posted
Does a negative attitude contribute to the lyme symptoms? Do you believe any of the lyme symptoms are perpetuated from our negative thinking/depression or paranoia?
As with any illness, I noticed the ones who keep a positive attitude and who are not negative and/or paranoid are the ones who heal quicker and go into remission.
posted
I do think it plays a role but I also think there are simply times that it is impossible wether from true physical chemical reactions inside the body or just plain ol feeling sick and tired of being sick and tired.
I dont think that it is feasible for ANYONE to go through what we do and keep a positive attitude all the time. I dont think that is being real.
I think it is vital to go through a grieving process with this. We all know when we are "lying" to ourselves and that causes great internal issues!!!
And it is a greiving process..our old self has truly died and we will never be the same again from what we are going through. No different thatn a divorce if you will. It changes us....
So yeah, thats my 2 cents for what it is worth!!
-------------------- Seeking renewed health & vitality. --------------------------------- Do not take anything I say as medical advice - I am NOT a dr! Posts: 830 | From TN | Registered: Aug 2007
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feelfit
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posted
definately, without a doubt, there is a mind body connection. Though often times when the body is constantly reminding one of their illness, it is very difficult to rise above the chronic symmptoms and think joyus, healing, thoughts.
Feelfit
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Peacesoul
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quote:Originally posted by cjnelson: I do think it plays a role but I also think there are simply times that it is impossible wether from true physical chemical reactions inside the body or just plain ol feeling sick and tired of being sick and tired.
I dont think that it is feasible for ANYONE to go through what we do and keep a positive attitude all the time. I dont think that is being real.
I think it is vital to go through a grieving process with this. We all know when we are "lying" to ourselves and that causes great internal issues!!!
And it is a greiving process..our old self has truly died and we will never be the same again from what we are going through. No different thatn a divorce if you will. It changes us....
So yeah, thats my 2 cents for what it is worth!!
I feel this way as well
But once we mourn our old selves, should we not focus on the happy/positive aspects of it all?
I've been sick for 14 yrs, dx last Aug. Since being dx and reading about lyme, I feel my mental health has deminished. Before I knew I had lyme, I was sick, but not negative about it.
Maybe too much reading and learning about lyme feeds the negative outlook?
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Peacesoul
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quote:Originally posted by feelfit: it is very difficult to rise above the chronic symmptoms and think joyus, healing, thoughts.
Feelfit
I agree, very difficult, but not impossible, true?
Do you think if our illness was more accepted and understood, there would be less of an tendency towards the negative?!
I know many who were dying of cancer and their attitudes were much more positive than myself or the many other lyme patients I've spoken to.
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feelfit
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posted
Peacesoul,
You hit the nail on the head! I was sick for 18 years before diagnosis and went about my life as normal...especially since all of my testing came out NORMAL.
When I received a diagnosis and learned about this illness and all it can affect, my attitude and hopefulness deteriorated....my life was much more full in the not knowing.
feelfit
I am, however, grateful to be treating and hopeful, for recovery....it's a very delicate balance.
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feelfit
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posted
I think that those who know that they are dying have something much more concrete to work with.
chronic illness is draining because there IS hope that we MIGHT get well, but we end up often times spending our time WAITING to feel better.
When tomorrow comes and we are not well, the repetivness of this experience wears us down.
Sometimes I sadly find myself jealous of my parents who are healthy and living joyously....
Most of the time I struggle with keeping positive but I truly believe that it is the path to wellness.
Feelfit
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
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A positive attitude can definitely go a long way but...
beating ourselves up for not having a positive attitude when we're sick, depressed, anxious, paranoid, and angry secondary to a very real physical illness is worse
I think having a toxic infection in my brain makes it tough to have a positive attitude sometimes, so I try to accept however I'm feeling
I don't beleive in "good" or "bad" thoughts - they are just thoughts
-------------------- "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us" - e.m. forster Posts: 921 | From PA | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
I feel that cancer patients are on a different plane...
think about it...
when they are diagnosed people that love them come out of the wood works, take more time for them, make sure they have the lasting moments to remember with them. They receive much more support and understanding than prior to dx.
Peolpe know what it means and they know they may only have so much time with them, if you will. So yes I do think they have a potential for better attitudes because of the intense support that typically rises up for them and around them.
I have NOT seen that in my case and dont hear that in most cases through fellow posters. So I think that is a real twist.
I am not suggesting that we stay in greiving cycle, it is a CYCLE which means there is a start and an end...but not allowing oneself to go through it only creates a stopping block in terms of mental health.
And I am certain it is a repeated cycle.....
we all are right where we are....I allow myself that each and every day and I try my best to easy on myself since I have no one else to truly depend on when it comes right down to it!!!
-------------------- Seeking renewed health & vitality. --------------------------------- Do not take anything I say as medical advice - I am NOT a dr! Posts: 830 | From TN | Registered: Aug 2007
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tailz
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Maybe those with a negative attitude live too close to a cell phone tower or power lines? were put on steroids one too many times? or were forced to cold-turkey a 15 year benzo that they were allegedly at risk of abusing? - oh yeah, that's me.
I refuse to blame people for their own misery any longer. Actually, I never did - I'm confusing myself with my doctors.
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lymielauren28
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Member # 13742
posted
I agree with cj - with lyme not only do we have to deal with our symptoms, but many other things as well.
Misdiagnosis and mistreatment from doctors, many times being unable to work, having to deal with insurance companies, loss of friendships and then on top of all that, not getting the needed support from family.
It's a mighty load on our shoulders. A positive outlook is very important, but also at times impossible given all we have to deal with.
With so many other diseases and conditions there is a huge outpouring of support and understanding - not so with lyme.
I get comments all the time that make my blood boil.
Take for example: I was on the phone with a friend of mine and she says, "Oh me and a few other folks are going tubing down the bogue chitto river memorial day wknd - you should come!"
I told her that I would love to but I don't know how I'll be feeling - her response?
"Well all your going to be doing is sitting in a tube. It's not like you're going to be running a marathon - I mean, I went when I was pregnant, jeez!"
She doesn't get it and she never will. Comparing my lyme to her pregnancy?! There is NO comparison!!!!
We all have to deal with stupid, hurtful comments like these on top of dealing with everything else.
For myself, I just take it one day at a time - it's all I can do.
-------------------- "The only way out is through" Posts: 1434 | From mississippi | Registered: Nov 2007
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Geneal
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Member # 10375
posted
I think the process of recovery is wearing.
It wears us down. Both physically, mentally and emotionally.
