My letter to the editor :-)
From: Browkenwing (browkenwing@msn.com)
Tue Sep 17 13:13:54 2002
"National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness week"
is September 23-29th There are many invisible
illnesses but a condition known as Adhesion Related
Disorders (ARD) is one that affects thousands. Adhesions are
bands of scar tissue that form inside the body and are
caused by past surgeries, infections, disease or
trauma. Some patients are prone to this and others are
not. The path of chronic pain is often unrecognized by doctors,
undetected by all non-invasive tests [except by laproscope]
and the patients credibility is questioned.
A cycle of loneliness, frustration, pain and
seeking relief begins. If the adhesions cause a bowel
obstruction, a medical emergency, the patient "is"
believed and surgery is performed. Surgery to relieve
pain often results in formation of more adhesions. The
vicious cycle starts again. Many doctors are hesitant
to treat patients or even prescribe pain medication.
Adhesions can cause a constant ripping, tugging,
pulling, relentless agony. If the patient "looks well"
it is hard for some to take her/him pain seriously.
Take notice, medical professionals and others ,this
invisible disease can be a silent "killer". Many
patients have irreversible damage.
I live this vicious cycle because of several surgeries
I suffer from chronic abdomen/back pain, severe weight loss
and the inability to care for myself and my family. We are also
on public assistance because my husband lost his job trying to
take care for us. ARD has destroyed our lives. I have been rejected
and emotionally abused by countless medical professionals and hospitals
so Please remember the people who suffer with chronic pain and give them
the respect they so rightfully deserve. For more information on ARD
please visit http://www.bombobeach.com or adhesions.org.
Thank-You
You are more then welcome to use this to help you write
a letter but you will need to change it some to make it
your story! You are all in my prayers for a comfy day!
--
THERE ARE BLESSINGS IN EVERYTHING
Blessings come in many guises
That God alone in Love devises,
And sickness which we Dread so much
Can bring a very "healing Touch"-
For often on the "WINGS OF PAIN"
The Peace we sought before in vain
Will come to us with "Sweet Surprise"
For God is merciful and wise-
And through long hours of Tribulation
God gives us time for Meditation,
And NO sickeness can be counted Loss
That teaches us to "Bear Our Cross"
By ~Helen Steiner Rice~
_
(\O/)
(/ \)
/ \
/_____\
GOD BLESS MY ADHESION FAMILY
~Browkenwing~