Reply #97: Some facts about chronic illnesses

[proudmoddemo]

1. They're genetic. Some environmental factors play into a diagnosis. But the prevalence of chronic diseases among family members, and some scientific research that identifies genetic markers of chronic illnesses (crohn's for one) mean that patients of diseases are not the ones to blame.

2. Chronic illnesses, at their worst, turn every day into the worst day in a healthy person's life. One doesn't have the energy to do anything. One may not have an appetite, and may only be able to swallow chicken stock. One may vomit uncontrollably. One may be incontinent.

3. This doesn't just happen to old people. Many people in their teens and twenties have diabetes. The average onset of Crohn's is somewhere around 20.

4. With a few exceptions where a cure is possible--and a cure usually means a radical surgery--these diseases are life long conditions. People will have ups and downs.

5. People with diabetes can lose their feet, and other limbs, their eye sight, and liver function. It's a major disease. And anyone who has it will probably end up in the hospital at one (or more) times in their life.

5. Half the people that posted on this thread jerks--they're mocking others pain and suffering, just like Bush does when he signs an execution order. If it wasn't right for him, it isn't right for you.

I personally experienced two years of illness, complete with four hospitilzations and a major surgery. I'm feeling better now. But I do not take delight in anyone's suffering. Neither should anyone else. Period.