I no longer anticipate when I will get there.
I just know I will. I have to. I have two small children and a husband I need to get there too.
I try to be optimistic. Prayer helps a lot.
So does the support from everyone here.
Others have made this journey.....long and difficult full of potholes and road blocks.
If they can do it, I can too.
Just come here when you need to vent or a shoulder to cry on.
That is what I do.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Keep your eye on the big picture.
Good days do come. Even if they are every once in a while.
I guess what works for me is that I have assimilated Lyme and co-infections into my life.
Pill taking, diet, exercise, pain, dizzyness, etc.
So while I do want it all (remission), I am not greedy.
I will gladly take whatever I can get.
I hardly remember what it is like to feel like myself prior to Lyme.
Just myself with Lyme. However, that is okay too.
At least now I can appreciate my children and life and not feel like I am dreaming it away.
Sending you positive thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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Peacesoul
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posted
quote:Originally posted by Larkspur: I don't beleive in "good" or "bad" thoughts - they are just thoughts
that is a very powerful comment. If we can all apply that, then we would all be better off. My bad thoughts perpetuate bad feelings.
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Peacesoul
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quote:Originally posted by cjnelson: I feel that cancer patients are on a different plane...
think about it...
when they are diagnosed people that love them come out of the wood works, take more time for them, make sure they have the lasting moments to remember with them. They receive much more support and understanding than prior to dx.
quote:Originally posted by lymielauren28: I agree with cj - with lyme not only do we have to deal with our symptoms, but many other things as well.
Misdiagnosis and mistreatment from doctors, many times being unable to work, having to deal with insurance companies, loss of friendships and then on top of all that, not getting the needed support from family.
It's a mighty load on our shoulders. A positive outlook is very important, but also at times impossible given all we have to deal with.
With so many other diseases and conditions there is a huge outpouring of support and understanding - not so with lyme.
I get comments all the time that make my blood boil.
Take for example: I was on the phone with a friend of mine and she says, "Oh me and a few other folks are going tubing down the bogue chitto river memorial day wknd - you should come!"
I told her that I would love to but I don't know how I'll be feeling - her response?
"Well all your going to be doing is sitting in a tube. It's not like you're going to be running a marathon - I mean, I went when I was pregnant, jeez!"
She doesn't get it and she never will. Comparing my lyme to her pregnancy?! There is NO comparison!!!!
We all have to deal with stupid, hurtful comments like these on top of dealing with everything else.
For myself, I just take it one day at a time - it's all I can do.
Great post
I too get little understanding from friends and family I giggle when you said your friend said "Well you'll be sitting in a tube" I get that all the time too. My parents make plans for the family and I sai "I'll try to make it. If it's a good day, I'm there" and my Dad will say "Oh come on, you need to start making efforts"
Ummm, Dad, I live alone in a house where I do all my own work (mowing lawn, cleaning the pool, housework etc) and I work full time. I guess I need to make more of an effort...ugh!
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Peacesoul
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posted
Gen, healing does take it toll on the physical and mental well being.
I'm not a religious person, but I do pray and meditate. It does help.
Keeping our eyes on the big picture if very important......good to keep in mind
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METALLlC BLUE
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Member # 6628
posted
Negative thinking and paranoid "are" symptoms often associated from Lyme directly as a result of the pathological affect the infection has on the brain.
And yes, independently it does have a negative effect, given it causes increases in stress. However, a patient can only do their best, take the meds, herbs, or whatever treatment they can that works for them -- and give it their best shot.
Unfortunately a lot of people fight hard and still are negative, depressed, suicidal, and irritable and moody.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
I am positive most the time... but when my skull feels like it is shrinking - my brain imploding and my spine being sliced open on top of all the other symptoms...
at that moment closed in my dark quiet room in bed wearing sunglasses... i am not feeling so positive.
We are like any other people we have a right to acknowledge experience of negative feelings... especailly since the disease we have has them as a symptom and and healthy person would experienc ethe same negative reaction to some of the symptoms we have to endure.
I do think persistant negative thinking/feeling has a bigger impact... I am mostly positive... people around me have commented how well i have dealt with the sickness itself and all the loss it created... but i am human and i do have my bad days.
You asked "As with any illness, I noticed the ones who keep a positive attitude and who are not negative and/or paranoid are the ones who heal quicker and go into remission."
I have been diagnosed and disabled since 2000. I have really tried to get well... and i still believe i will get well enough to live again...i still hope (except for those shrinking skull days )
but i didnt really know i have babs for years after i was diagnosed/treated for lyme. Sometimes people stay sick because they dont know they have a coinfection(s) or because they have a stubborn one.
I think its interesting to see alot of the people on this board that treat and try to get well and take a long sometimes very very long time to heal/recover seem to have babs. (some have more than lyme/babs which can make it even harder)
posted
All these replies are very interesting and informative. Thanks to all
What I find intersting is I was a lot more positive before my dx of lyme. I'm not totally convinced that lyme causes such a negative impact on the brain and only because I was a much different person before the dx (and I was sick for 14 yrs before the dx) and before reading too much about it.
I did have major anxiety and a few bouts of depression, but I almost feel the more I know and found out about lyme, the more negative I became. When I'm in a "state", a real emotional negative state, I can talk myself out of it and feel totally normal and ok.
My neighbor is dying of stomach cancer, but he's held on for dear life. He does chemo 3 x a week and has faded away to less than 120 lbs. He works out in the gym one day a week, still drives and takes care of his ailing wife. I see him and wonder how he does it. His attitude is just so positive.
Is it lyme or is it me, I wonder! Yet Syphilis drove people mad!
This illness is the greatest mystery on the planet.
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Peacesoul
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posted
quote:Originally posted by METALLlC BLUE: Unfortunately a lot of people fight hard and still are negative, depressed, suicidal, and irritable and moody.
posted
Peacesoul you said -"As with any illness, I noticed the ones who keep a positive attitude and who are not negative and/or paranoid are the ones who heal quicker and go into remission."
Maybe you don't realize it but depression and paranoia are 2 real symptoms of lyme. With a brain infection, and possible multiple brain infections, personality of a patient is altered. Rage, anger, it could be because of the abandonment some patients feel with this illness. But it is also the illness itself. Your remark reminds me of the docs who blame the patient for being ill.
It is not our fault that we have this rage, anger, paranoia, halucinations. If we had brain cancer would we be looked upon like this? Yet we have an infection in our brain that is not easily treatable. Some of us have gone almost our entire lives without help.
