Christians and chronic pain/illness

[SippinTea]

Lately it seems like more and more Christians that I know are being diagnosed with chronic pain of one variety or another.

Three different men I know have had severe migraines for months on end. One is having seizures, passing out, and has been hospitalized numerous times as a result of the migraines. The neurologist (who is a well-known specialist) recently sent him a letter basically telling him to not come back, because they don't know what's wrong, and there's nothing more they can do.

Another couple of people have been diagnosed with polymyalgia, and the list goes on.

What's going on? I don't remember so many Christians struggling with these issues in years past. Was I just not paying attention? Or is there something more going on now? And if so, is it a result of the food we're eating, or a spiritual attack, or ____???

Interested in hearing your thoughts.....

[Scott]

Job, Timothy and Paul.

What did they have in common?

All suffered from long term afflictions.

2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

Romans 8:18 ESV

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

John 16:33 ESV
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

1 Thess 3:  7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

Paul even told Timothy to  stop drinking the water for his stomach's sake.

[Lynx]

People have had chronic pain for as long as I can remember.  But when I was a kid they just dealt with it. 

The main difference is more people are being diagnosed officially and looking for answers from modern medicine these days.

[Scott]

I don't think we have more people with Chronic pain, we are just a more mobile society. When we were younger, we didn't always notice the older lady or man who hobbled into church on a cane or with a walker and sat near the back. We had "shut in's" who seldom came to church and lots of people with ''special unspoken requests''.


In the last 10 to 20 years we have pain management clinics and specialists.

[SippinTea]

So you think it's more that our awareness is heightened, rather than more actual cases?

[Roscoe]

So you think it's more that our awareness is heightened, rather than more actual cases?

I think I'd agree with this.....prior generations, who admittedly died younger as a rule, seemed to have more of a "toughen up" attitude torwards pain and illness. More of a just deal with it without saying anything mindset, and rarely saw the doctor. Now, if someone tears a toenail, they're at the doctor getting treatment. Therefore, we hear more about pain and illness so it seems more prevalent.. That's my thoughts, anyhow.

[Scott]

So you think it's more that our awareness is heightened, rather than more actual cases?

Yes I do.

[Scott]

So you think it's more that our awareness is heightened, rather than more actual cases?

I think I'd agree with this.....prior generations, who admittedly died younger as a rule, seemed to have more of a "toughen up" attitude torwards pain and illness. More of a just deal with it without saying anything mindset, and rarely saw the doctor. Now, if someone tears a toenail, they're at the doctor getting treatment. Therefore, we hear more about pain and illness so it seems more prevalent.. That's my thoughts, anyhow.

I blame the police

[Roscoe]

So you think it's more that our awareness is heightened, rather than more actual cases?

I think I'd agree with this.....prior generations, who admittedly died younger as a rule, seemed to have more of a "toughen up" attitude torwards pain and illness. More of a just deal with it without saying anything mindset, and rarely saw the doctor. Now, if someone tears a toenail, they're at the doctor getting treatment. Therefore, we hear more about pain and illness so it seems more prevalent.. That's my thoughts, anyhow.

I blame the police

Everybody blames the police. Until they NEED us....    

[Scott]

Everybody blames the police. Until they NEED us....    

Some people don't dial 911




Capice?

[Roscoe]

Everybody blames the police. Until they NEED us....    

Some people don't dial 911




Capice?

* Pessimistically*  "I'll still have to clean up the aftermath"

[Scott]

  Not necessarily... as long as there are shovels, powdered lime,  bleach, gasoline and matches. 

[Lynx]

This is getting more cheerful by the post.   

[Amelia Bedelia]

Not necessarily... as long as there are shovels, powdered lime,  bleach, gasoline and matches. 

Well, thats one way to solve chronic pain/illness.  Toughen up and not say anything indeed.