bad cholesterol is through the roof no matter how good I eat, and my blood pressure goes up and down according to stress. Right now, no meds there, but we have to watch that as Mom had a stroke from HBP...

If my doctors had their way I'd be a walking pharmacy, but I prefer using brainwave therapy CD's to taking a lot of meds that will make me even sicker. I don't tolerate much in the way of meds very well. It makes things difficult, but what can you do? Shrug...

[Morrigan_Wolfwind]

I've had chronic insomnia for much of high school, but I haven't seen a doctor about it.

Generally, it's due to a mix of my overactive mind and stress. It's often the latter these days because it's my last year of high school. Happy and anxious at the same time = NO SLEEP.

[Treegoddess]

I don't have any chronic illness (anymore). I was diagnosed with Fibro & CFS about 5 years ago and cured it by becoming a raw vegan. I've had my blood tested and I'm in perfect health when just 5 years ago I was so sick. All I did was change what I ate.

BUT, I don't see the correlation with sickness and paganism at all. I know MANY sick people of all beliefs. I think we need to look broader.

How about WHAT WE EAT??? What is going into those quick-meals, meals in a box? Do people realize what they are ingesting? I think we are slowly killing ourselves with these chemicals and it's understandable no one wants to see it...who wants to give up that snickers? ;)

[Meadhbh]

I have asthma but its not even bad enough for an inhaler. Its just some times I get a bit wheezy.

[Nightlady]

I have psoriasis... or at least I think so... My mother is diagnosed as suffering from psoriasis and it do tend to run in families... It´s not severe though... a little irritationg sometimes... My psoriasis is mild and mostly located to my scalp... Otherwise I am healthier than most... My immune system is better known as the iron wall... I catch the occasional mild cold (maybe once a year), haven´t ever had the flu and the last time I even had a fever was maybe ten-twelve years ago... I have no allergies, no mental health problems, no insomnia, no weight problems... nothing!!

Hmmm... regarding habits, eating and otherwise... I eat anything and everything, greasy fat fast food stuff as well as vegetables and fruit... I don´t exersise intentionally but I move quite a lot in my everyday life... I definitely do not do anything to deserve my healt... I´m just healthy... genes maybe...

[mephistopheles]

If insane allergies count, then you bet. I think I'm going to go live in a plastic bubble...

[Regulus]

I have a condition known as hypogonadism. My body doesn't produce enough testosterone on its own because of a benign brain tumor on my pituitary gland. I have to take testosterone daily, otherwise I don't grow body hair, my bones can get weak, my blood pressure goes up, and I get really really grumpy. When I don't have enough testosterone the estrogen in my system takes over.

[Tabby]

Migraines
Insomnia
Anxiety

Those are my big three. I used to take medicine for all of them but I have worked hard to get myself medicine free. I regret it some days, well heck, some months but I have been really trying to work it out.

[GalenaFaolan]

Wow, a very old thread but I've never seen it before. Since it's been noticed I picked ...Yes. I am diagnosed with CFS, FM, GWS, IBS, or some other recognized condition for which there is no test.

My particular malfunction is rsd/crps. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome. Rsd is the "old name" and crps is the "new" name. *rolls eyes* I don't care what they call it, it sucks! :lol: There's still many out there who call it "rare", but when millions of people live with it, it's not rare anymore. LOL There is no test to diagnose, 99% of the time it's diagnosed by just the physical symptoms.