Those patients who you say have kept a positive attitude and have gone into remission. How sick were they, and for how long? What were their neuro symptoms? How long did doctors neglect them?
If I sound upset, yes I certainly am. To suggest that how I feel is because I do not keep on smiling is upsurd. Should I take your remark personally, no I shouldn't and I don't.
However, remarks like this, especially coming from this sight where people should know better, is unsettling.
-------------------- This is NOT medical advice - and should NOT be used to replace your MD's advice. Info is only the opinion of those who publish the site.
The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time.
cb Posts: 669 | From somewherebetweentherocks | Registered: Mar 2008
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Peacesoul
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quote:Originally posted by njlymemom: Maybe you don't realize it but depression and paranoia are 2 real symptoms of lyme. With a brain infection, and possible multiple brain infections, personality of a patient is altered. Rage, anger, it could be because of the abandonment some patients feel with this illness. But it is also the illness itself. Your remark reminds me of the docs who blame the patient for being ill.
Of course I realize it and I'm guessing you have not read all my posts in this thread.
I feel severe depression and horrible anxiety This thread was not an attack on anyone suffering since I'm also a sufferer, it was to get some ideas going on how others feel about the topic at hand
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quote:Originally posted by Peacesoul: Does a negative attitude contribute to the lyme symptoms?
no
Do you believe any of the lyme symptoms are perpetuated from our negative thinking/depression or paranoia? [/QUOTE]
absolutely not
to think that we can will ourselves better OR worse is just absurd to me. I have no supernatural powers to either cure or worsen a bacterial infection with my mind, nor do I believe anyone else does. I do not believe in magic either, or psychic powers, or any other supernatural powers.
I do believe in God, and that he has the power to heal me, and that miracles occur everyday, but it is HIS will, not mine nor anyone else's
As with any illness, I noticed the ones who keep a positive attitude and who are not negative and/or paranoid are the ones who heal quicker and go into remission. [/QUOTE]
I have not noticed this at all. I know a lot of positive people who have died, remaining positive to the very end. I know a lot of negative bitter people who are still alive and suffering.
There may however be a physiological reason why people with positive attitudes SEEM to get better in the short term. Maybe the "positive attitude" keeps them more active so they get more exercise, and dont end up with secondary things like hypertension, obesity, diabetes.
Maybe they push themselves harder, running on adrenaline at times. This my cause them to get more exercise, which increases endorphines. I did this for years. Anytime I needed that additional burst of energy, to go on vacation, go shopping, or anything else "fun" I would run on adrenaline and endorphines. Then I would later crash from exhaustion, sometimes for days.
I went on with this cycle for many years. When my body was too drained to produce my own adrenaline rush, the doctors would give me a boost with antidepressants or steroids. It is probably the reason why my doctors didn't look further for a "real" illness, because, after all, if I was truly sick, I wouldn't be so active.
But this cycle cannot go on forever, and it is by no means healthy in the long-run. It would have been much better if I had known I was sick in the beginning of the illness.
I would have still been relatively young and healthy. I woudl have had a better chance of healing my body. If I had been told I was sick, and taken a few months to rest and take antibiotics, maybe I would not have gotten so bad.
Instead, because the doctors told me I was "fine" and my labs were "normal" I pushed myself to a state of exhaustion and collapse.
Some time in those 15 years I had contracted mono. Didn't even know it. (I know because I was tested for it in my late 20's, my bf had it and they made me stay away from him for a long time because I had never been exposed. then 4 years ago when they were running labs, I tested positive for past exposure) I dot know when, but I know it was just another "its a virus" diagnosis from the dr. and I kept on working full-time right through it. A normal person, who KNOWS what being "sick" is, stays home in bed for a month with mono. I am sure I FELT like staying in bed for a month, but if I had I am sure I would have been diagnosed with depression.
All this being said, for me, it is much healthier, physically AND emotionally, to own my feelings, whatever these may be. If I feel well and positive, I act it. If I feel like staying in bed for a couple days I give myself permission to do so. If I feel like crying and feeling sorry for myslef I do. It is not healthy to hold in feelings or to deny them. I do not have to put on a "happy face" for anyone anymore, except maybe my son, but that is my choice.
Posts: 615 | From maryland | Registered: Oct 2007
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Peacesoul
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posted
quote:Originally posted by roro:
quote:Originally posted by Peacesoul: Does a negative attitude contribute to the lyme symptoms?
no
Do you believe any of the lyme symptoms are perpetuated from our negative thinking/depression or paranoia?
absolutely not
to think that we can will ourselves better OR worse is just absurd to me. I have no supernatural powers to either cure or worsen a bacterial infection with my mind, nor do I believe anyone else does. I do not believe in magic either, or psychic powers, or any other supernatural powers.
I do believe in God, and that he has the power to heal me, and that miracles occur everyday, but it is HIS will, not mine nor anyone else's [/QUOTE]
Well I guess if one if religious, then one will believe God will heal them.
Not everyone is religious and some people rely on their own strengths to get them through a storm.
The power of the mind is very real. Visit an oncology ward.
Think about this. There are people who can stab themselves with hooks and hang from the rafters. They use their minds to block pain.
Most of the world famous pain clinics use biofeedback to treat patients when medications and God has not worked. Check it out
By the way, if others would like to add their input, it would be awesome But if anyone wants to post their anger and or negative hateful energy, please don't post.
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quote:There may however be a physiological reason why people with positive attitudes SEEM to get better in the short term.
Maybe it is because WE, the outsiders of thier situation, can deal with THAT better...does that make sense???
As humans it is simply unsettling to be around other humans who are struggling, in pain, chronic....we tend to stay away from them...this has been my experience as well.
I dont even think it is always the "i dont believe them" attitude even if its waht they say, i think its more their own way of dealing with it.
Most people are extremely afraid of death or the topic of death. Most people dont face their immortality until it comes knocking on their door.
We on the other hand have been faced square with it whether we wanted it or not. I know I have! I went the first 4 years going - "if i make til next year it will be a miracle and they tell me nothing is wrong"
Again those with that positive attitude are much easier to tolerate even knowing they have a critical illness. So they seem to keep more peaople around them.
we tend to push people away - not by our own means mind you - but out of the pure - oh sugar - i dont know how to deal with that!? and it makes them afraid for themselves as well
so they feel better separating themselves.
ok...may be a tanget but it really hit me when i read these few last posts.
-------------------- Seeking renewed health & vitality. --------------------------------- Do not take anything I say as medical advice - I am NOT a dr! Posts: 830 | From TN | Registered: Aug 2007
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Beverly
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Member # 1271
posted
Hi all,
This is an interesting thread.
