My physical and spiritual experiences, of latey (Jesus Christ, gospel, atheist)

[The Great Architect]

So, I will have been unwell for two years, this month. In fact, I am bedbound 99% of my time. The problem is, that my autonomic nervous system was damaged accidentally, as a result of surgery I had. Now, all of the things that the body is supposed to be able to control automatically, are problematic. It is like the fight or flight reflex, but it occurs at unnecessary times.

I cannot sit up, roll over, or change posture at all -- without my pulse and heart rate going through the roof. I get dizzy, nauseous, I flush and sweat. There is also a very strong element of chronic pain involved. I could go on describing symptoms, but I didn't make this post so I could complain.

Over time, I lost the ability to digest food effectively; and I also had an illyostomy. This has precipitated a major overhaul of the way I think about life.

Not long after I got sick, I started to read the Bible for the first time. Particularly, the New Testament and the Gospels. As I read more, I came to identify with the teachings of Jesus Christ and to accept the inherent truth in what He was saying. I would now consider myself to be Christian. Christ has affected my life more than I can say. It is strange for me, because most of the rest of my family don't share my ardent faith. They are not atheists, though.

Also, I developed an interest in Buddhist philosophy, and its teaching regarding The Self; how it is ever-changing.

My point is, that I was also undergoing great internal change that was not necessarily physically obvious. I looked fine, I just felt terrible.

I just wanted to share my story. Thank you.

It should say 'of late' in the title. I was also born cerebral palsy, but in case of this topic, it's irrelevant.

[Scuba Pete]

May God bless your study, where ever it may take you.

Love is the answer.

[methylatedghosts]

Wowee! That's quite something!!

I do get the feeling that you are rather positive about yourself and life, while many people would have cause to say you shouldn't, and that is a strength in itself! Good stuff!

[Rolling_Stone]

And I thought I had it bad with prostate cancer.

[The Great Architect]

Thanks. I do try to stay positive. Having a few, really good spiritual epiphanies helps, somewhat.

[The Great Architect]

Sorry to double-post, but I think I should add something. (Also, I would really like to revive this topic!)

I think it is possible to reinvent oneself spiritually, at any point in time. You may think that life has given you a hard time (as I do, on some occasions), but it is also an opportunity to re-invent, re-think, observe and tap into the wealth of information and new experiences that are available to you.

This has been the hardest experience of my life but, possibly, the most rewarding. So far, anyway!