What is your disability, recurring illness or other health issue you may have?

Joe,

Granted, there are probably many cases where a change in lifestyle (diet, exercise, whatever) can eliminate many physical and mental illnesses, but you can NOT just assume and lump ALL into that model. THAT is dangerous and irresponsible.

Case in point, diet and exercise would greatly help me ... but with my damaged lower lumbar, which effects the legs, I can't do many exercises unless I want to feel pain shooting through my spinal cord for days thereafter. Even doing light vacuuming leaves its mark for days. I don't eat much as it is and what I do eat is pretty healthy.

I can't get on disability because I can't afford to go to the doctors to get the tests to do the official diagnosis the disability board needs. You have to pay for those things upfront before disability reimburses you for those visits (IF they do, they don't always). And yes, I do know what I'm talking about because my mom is on disability, my boss is on disability, and I've tried 2 times myself.

So, until they can fix my back, I can't do the exercises I need to to lose the weight, reduce the arthritis, etc etc. I did volleyball, shotput/discus, fencing, and bowling all 4 years in high school, walked everywhere in Phoenix and Dublin (didn't have a car) ... in another words, I used to be VERY active, so I know how do keep fit. I just physically can't.

Don't get me wrong ... I think most doctors are full of themselves. I've had a good talking to to a few of them because of their snobbish attitudes. I'm not one of their typical dumb patients ... I've studied, researched, etc. I'm in charge of my own care, and that means understanding my various problems. But don't assume that the WHOLE medical industry is corrupt and trying to feed you unnecessary meds. On the flipside, I've had plenty of great doctors who did quite the opposite.

I think what ticks people here off the most, Joe, is that you came into this thread and started "lecturing" us on YOUR OPINIONS. You provided no facts, no valid arguement, etc. Then again, none were requested either, since that isn't what this thread was about. This thread is about letting other members know that they are not alone if they suffer from physical and/or mental illnesses ... and that it is still possible to be successful online under those conditions. Consider this thread a support group thread. But you coming in here and telling people that half their suffering is in their head and to do things that they obviously were too stupid to think of doing themselves (diet and exercise) ... DUH! I highly doubt most of the members here (if not all) are dummies ... and doctors are always saying proper diet and exercise for nearly all conditions (provided it doesn't do further injury). So, pretty much you insulted most of our intelligences.

*sighs* I'm supposed to be working, and I guess my back pain is making me a bit ill today ... so I'll </rant>

The problem is that you made a statement with nothing to offer in the way of explanation.

It is true that there is add - but research is now showing it linked to many toxins put purposely in food in the US...that have subsequently been banned in many countries.....and also combined with a chronic defeciency in Vitamin D3 (sunshine). If those with ADD would like to do some experimenting, get more sunshine when possible, when it isn't take Vit D3 supplements (as apposed to Vit D2, which is basically crap) and stop eating anything with MSG in it...if you eat a lot of it you have done some long term damage already but you can help it by ceasing to ingest any more. There are a few other additives that are also dangerous but I would have to look them up again as I don't eat too much processed food and they aren't relevant to me...........

So all in all, you were on the right track, you just stopped talking and made yourself seem just rudely pompous and callous.

I had killer asthma when I was younger and the Dr's had me on medicines that kept me from being able to do almost anything. I was literally crippled from it. Then after I moved to Germany and got ahold of a doctor who taught me otherwise I continued research into nutrition and health and now my asthma is so under control that I barely know it's there.
That researched saved my life when I was told in 1987 that I had around 6 months at best and needed to get into chemo right away. Already well acquainted with the fact that chemo is just a roll of the dice whether it kills you or the cancer first, I ran to the mountains to an area known for pure water, clean air, and I did everything necessary on my own to cure myself...long walks when I thought I'd die if I stood at all, the right foods, supplements, you name it. I think I'm the oldest dead 33 year old around now. LOL.

I really feel for people who's solutions aren't as simple (lol, crap) as mine were or have permanent damage caused by preventable issues. That really just bites so unjustly. I know people who are on dialysis from drugs they were told would actually help them. Now their kidneys are shot and there's no way to bring them back. And I have friends with arthritis that might have been preventable, might not have, that struggle just to move everyday. And when I think of them, I thank God that I was given only issues I was able to find an answer for on my own.

If you are ill, and everyone in the medical field says there's no cure, you owe it to yourself to keep looking for one. Maybe you will find one, maybe you won't -- but if I had quit, I'd have died. Never let anyone relinquish your life.......keep hope, keep searching, and never lose your will.

Strength and courage to all.

The chronic pain ailments are the worse. Are you able to get around on your own still or are you in a wheelchair? My father-in-law went in for back surgery and came out wheelchair bound. He walked into that hospital and left being wheeled out. He's been in a wheelchair or scooter ever since.

Haven't heard of that one, that must be tough and I imagine you wouldn't even want to open your eyes anyway when it flares up. Good luck with that!

You wont believe this but I went to university to become a GMC certified mechanic (and look where that got me).

Sounds like you had a legal case against the pub and/or pub owner. That could have killed you. I am so sorry to hear about this one.

You and I are much the same Shawn. Infact if I never had to the leave the house it would be great. I am not getting disability but I am thinking of filiing for it. How long did it take for you to get approved?

I am glad you are finding these posts inspirational - that is what I had hoped would happen. Now you can help inspire others with your post!

That is 2 folks with aura headaches - I had not heard about those up until today. I also hadn't heard about eye "floaters" though I think I know what you area talking about.

I am taking some really nice anxiety med - its the anti-depressants that aren't as effective in my case. Sorry if this thread gave you a panic attack.