I have been told so many times that if I just had a better attitude blah blah blah that I would not be in so much pain, or that if I don't get over my anger I will never get well.
And funny thing is, I went to New york, found a wonderful LLMD and I am certainly on my way. Never felt better in all of my whole life.
Today I am learning how to give myself permission to just be. I really like what you said roro and that is where I am at right now..just giving myself permission to be who I am, happy sad or whatever.
Posts: 6639 | From Michigan | Registered: Jun 2001
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Peacesoul
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posted
So Beverly, would you not say acceptance is a form of positive thinking?
Not allowing yourself to feel a certain way is a form of negative thinking.
Acceptance is such a great place to be. I'm hoping to be there with you soon ;-)
posted
CJ, very true. My family/friends are fed up with me.
I was helping a neighbor who's disabled and she lost her hubby to cancer. She is all alone, no family or friends. She relied on me for everything when he died. I helped, but then her toxic attitude was too much for me, so I had to walk away. My heart was broken because she's all alone, but I just can't be around her.
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posted
peacesoul, if you believe that the mind has the power to heal, then I respect your opinion and who am I to say its not so.
even tho I believe in God and miracles, I don't believe humans have any power over him.
I guess what I am saying is that we both believe there is a higher power, I call him God, you call it the power of the mind.
however, as far as what you were talking about how you went on with your life not knowing you had lyme, that was NOT the power of the mind, it was denial.
you were not "healed" you were just pushing yourself, and going on with your life because the doctors couldn't find a name for your disease, so you went untreated, they are in denial too. i guess its a form of "ignorance is bliss"
but i do believe that our disease went untreated and therefor got worse, not better.
as for the doctors not finding a name, interesting tangent: catholics believed in exorcism, but the exorcist needed to know that name of the demon in order to rid the poor soul of it. christians need to know the name of the illness, or evil spirit in order to "bind the evil spirit of _______ in the name of jesus christ" I also believe doctors need to know the name of the disease in order to cure it, or even treat it successfully.
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tailz
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posted
My hair fell out, I was hurled into menopause at 41, I was essentially treated like a drug addict with regards to Klonopin, my gum tissue dissolved, my teeth are now discolored from metals and minocycline...
I really don't want to hear about how my attitude is not positive 'enough' under those circumstances. I never claimed to be Jesus.
If you are one of the 'positive attitude-ers' on this forum, you likely have resources - meaning LLMDs that don't make you sit in the waiting room until midnight when your appointment is at noon
- family to help both financially and emotionally and not just hurl you a check like your being pesty again
- and I highly doubt anybody on this forum ever had to cold turkey a 15 year benzodiazepine on their own, let alone on their own WITH Lyme and microwave sickness.
It's threads like this that make people who are already close to losing it step closer to the edge.
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Peacesoul
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posted
RoRo, no where did I say I didn't believe in God. I don't believe in religion. I believe in God, but I don't believe in some great guru up in the sky, Nor do I call God a him. My believe system is my own, it was never preached to me nor did I believe what I was told to believe.
Now having said that. I was FAR from in denial. I was sick for 14 yrs and went to ever dr known to man. I was told I had CFS and Lupus and was also told it was all in my head.
I took charge of my life 14 yrs ago. I went from being in bed 7 days a week to working out at the gym 7 days a week. And I can ASSURE you, it was not denial that got me out of bed. I changed my diet and joined a gym. I was fully functional from there. I would relapse here and there but was never bed ridden again. My LLMD believed my vigilance is what made me less sick than others with lyme. I took charge, and used "my God" to my advantage.
My negative attitude was always present, but I was in survival mode. And I do think now, my negative attitude fills my days with more suffering.
Denial is not even a word in my vocabulary. Believing someone like God has power over me, well then I would be in denial.
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Peacesoul
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quote:Originally posted by tailz: My hair fell out, I was hurled into menopause at 41, I was essentially treated like a drug addict with regards to Klonopin, my gum tissue dissolved, my teeth are now discolored from metals and minocycline...
I really don't want to hear about how my attitude is not positive 'enough' under those circumstances. I never claimed to be Jesus.
If you are one of the 'positive attitude-ers' on this forum, you likely have resources - meaning LLMDs that don't make you sit in the waiting room until midnight when your appointment is at noon
- family to help both financially and emotionally and not just hurl you a check like your being pesty again
- and I highly doubt anybody on this forum ever had to cold turkey a 15 year benzodiazepine on their own, let alone on their own WITH Lyme and microwave sickness.
It's threads like this that make people who are already close to losing it step closer to the edge.
disagree....If people are about to slep closer to the edge, it's because they can't cope with life. If a thread from the internet, which is a push toward positive and learning, aids people in "losing it", then maybe they should be off the pc and seeking help
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Peacesoul
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posted
by the way Tails, I'm 42, losing my hair, had to get off xanax cold turkey and no one is finacially supporting me. I live alone and have no help and I go to work every day. No work, no meal ticket for me! Hence why I would like to develop a more postiive attitude so I can not be so angry about that.
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
There are studies about the role of the mind & illness. The ones I have read dealt with cancer. Visualization has been studied to be an effective tool for people with cancer.
I think it's good to try to be positive but we have alot of issues to deal with in regards to Lyme. I don't agree with someone's statement that "people come out of the woodwork" to help people with cancer.
All illnesses have their problems in regards to social interaction. My mother has cancer & she hates it when people feel sorry for her. It just depends.
The thing with cancer is that it is a well studied illness & people have a idea of what it's about. Not everyone with cancer has a death sentence, either. It's also not contagious.
Lyme on the other hand has many different issues. I believe that Lyme is biological warfare so there are alot of factors that obscure the facts about Lyme. There is a purposeful plan that obscures almost everything that relates to Lyme from proper diagnosis, treatment, disability, insurance, public awareness, etc.
I can't believe that something that has been studied for over 30 years can be so adversely treated with such ignorance. I think it's good to get the anger, confusion, depression, desperation out of your system & not blame yourself. We are being deceived! It's not our fault.
I think being positive makes life bearable. I'm happy that I know the truth about why I am ill, so I can know what to treat. There are aspects of Lyme that interfere with cognition & I'm sure they affect mood.
When I feel my moods shifting I try to find some balance. I think being in pain is what most effects my mood. When I feel myself getting in a bad mood I take some pain medicine & try to relax.
