The medical specialist told me something alarming today. Pretty bummed.

by Julia Orwell 43 Replies latest watchtower medical

  • Julia Orwell
    Julia Orwell

    So I've been going to doctors for years with chronic fatigue, a condition I managed ok but which took a drastic nose dive in late 2011 to 2012 to the point where I could barely function. Work was part of the problem, so at the end of that year I left that stressful environment.

    But in the meantime, for the last few years I've been going to doctors, specialists, psychiatrists and psychologists and undergoing every sort of blood test you can imagine and seeing all sorts of medical people. And today, I went to a very specialising specialists, you know, the type it takes ages to get an appointment with. In prep for this appointment I once again had every blood and urine test for thyroid, liver, immune, biochemistry, and every other thing to do with the body, so the doctor could make a diagnosis. This after years and years of tests and searching. So today I was to find out the cause of my chronic fatigue.

    And here it is. I'm in almost peak physical condition. Nothing is wrong with my body. Not a leukocyte out of place. The doctor's medical opinion as a man of science with thirty years of experience and knowledge and medical science studies:

    Fourteen years in a cult did this to me. Fourteen years as a JW has worn me down mentally to the point of chronic fatigue. He told me I will take years to recover from nearly 20 years' involvement with and as a Jehovah's Witness.

    Man I'm down. I hoped the zillions of tests would have shown something science could treat, but not this. I'm already on medication and have been under psychiatric care, but now I know there is no answer but time and trying to get my life back on track workwise.

    So there you have it. Being a JW can destroy your health. No wonder so many of them have CFS. It's their bodies acting out that something is terribly, terribly wrong.

  • Captain Blithering
    Captain Blithering

    Silver lining time..... You're not physically ill, AND you're out of the situation that's worn you down. Looking good to me! Sorry if this sounds a bit glib but I'm a 'glass half full and the first half was delicious' kinda guy.

  • Black Sheep
    Black Sheep

    I know someone travelling the same road and suspect that they would come to the same conclusion if they would let themselves consider it.

  • zeb
    zeb

    J. O. you have a pm from Australia.

  • Julia Orwell
    Julia Orwell

    Thanks, and I've replied :)

  • doofdaddy
    doofdaddy

    Drs can only go as far as their training, even specialists. They look at results of tests and want physical evidence of illness. My opinion is that you were dying as a witness, physically, mentally, emotionally. Your mind wanted to continue but your body refused. One thing about a massive trauma (like leaving your spiritual family) is the opportunity to be born again in the real sense but like a new born all has to be learned with many falls. But guess what? Before you know it you're walking without having to think about it. You're young and have plenty of time. Work is "meh" don't stress it. Hubby can take the slack until you are good and ready or if not, sell the house or whatever. Take it easy on yourself as we only get one life....

  • KateWild
    KateWild

    I am so sorry for you, I am holding back tears at work. It was all the mental gymnastics sadly this has drained you. I wish I could remove this condition from you and help you find more energy and passion. You seem to have lots already.

    I have ASD, I have never had serious clinical depression, but many of my loved ones in the BOrg suffer. My heart goes out to you. All my love Sam xx

  • Julia Orwell
    Julia Orwell

    Lol we'll have to buy a house before we can sell it...we were JWs hun, that means renters!! But we are saving up for a house. I have to get stable work first or save up more, but I'm feeling better now like I'll get there in the end. I want to teach part time rather than full time, but in 2014 I'll continue to do substitute teaching (the one where you fill in for a teacher for one day here and there at different schools).

  • doofdaddy
    doofdaddy

    Good choice as the hourly rate is worth it. Over the years at times I was a teacher's aide in Primary and Secondary schools and have a few mate who are teachers, so I know the system. Don't forget to have fun Julia! Oh as far as a house, yeah I know the story but for me after 2 marriages and two houses (gone, one nearly beach front at B Bay ((you know south of you)) I rent very happily...

  • jwfacts
    jwfacts

    Chronic fatigue is very common in Australia amongst Jehovah's Witnesses. Don't be too down. Now that you are out you may find you recover quicker than expected. I doubt the doctor understands just how much of a relief to your body leaving will be. You are still going through the difficult early stages, but you are almost free and it should get better from here.

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