Illness sometimes yields new strength

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Illness sometimes yields new strength

In my columns, you learn that dealing with adversity can make you

stronger.

My favorite psychotherapist had polio as a small child and was

bedridden for several years. As a result, he studied the dictionary,

learned almost every word in it, and became a keen observer of life

from his bed.

Another favorite inspiration is Helen Keller. She, through her

blindness, learned a new way of perceiving that would make her an

inspiration to men and women around the world.

I have had my share of challenges. Although I typically do not write

about myself, I feel compelled to share with you my own story of

adversity.

About 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with lupus. The symptoms were so

intense that I sought medical attention immediately.

Three years later, I was diagnosed with another autoimmune disease

called Sjögren's disorder. I am convinced that the illness probably lay

dormant in my body and was activated by a devastating emotional loss I

had experienced 11 months before the onset of the disorder.

Lupus is a strange illness; it can range from being dormant in your

body to becoming a mild aggravation to causing chronic problems, and at

worse being life-threatening.

I tell people that I am the poster child for this chronic condition

because I had beaten the odds despite the problems that can occur.

Lupus typically leaves you with little energy. I work out one to two

hours a day every day, and I exist on no more than six hours of sleep.

A common secondary condition that I experienced is leucopenia, which

means that my white blood-cell count is chronically low. The doctors

tell me that I have very few white blood cells to fight infection. This

leaves my immune system compromised, very similar to an AIDS patient.

Despite the fact that I work with 40 to 50 people a day, I rarely come

down with any type of infection.

I saw a hematologist before I took a trip out of the country. I told

him I was looking forward to parasailing in Mexico. He advised me

against it, stating that if I landed incorrectly I might not be able to

get adequate medical attention considering the status of my low

white-cell count. I assured him that I would spend the next three weeks

before my departure increasing my white blood cell count by using

visualization.

Each night for three weeks I spent five minutes visualizing a concrete

truck riding through my body depositing white blood cells throughout my

bloodstream. When I returned to the doctor's office, he was amazed at

the results of the visualization. My white blood cells had been

increased. I had raised it significantly enough to make him feel more

comfortable about my leaving the country and choosing my recreational

activities.

He remarked, " I do not necessarily believe in visualization, but keep

doing what you are doing, because it is working. "

Our attitudes affect our bodies, creating a strong mind-body

connection. If you stay positive and enjoy life, it affects the

resiliency that combats illness. I am not invincible, but I do

contribute positively to my healthy functioning.

My doctor says I am a medical miracle. I believe it is my love of life

that is the medicine that feeds my spirit and my body.

If you have a chronic illness, focus on the blessings and gratitude

that occur all around you. Remember that adversity contributes toward a

different type of strength, and being different can mean being

stronger. Sometimes it is a blessing to experience life from an

alternative point of view.

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