I like to meditate with Hemi-sync or CDs with binaural beats. The binaural beats help to improve brain function. Hemi-sync has many different CDs that help with physical conditions & for creating alpha & delta brainwaves.
I think it's healthy to acknowledge anger. Repressed anger leads to depression. I believe in a "Great Spirit" but it's not necessarily going to miraculously cure us.
I don't believe that we are going through this illness as a punishment or that it's "bad karma". It just is what it is & we have to be strong & deal with it - even though it is difficult.
Sometimes anger can be a forceful motivation. I'm angry that I have gone though this experience with Lyme & I'm going to do my best to fight it.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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tailz
Unregistered
posted
quote:Originally posted by Peacesoul: by the way Tails, I'm 42, losing my hair, had to get off xanax cold turkey and no one is finacially supporting me. I live alone and have no help and I go to work every day. No work, no meal ticket for me! Hence why I would like to develop a more postiive attitude so I can not be so angry about that.
I'm not sure how to respond to this without comparing each of our woes, but let me first apologize for relying on my sister as my "meal ticket". I do not work and have not worked since August of 2000.
So yes, since jobs are an indication of a person's worth in today's society, I am a LOSER and have been since I went on disability - no argument there.
But anyway, I guess, since you have a job, would that mean you have dental insurance, too? Now wait - there was no mention of loss of gum tissue and tooth discoloration in your post - so let me start there.
See, people with positive attitudes tend to SMILE a lot, and now I guess I can't do much of that anymore without being self-conscious, or is that my negative attitude talking there? If it is, I apologize for being so 'vain'.
You say you came off xanax quickly - how long were you on it? Was a doctor aware of the fact that you were discontinuing the medication on your own? Did they hand you each pill one by one to protect you from yourself to where you just decided to cold turkey it?
I came off Klonopin on my own, meaning - I got so tired of having to ask monthly for what was once written every couple of months with plenty of refills that I finally decided no more.
In fact, my doctors were so worried that they would be supplying my (alleged) drug habit, that when I called the prescribing doctor to ask her if my tiny pupils were the result of my cold-turkeyng the Klonopin, there was no concern in her voice whatsoever about the symptom,
nor any warning from her then or ever that I should have never done something like that without consulting her first.
In other words, no concern for my safety.
Now only later do I learn I have Lyme and discover that this medication, a controlled substance or not, was at the very least neuroprotective.
Now what's wrong with my attitude again?
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Peacesoul
Unregistered
posted
quote:Originally posted by tailz: Now what's wrong with my attitude again?
in two words, it sucks!
I never diss'ed you because you didn't work. I'm also not interested in having a p*ssing contest with you. If you have nothing constructive to add to this thread, then no need to be here.
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i think this thread has gotten WAY off base!!!! i dont think peace's post was to poke at anyone about having a more positive attitude but one that she was possibly pondering on and wondering if others noticed a difference!?!?
i think we need to be a bit more tolerant of others on this forum....my gosh, WE are all in the same boat!!!!!!!
agree to disagree!!!!!! and respect one another a bit. we dont get that too many places and this is one place i would really like to see it!!! thats why we all keep coming back!
-------------------- Seeking renewed health & vitality. --------------------------------- Do not take anything I say as medical advice - I am NOT a dr! Posts: 830 | From TN | Registered: Aug 2007
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quote:Originally posted by Peacesoul: Since being dx and reading about lyme, I feel my mental health has deminished......Maybe too much reading and learning about lyme feeds the negative outlook?
I mean no disrespect, but this sounds like my definition of denial, not wanting to read about the facts of your disease. When you have a disease, you need to read about it and learn as much as possible. hiding your head in the sand or treating a misdiagnosis is not the answer.
quote:Originally posted by Peacesoul: I took charge of my life 14 yrs ago. I went from being in bed 7 days a week to working out at the gym 7 days a week. And I can ASSURE you, it was not denial that got me out of bed. I changed my diet and joined a gym. I was fully functional from there. I would relapse here and there but was never bed ridden again.
This is exactly what I did when I still had adrenals to kick me into survival mode. I worked out at the gym, took handfuls of vitamins all day long, ate healthy, etc, etc. It worked for many years.
I never had the luxury of being bedridden. I was a single parent and always worked full-time, and still do. But all those years of working so many hours and heavy exercise stressed my adrenals and wore out my joints and I finally collapsed.
I am sorry if I am being super-sensitive here, and I am not taking sides, but I hear enough about all that "you just need to have a positive attitude" CRAP from doctors, from my husband and my mother. I DO get offended if I hear someone imply that I have any control over how sick I am, or that I am in any way contributing to my illness. This is my support group where I come to be myself and get support, I expect better here.
And I may have been where you are now ten years ago, when I was still young and healthy, and COULD pick myself up from my bootstraps, back when my misdiagnoses were chronic fatigue syndrome, orthostatic hypotension, hypoglycemia.
Well I am at a different stage now, where my misdiagnoses are MS, ALS, degenerative disc disease, meningo-encephalitis, arthritis, and I have trouble with simple things like bathing, cooking, dressing, walking, breathing and eating.
I have such a strong spirit, that the first three years since I got worse I took pain killer and danced in plays (community theater) every fall.
My attitude is what it is. Some days it is good, some days it is bad. It is usually directly proportional to my pain. But I am not going to be made to feel guilty for it.
Some of you who can still exercise and shop and cook healthy food, I hope you never get where I am, but if you do, talk to me about your attitude then.
Posts: 615 | From maryland | Registered: Oct 2007
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
i think tailz was saying society looks at you different when you don't work.
for the first 13 years i was sick i was either in school or working (summers starting at 12)
by 23 i was disabled (i am now 31) actually the same year tailz was , 2000.
I can tell you you are looked at completely differently when you dont work even if it because you just physically can't. Especailly with the disease we have ...how many times are we told we look good when our bodies feel like they are dying... i know i have lost count
I pushed through everything for those first 13 years and then it all got to bad to many symptoms to severe layered one on top of another and i just couldnt all my efforts couldnt push through anymore...
I was a very carreer orientated person and not being able to work at all and having my whole life pretty much put on pause (for me since 2000) is a much greater sense of loss then the struggling to work years. When I became disabled my identity took a huge hit... the more limited a person becomes do to symptoms the more of themselves they feel they loose... this is something that must be dealt with.
Peacesoul please dont take this post as an attack. I was just trying to share my personal expereince because i have lived a signifigant amount of time sick and managing by pushing through and so sick no amount of effort or desire can push through enough to get me really back into "life". Since i have lived/struglled with both of these worlds and the transistions, i just wanted to share that there is an unfathomable difference.
