THE FACE TELLS THE STORY!: We have this... - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

56,339 members66,964 posts

THE FACE TELLS THE STORY!

32 Replies

We have this desperate need to herd together but why is it that I much prefer to isolate. I have always been terribly embarrassed about my health conditions that I have been born with since Day 1. I was very well informed by my mother and other health related relatives of my conditions and the need to be kept apart from them. My facial features, skin conditions and posture were so questionable. The need to be covered up, kept out of the sun, special diet, easily broken bones, infections, operations, xrays , tissue damage, vitamin and iron deficiency etc. etc. I wonder why they did not just put me in a cage. Because I was always sick my sibling brother wanted nothing to do with me. He asked why my face was long and thin, why my nose was mis-shaped, and why my skin did not stop bleeding when I cut it? Oh joy! It never really did get any better. I progressed through to teenage years struggling over missing so much education and my teacher wanting me to repeat a year of education which of course I did not want to do. I chose to leave and after College of Technology found a lovely job in the City of London, followed a few years later by another more well matched fulfilling one. One of my bosses smoked a Cigar and that did not help my chest complaints. I never did tell him the real reason for leaving. I fulfilled my dream next by returning to study at a higher level and work at a different organization which gave me the opportunity to work alone, marry, have a family and travel overseas which I had always felt called to do from childhood. My health conditions never got better. In fact they accelerated at a much faster rate than I hoped for but none of them prevented me from completing my overseas mission work until the birth of our third child, a disabled daughter. We knew nothing of her immense needs until the day of her birth nearly 29 years ago. It was the death of my own mother with cancer and the subsequent ill health of our ailing daughter with congenital heart defect and other complications that brought us eventually back to the UK in 1993. Since then I have been permanently under the care of the health services to maintain some kind of quality of life. What question shall I ask the Community? Endurance is needful, a will to live is essential, but what if the unending demands of life (like that on a conveyor belt) just never give up from one day to the next with no break at all. And what if the person, who is seemingly holding all this together, does not have the energy or the drive at nearly 70 to pursue this dream in the same way anymore! Can you hold out any advice for the hopeful conveyor belt member.

32 Replies
Katinka46 profile image
Katinka46

Thank you very much for posting your story. It is extremely well written, clear, fascinating and full of incredible resilience. And not an ounce of bitterness. You are an amazing person. I love people’s stories so I just want more. There is a full length book there. Have you written it? All the best

Kate xx

in reply toKatinka46

I have always wanted to write our family story interestingly enough with pictures, recipes, jokes, poems, songs, travels to amazing locations, some very hard hit areas of the world too! Thank you for the interest. Perhaps I just needed the prompt. My brother has just published a book only last week of his life's story! All the best to you Kate xx.

Katinka46 profile image
Katinka46 in reply to

Go for it! Very happy to read anything

Thepainterswife profile image
Thepainterswife in reply to

I think your story would be a best seller ! I am a similar age to you , in good health ( carer for my husband ) blessed with a good figure and not bad looking ( at one time 😄) and I’m ashamed to say I’ve done little of any interest and even in the best of health sometimes feel as you do that I no longer have the energy or inspiration to keep on going . You have put me to shame but also inspired me with your story so beautifully written . I would love to hear more , enjoy your pictures and poems and try out your recipes , you need to write !! xx

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

I agree with Kate, an amazing story. You’re a true inspiration. Thinking of you. Xxx

in reply tosassy59

😍👍xx

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

Yes. You have survived this long and had a good life despite your health issues. That's takes incredible strength and determination and it would be a shame to give in now.

Instead of being embarrassed by your health conditions I think you should be celebrating the odds of having your life and achieving more than many people. You are amazing and well done.

in reply tohypercat54

Thank you for the boost in confidence. In many ways I have been very fortunate to have travelled a great deal especially in my younger years and more so in the past 11 years with our enabled daughter. COVID 19 has held us all back in many ways and has caused frustration for us all. Thanks for your helpful words. 😍

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54 in reply to

Your spirit is strong and that will keep you going. :)

CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16

You have lived an amazing life in spite of the odds being stacked against you. Your story was a very interesting read and so well written. Perhaps you can pursue dreams in a more sedate way now and write the story of your family.

I will most certainly attempt to do that in the future. We follow one calamity after another. So it will be with small steps always.

Patk1 profile image
Patk1

Lovely to read your story.u made me smile too.youve had an awful lot to cope with yr whole life but u have got on with it very admirably.you don't have to follow those young dreams,yr allowed to sit, and pause.and rest xx

Thank you for the comforting confirmation that I no longer need to be that sweet young person who needs to charge around everywhere. I am given permission to rest and that sound so good! xx.

Snackjack profile image
Snackjack

Thank you for telling us your story, what an inspirational person you are and what a wonderful sense of humour, perhaps put your feet up for a while and contemplate what you want to do next if anything at all, you have certainly earned some rest time don't you think? Take care xx Sue

Ergendl profile image
Ergendl

As others have said, what resilience you have shown to wrest such a full life from your circumstances.If you do start thinking of writing your inspiring story as a book, look at Bookitude as they can help you print your book. You can even start writing it on their system.At the moment I use Lulu for their distribution network (so no vested interest), but Bookitude looks a great new alternative if you just want to get your story printed in a book form.

Aingeful profile image
Aingeful

You are a real inspiration. Write your story it will help so many people.

Maggity profile image
Maggity

I can only echo what others have said. Truly inspirational.

