Finding the blessings and gratitude in the disease

[mrspeffer]

Everyday upon awakening, i thank the Universe for another day on the planet. I strive to find the beauty of the world around me. This was not always the case...it took work, and more work to get to this point.

I was diagnosed over 20 years ago...symptoms for a good decade before that.

I remember feelings of fatality, hopelessness, depression, anger, and desperation. For the first year I wallowed in my new found feelings, not knowing what to do or where to go. One day, as I was looking in a health food store for something unrelated, the angel at the counter started talking to me and mentioned I looked quite sullen. After hearing my story, she simple suggested a daily detox tea to help flush out the body. I tried it and was surprised how effective it was, but more so, the surprise came in the action I took. Doing something to help myself gave me a sense of direction.

Since then, I have followed many natural remedies to help me along through this horrible time in my life. I have been on fasts, cleanses, programs, etc. to keep my body functioning at it's optimal.

I have to think, this diagnosis is what brought me to a state of personal awareness I never had. It opened my eyes to the types of foods best for me, to eliminate harmful substances and toxic situations from my life. It has brought me here to this forum. I find such comfort in our sharing thoughts and issues as they arise. I get hope in knowing that I am not alone in this. So for me, the once "death sentence" has turned into one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive. The blessing of getting closer to something bigger than myself, the trust that the Universe will provide and take care of me, the knowing that all things are perfect just as they are, and the belief that I am okay, just as I am.

I know it sounds crazy to those newly confronted with this journey. Please remember that we can take an active part in our healing or we can allow others to do that for us. I chose to do many hours of research to find ways to be comfortable in my body and my head. Some were not easy, others a breeze. Some were large changes, some were small. I'd love to hear some of your takes on this. Please share your hearts, successes and fears with all of us...Find the blessings and gratitude this disease has brought you

[Mariandy]

This is so nice my Dear, thank you so much for sharing this to us.You’re such a real inspiration.Do you know what’s One of the positive things PBC gave me?it’s people like YOU.Because of PBC I found good people and a friend who really cares and I’m sure I would keep for life...You know how thankful I am to have met you and this group is so lucky to have a person like you too.You and your PBC journey is not just an inspiration but giving other sufferers courage.You’re one of a kind girl! Love You😘

[mrspeffer in reply to Mariandy]

kindred sisters...the blessing is mine.

[nan1012]

Thank you for your positive post and sharing your journey and helpful suggestions. I had elevated LFT's and increasing fatigue for years before experiencing sudden pain in my right side that took me back to the doctor thinking my gall bladder was acting up. After lots of scans and tests and referral to a liver specialist in 2012 I was diagnosed with PBC. My doctors were upbeat but realistic about the challenges I might face. I determined that I would not be afraid, but that I would have to put more focus on living the best life I could. That included reducing my work schedule so I have more time for my family (my husband, our 6 grown children and 8 grandchildren) and also for doing things I enjoy, as well as resting. I know that a very active day will probably mean I am extremely tired the next day, so I plan ahead as much as I can. I spend time every morning in prayer, meditation and communion with God so that my spirit can lead me, even on those tougher days. I have felt more tired the last year or two, and have also experienced other health problems - itchy skin issues, dry eyes and mouth, osteoporosis and joint pain, extreme reactions to bug bites, high blood pressure, mental sluggishness (sometimes); but I have a very supportive husband and family, for which I am very thankful. I'm thinking of retiring from my part-time job as a tax accountant (getting too stressful) and using my time for things that really matter- family, friends, charity, rest. I am 63 and enjoying life! God is good!