Having said all that. I aknowledge my past, accept my present, and hope for the future. Hope is the key to a positive attitude.
And please don't be too hard on tailz... she doesnt have a doctor saying they will try to help her. I have been there feeling like you are spiraling downward this bottomless holes and doctor wont help they wont even acknowledge there is a hole much less that i was sliding down it quickly as i tried to cling to the walls as much as i could.
Fortunately for me I have had family support and my mom found a dr that would help me that not only acknowledged that i was slipping down this horrible hole but was offering me a rope and whatever other tools he had to try to help me out of it.
Having support of people (family or friends) and a dr saying "you are sick.. i will try to help you" is very conducive to hope... i am not sure i could have kept my hope all these years without it. And like i said i think hope is the key to a positive attitude.
lymebytes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11830
posted
Before my feet hit the floor in the morning, I am thinking saying or praying something positive. I work extremely hard to keep a positive attitude. I have noticed that if I am positive minded I can put up with my symptoms much better, I can ignore them easier because my mind is "set" to do so. Set your mind and keep it set.
I also fall asleep picturing the disease being overcome by my immune system, destroying it and leaving my body. I try to watch my words and not claim "ownership" of Lyme Disease by calling it "my disease", it doesn't belong to me, it doesn't own me, it doesn't define who I am, it is a visiting bacteria that will be leaving.
But when I feel negative I am never sure if it is an acutal physical symptom, (I tend to believe it is a physical symptom because when herxing my thinking sinks like a stone) or if I am just worn down from symptoms and thinking hopeless thoughts.
I think it is a constant battle for all of us if we have fought this for years especially and I believe 100% it is important to keep a postive attitude, it has been proven what we think can destroy us or empower us. A rich person wouldn't normally get rich thinking he will always be poor. I truly believe where the mind goes the man follows.
All religions believe in the power of the mind/body connection. A good Christian book called the Mind is the Battlefield explains that our thoughts become words and words are containers for power, life and death are in the power of the tongue, what I fear most has come upon me and so on.
Some Md's are prescribing on written prescription pads to their patients to say 10 or 20 times a day "I am getting better and better everyday" actual studies show the groups that were "prescribed" to do this showed marked improvement.
Bottom line - our minds are powerful. They can make or break us, I truly believe that. As one well lymie put it her battle with Lyme was "90% a mental one". I know exactly what she means. Can you really, truly imagine getting well, all the while thinking "I will never be well"...it doesn't even make sense.
There is a saying, "Be careful what you think, they may next become words".
METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
The bottomline is. This disease directly causes abnormal behavior and extremely stressful psychiatric problems.
Both a psychiatrist, as well as a counselor trained in chronic illness are recommendations I always make. It's even better if you can find one who specializes in Lyme. Sadly that's rare, but they are beginning to pop up. Even if you can't see them directly you can often call them or write them by e-mail and they'll share ideas with you or your health care professional.
I think Lyme patients once diagnosed correctly need to not let psychiatric stigmas from their pasts make them avoid proper care for their minds.
People called us insane and whack jobs and told us it was in our heads. They were half right, and because of that we should treat the symptoms for those psychiatric problems to reduce our stress levels and suffering while we also treat the underlying infection.
There are other available therapies for the psychiatric aspect of Lyme and co-infections, but these are some of the options I recommend.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
posted
RoRo, I'm truly sorry for your hardships and pain. We've all be knocked around by one thing or another in life. I can see your pain has hardened you and made you bitter. Being in place of bitterness is self defeating, I know, I'm there.
My thread was not an attack on anyone but my own psyche. I feel my negative attitude towards my illness contributes to my demise and or slow healing. If you or others don't feel that way, that's really ok, but you can express yourself without being in attack mode.
I'm a member of two other lyme boards (roro I believe you're or were also on Healing well) and no one ever attacks anyone for their thoughts/posts there.
RoRo, this is not directed at you, but in general.....Lymenet is really laden with so many angry people. That anger cannnot be blamed on lyme but on the character of the person. If it were lyme "rage" then why doesn't this ever happen on any other lyme board that I visit?
Let's all just chill people. We are all in the same boat here. All trying to learn to get by with a horrible illness Just a thought........
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Peacesoul
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posted
quote:Originally posted by METALLlC BLUE: The bottomline is. This disease directly causes abnormal behavior and extremely stressful psychiatric problems.
I think this varies from patient to patient. Not all lyme sufferers exhibit abnormal behavior and psychiatric problems.
We also have to keep in mind, the medications assist in causing the mental issues as well.
Some people are on 4-5 diff abx, sleeping pills, benzos, pain killers etc. Anyone taking that much medication will be affected mentally, no doubt. Drugs alter our brain chemicals, period. Not saying lyme doesn't effect it as well, but add a slew of mind altering meds and it creates some deep issues
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Peacesoul
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posted
quote:Originally posted by cjnelson: man....
i think this thread has gotten WAY off base!!!! i dont think peace's post was to poke at anyone about having a more positive attitude but one that she was possibly pondering on and wondering if others noticed a difference!?!?
i think we need to be a bit more tolerant of others on this forum....my gosh, WE are all in the same boat!!!!!!!
agree to disagree!!!!!! and respect one another a bit. we dont get that too many places and this is one place i would really like to see it!!! thats why we all keep coming back!
thanks CJ......I was mostly wanting to get feedback about how I can change my thinking to become a happier lyme patient :-)
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Peacesoul
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posted
Lymebytes...GREAT post. thanks for that link. that's very insightful and healing. I shall print that out. I hope others do as well.
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
"thanks CJ......I was mostly wanting to get feedback about how I can change my thinking to become a happier lyme patient :-) "
my previous posts were a long way around to these points.. this is what allows me to have a positive attitude -
- keep the hope fire alive(on bad days sometimes only an ember need survive - conflagarations start small)
- The grieving process is necessary. I grieved for all my losses (the last stage is acceptance). So like i said - I aknowledge the past, accept the present, and hope for the future. accepting now is not giving in to the lyme- it is me taking a deep breath and saying this is where i am now - and what can i try to do to go forward.
- Rid my life of toxic people and feeling (like guilt for getting so sick) as much as humanly possible.
- I have found one of the most damaging things is having virtually all of my self identity destroyed... so i try to hold on to the big things that in new small ways (my hands have tremors and three fingers on my right hand wont straighten...so i doodle with crayola crayons.. read or watch art documentaries... doodle idea notes in my sketch book).. besides trying to preserve a sense of how i percieve myself...