Perrythomas profile image
Perrythomas

Keep going! You’ve lived a very full life. Keep it that way. Study something completely new and always be curious! Your story is similar to some of my life. I studied and was awarded a doctorate last year - at a great age! Enjoy whatever you can and take care 💐💕

Alberta56 profile image
Alberta56

Quite agree with all the others. I hope you get round to writing your memoirs, in a leisurely way of course. The way disabled people are looked on has changed since you were young, I hope. I helped at a centre for disabled people until lockdown and was always impressed by the strength and vitality some of those folk showed.

Mavary profile image
Mavary

You are a fantastic person. You have had a fantastic life. You’ve also had some bad luck along the way. We are all the same. People should not judge others but I know they do. I would be proud to be your friend and hear your wonderful stories. Of course our lives slow down a bit as we get older but once this lockdown is over there is still lots we can do. As soon as you can get back out there try to find something that you enjoy.

Dubba61 profile image
Dubba61

My, you have had a lot to deal with.You are inspirational! My Neighbour and friend too, has many types of disability. Yet has been a successful Mother and had a great Career. She says she takes just one day at a time and if not then just one hour at a time. You have a really good style there. So do write that Book. Let us know when it's finished. You have buyers already here.

in reply toDubba61

I am so grateful for your helpful response especially about your neighbour. It is a comfort to know we are not all alone in the world. Is it just the COVID 19 that makes us reach out more now or is life always like that? 👍😍

Dubba61 profile image
Dubba61 in reply to

Your always welcome Croa. Do you know,no I was just thinking that same thing to,-day! I'm normally more of a reader/than a Poster, on here. n yet recently, off I go putting up Posts, talking to Folk all over the World, that iv,'e never spoken to?? N thinking is it just me? I think maybe we need and value each other more, when in crisis. In the real World I am quiet and shy. I read and write Poetry. N spend much time alone. People need People I think. Perhaps we have all learned a lesson?

in reply toDubba61

People who need people are the luckiest people in the world. xx

in reply to

When we face hard times there is no burden beyond his strength.. no boundaries to his love..no limit to his mercies..no problem outside his solution..no need beyond his care..The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. With love xx.

Biofreak profile image
Biofreak

You should celebrate all the achievements you have accomplished in spite of the odds being stacked against you. You have shown marvellous resilience and determination and I salute you.

😍👍

Mrbojangles profile image
Mrbojangles

Good morning Croa,I am writing this at 3.10am as yet again sleep refuses to play.

As others have said a book or blog is crying for freedom and you are guaranteed at least 30 sales on here alone, just think of the chocolates one can buy..😃

You have been dealt an unfair hand but as you know it could be a lot worse when we see and hear what’s happening across this cruel world today.

Your family are very lucky to have such an inspirational matriarch.

I myself was sailing through the calm waters of life with no health issues of note, a beautiful family, 3 dogs and 2 cats and a rack full of Merlot... bliss.

Then the tiger came in the form of Idiopathic pulmonary Fibrosis last February after 3 years of a silly cough which busy, underfunded doctors failed to spot.

Those calm waters are now Atlantic rough and a once peaceful, laid back mind is racing like a moth on a bulb.

A 20 year old daughter who’s favourite supper time chat is planning her future weekends away with her imaginary husband while i babysit the imaginary child in lieu of copious amounts of imaginary Merlot and prepared lasagne.

An 18 year old Son with a mind blowing academic future ahead planning which University City we can collect his laundry from and which restaurants i can pay to relieve his mundane pot noodle existence ahead.

A gorgeous wife of 28 years who, in her mind is planning our future move to a West Country market town within 10 miles of chip stealing seagulls and charity shops.

Will i get to drink the Merlot with a screeching grandchild?

Will i sit in Wagamamas with his academic mates and their badly knitted scarves?

Will the thieving gull get my chips?

All in the hands of an imaginary, beautiful donor who i will never meet and a tremor free surgeon.

I believe!

Stay safe and God bless..

Xx

Will respond later to this post. God bless you. xx

Safe in Your harbour. The wandering of a traveller, the many miles I've roamed. This spirit of adventure is ready for a home. I've been battered on the east side, I've been beaten to the west, soon this ship is sailing towards a place of rest. So safe in your harbour where storms rage no more. A True sanctuary at peace on Your shore. A shadow of the beautiful, a world that is to come. The promise of a resting place when all our work is done. P.A.Baggaley & D. Clifton. August 19996. Take a trip here! xx

My husband is a jazz lover and my daughter at present a lover of Liverpool FC. xx

Maybe that post was meant for someone else? xx.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Supermarket took my breath away?

Went to a supermarket yesterday with the wife (we have to go more often, dodgy fridge) Which would...
Offcut profile image

IS MDF THE NEW AESPESTOS

I started working in a school as a DT technician 5 years ago. It was like walking onto a skip and a...
harmonica profile image

Pain Wins the day!

Well today I have decided that pain has won the battle I will have to go to the doctors. I have...
Offcut profile image

Face Masks

Hi everyone We are aware about the announcement last week that face coverings will be mandatory...
Carol_ALUK profile image
Partner

SMOKING AND SHORT MEMORIES

I have lost count of the times that when I have been suffering from coughing and breathlessness, I...
knitter profile image

Moderation team

See all
moderator_AandLUK profile image
moderator_AandLUKAdministrator
AsthmaandLung profile image
AsthmaandLungAdministrator
Claire_ALUK profile image
Claire_ALUKAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.