- I completely agree with lymebytes. This disease is a part of what i am not who... i never brought it into the core of my identity.
-I have found being as informed about tbds (at least as informed as my brain will allow me to become at any given time ) empowering and restores a little piece of potential for control over my life that the disease has taken away.
- I make plans for the future. I hope and dream - i just write them in pencil and keep an earaser handy so i can change the date (This is one of those i have accepted that this is the way it is now)
- Support from people even in small ways. My family never doubted that i was very ill (although lots of others did) but this has made it easier for me to let go of alot of the blame and guilt for being sick.
- And it is always much easier to be positive if symptoms are improving - if only cm at a time - then when they have been getting worse and worse - fear is not a friend to a positive attitude.
Having said all that depression can come from lyme in two very real ways - the bugs playing in our brain reeking havoc and a reaction to the devastation this disease can cause to our bodys and lives..
and like i said we as humans all have a right to our bad days and a right to expereince genuine negative reactions to the things that happen in our lives. No one is postive every second of every day - not even healthy people.
- Just my thoughts on what has contributed to my ability to be fairly postive through tbds.
METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
quote: I think this varies from patient to patient. Not all lyme sufferers exhibit abnormal behavior and psychiatric problems.
Of course.
quote: We also have to keep in mind, the medications assist in causing the mental issues as well.
Hence counseling being recommended.
quote: Some people are on 4-5 diff abx, sleeping pills, benzos, pain killers etc.
Unfortunately this is tick-borne illness. And the consequence of being untreated or undiagnosed leads us down that road.
quote: Anyone taking that much medication will be affected mentally, no doubt.
Anyone not taking the appropriate treatment or reducing their suffering will also be affected mentally. Both sides of the coin, and patients need to make informed decisions.
quote: Drugs alter our brain chemicals, period. Not saying lyme doesn't effect it as well, but add a slew of mind altering meds and it creates some deep issues.
If a patient has severe psychiatric issues and doesn't wish to treat those symptoms the same way they treat their physicial symptoms, that's up to them. My point is that people have a blantant objection to seeing their mental health in the same light as their physical. They're the same thing.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
posted
AZURE WISH.....those are excellent points and hit to close to my heart. Especially this one
" I have found one of the most damaging things is having virtually all of my self identity destroyed... so i try to hold on to the big things that in new small ways (my hands have tremors and three fingers on my right hand wont straighten...so i doodle with crayola crayons.. read or watch art documentaries... doodle idea notes in my sketch book).. besides trying to preserve a sense of how i percieve myself..."
I'm printing out your post so I can ref to it and keep these points in mind on a daily basis
quote:Originally posted by METALLlC BLUE: My point is that people have a blantant objection to seeing their mental health in the same light as their physical. They're the same thing.
lymielauren28
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13742
posted
I think there is a lot of truth to every one of these posts.
I am still wondering however, how Peace's inquiry into the mind/body connection seemed to turn into a mud slinging contest.
I'll second CJ on everyone being more tolerant on this board and to respect others.
Nowhere on any of Peace's posts have I gotten the idea that she was bashing others for having a poor attitude or telling them that there illness was a direct result of that attitude.
How it got misconstrued as that and then turned into a few posts where she was personally attacked is beyond me.
Like "thinking before you speak" - others need to "think before they post".
-------------------- "The only way out is through" Posts: 1434 | From mississippi | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
I think that the reason why it is hard to be positive is that many of us have suffered for years and were told or felt we were going crazy. With that being said it is also hard when people who love or are there to help like family and doctors do and still do not believe you. My husband says he understands,but he does not . I try everyday not even to mention my pain . It becomes like a dirty secret. It makes me feel like I am a failure. I think that makes me negative. It is very hard to be positive after being beaten down for so long. But yes if we can get to that point .I do believe it helps no matter what are beliefs are. ALL MY BEST Teresa
Posts: 115 | From warwick, new york | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
I would like to mirror everything metallic blue has said about mental symptoms needing treatment, but with pain medication.
I see far too many people on this board suffer in pain because they are afraid of taking pain medication, because they are afraid of addiction.
I have been on pain meds for 3 years now, and I have learned that if you have a good pain specialist there is a formula they follow to reduce your pain enough to make your life tolerable without becoming addicted.
I used recreational drugs in my teens and early 20's. I don't know if I truly was an "addict" but I got to the point of using crack, cocaine every day and losing everything and becoming bankrupt and homeless for about a year of my life. I spent 6 years in recovery AA, NA, etc. After that I drank alcohol occasionally and have been able to drink socially without any addictive tendencies. Now, 20 years later I find myself needing pain medications.
I have a good pain specialist, and have learned to control my pain, maybe not perfectly, but a lot better than it was. I take morphine extended release around the clock, and I take vicodin for the breakthrough.
I never take more vicodin than I need. If I do, I know it, because I will feel overdrugged and get symptoms of overdose. If that happens I back right down. I go from taking sometimes 6 vicodin a day during a rough flare to taking none. No withdrawal symptoms except maybe a slight flu-like achiness that I take motrin for.
Before this I was on fentanyl patches, which are more difficult to get off of because they are in a patch form and the dosages go down in huge amounts. I went into detox, but now realize I could have done it at home with subutex, weaning it down for a week or two.
I think many people live in pain needlessly because of myths of addiction. Primary care doctors should not prescribe pain meds for longterm chronic pain. Pain specialists are needed. When my pain is not under control, my attitude sucks big time. I am a cranky, miserable ***** and I make everyone around me miserable. (I was actually told this by a dr)
Its not always pleasant to have to go to a pain clinic, but it is a necessary evil. Going to group, sitting in the waiting room, being the only one who still works full-time and not collecting disabilty or SSI. But I had to not set myself apart, and look for the common denominator - chronic pain, and it IS a disease in itself.
Chronic pain can even be CAUSED by letting pain go untreated, and the pain nerves get damaged and fire incorrectly and then you have permanent pain. This can happen after surgury when post-op pain is not treated correctly.
People can actually DIE from pain. If you have intractable constant pain and let it go untreated, you can die in a week. It weakens the immune system. It also causes a host of other problems in many systems of the body. I tried to go cold turkey after detoxing from the fentanyl, and it nearly killed me, and my lyme and co-infections flared.
Letting pain go untreated or undertreated is very dangerous. Much more dangerous than addiction. Addiction can be treated. Pain syndromes are permanent. Posts: 615 | From maryland | Registered: Oct 2007
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tailz
Unregistered
posted
Evidently there are different degrees of Lyme, and only a handful on here have reached the degree I have. Roro's been there, I can tell, and a few others.
But to say that one person heals better than another because of his or her attitude is not entirely accurate - in fact, how do you I haven't healed a lot already? Maybe I'd be even WORSE if it weren't for all my "positive" thinking?
And if attitude and thoughts do have an effect on one's health, mental and physical, my attitude is only one attitude among millions and billions. So essentially, the attitudes of OTHERS could have caused MY ill health, am I right?
Maybe doctors who were too interested in (negatively) labeling me as a benzo-dependent psychopath in need of dire psychiatric help were the ones who suppressed my immune system, and it wasn't my negative attitude at all that did this to me, but THEIRS, and the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction?
Thoughts and attitudes infiltrate my life from all directions, not just from my own head. So, for example, if my neighbor is thinking negative thoughts about me right now because she thinks I appear well enough to work and am just being lazy, I could potentially be being affected - am I right?
So even your thoughts, peacesoul, could be affecting me right now, so imagine all the fun you could have.
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the great thing is you at least have one place you can come to where you are believed that you are sick and that is HERE
you have your own opinions and theories that others, including myself, dont quite understand or grasp, that is NOTHING personal at all just beyond and maybe a personal choice also to not agree
but that doesnt mean i disrepsect you
that doesnt mean i dont think your sick
and im certian it doesnt mean that others dont either
i have watched your posts for sometime and it seems you are angry
you know what
YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE ANGRY!!!!!! SO BE ANGRY!!!!
I do caution you however to direct that anger where it should be directed and not at people who are suffering the same as you and are only trying to get help, the same as you
you have your lows i have my lows
what ever MY lowest is or has been IS MY LOWEST and to me that IS equal to whatever YOUR LOWEST is or has been
it is all relative
who am i or who is anyone to say
I have it worse than you!?!?!?
the emotion is the same for it is the lowest for that individual
just please be kind to the ones here that ARE here to support you
this thread was NOT an attack on you!!!!!!
i wish i could stand in front of you, tell you i believe you and hug your neck...i think you need that right now....there are certainly days that i do....
-------------------- Seeking renewed health & vitality. --------------------------------- Do not take anything I say as medical advice - I am NOT a dr! Posts: 830 | From TN | Registered: Aug 2007
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
I think it's important people say what's on their minds, even if what's on their minds doesn't make sense, or -- isn't convenient to me. I may roll my eyes, I may not like what I read or hear, I may not agree, but it doesn't matter. It would be petty of me to interfere with another's process.
We all have our sad stories, many of us come from abusive pasts on top of illness, some of us were raped, some bullied in school, some lost family to death. Life didn't begin or end when we fell ill for those of us here. Life just got harder.
For me, it was most of those things. I don't have the market cornered on suffering, or positive thinking. I know reality with all it's grand opportunities and experiences, and I know it in it's most violently gruesome.
One day I'm a ******* and the next I'm a saint. I do my best given my perspective of the world: given my abilities.
I'm not naive when I say this, but people do their bests given their view of the world, their experience, their strengths, weaknesses -- we always choose what we think is in our best interests, whether spiritual, psychological, physical -- we always pick one. Unfortunately what is best to us in our ignorance can sometimes bring enormous suffering to others.
In knowing this paradox, I accept everything but the unacceptable. In my mind, I know that the best way to defeat a problem is to present the possibility that the problem can be defeated. I know that Lyme can cause debilitating depression for me, that it can change my behavior, change me as though I were a puppet on a string dancing a dance to a song I can not stand.
I walk and my feet hurt enormously, it's as though all the pressure of the world is on my heals, and I imagine if I were to die and go to hell, it would be a place where people stood eternally without a chair in sight.
So this is me, this is where I am. Others may be in hellish agony inside their minds, while others experience agony in terms of physical pain. There is a song I love that says:
It was a beautiful let down, the day I knew that all the riches in this world had to offer me, would never do. In a world filled with bitter pain and bitter doubt, I was trying to hard to fit in, to fit in, then I figured it out. I don't belong here. I will carry my cross in the sun, where I don't belong.
I believe that, in the possibilities of this world. It's filled with confusion, chaos, pain, and sometimes peace, and joy too. Sometimes we can choose those things, and other times we simply can't. That's the way it works.
When you figure it out, that you have a choice, take it. When you realize you've lost your mind and nothing can change the course of the current moment -- we endure until we can no longer.
In all of this, life is a beautiful let down.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
Beverly
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 1271
posted
Hi Peacesoul,
Yes, I think acceptance is a form of positive thinking.
Posts: 6639 | From Michigan | Registered: Jun 2001
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Peacesoul
Unregistered
posted
Tailz....your neighbor nor myself has ANY power over you and how you feel. Only you have that power. You need to take your power back and stop being a "victim" to the dr's, lyme and others.
Being the victim will always keep you in a place of sickness.
I sympathize with how scared you are. But you really REALLY need to take control back
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posted
I think our minds can either work for us or against us. For many of us there is a lot against us- doctors, family, the illness itself. We need whatever we can get to work for us. We can choose how we are going to deal with this illness and what we are going to do with it in our lives.
Four years ago I became ill so quickly that I was unable to set up coping skills on how to deal with what was going on in my life and body. It did not help that I had no idea what I was ill with and neither did anyone else.
I developed a negative attitude real fast. I noticed that this affected not only myself but my relationship with my family, mostly my husband. I became not a nice person. I'm sure I would be divorced now if I had not changed my attitude.
Thankfully it occured to me that I could be a ill person making the most out of what I had left or I could be a ill person who hated my life and reflected this inwards and outwards. I would be the one who suffered the consequences.
Since then I have slowly worked on my attitude and how I feel about myself. I now love myself and accept who I am today for the first time in my life. I feel this has a profound impact on the quality of my life living with Lyme. It is not easy.
I still work on this everyday. If I don't I can begin to feel my ability to cope with this illness diminish. Then I just seem sicker and it is a vicious cycle. This is what I have seen in my experiences with this illness.
posted
I feel this has a profound impact on the quality of my life living with Lyme.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
-------------------- Seeking renewed health & vitality. --------------------------------- Do not take anything I say as medical advice - I am NOT a dr! Posts: 830 | From TN | Registered: Aug 2007
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Peacesoul
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posted
Mary, you're a strong woman and I hope I can find the strength to overcome as you did.
Great post....thanks so much for sharing that
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