I am new to this forum and would love some input. I have been blessed to be clean in the Narcotics Anonymous program since October 17, 1998. Since September of last year, I have been dealing with a chronic, undiagnosed health condition. I have a few questions. Are there NA forums, maybe in this group or even outside this group, that focus on addicts with a chronic illness. If so, please post the links. Also, the 10pm online meetings are too late for me. I go to bed at 8pm every night due to my fatigue. I read In Times of Illness and have a wonderful sponsor and support network, but feel I need more of a connection with other addicts struggling with chronic illness.
Here is a brief synopsis of my story. Since Sept. '11 I have been hospitilized four times, have had over a dozen procedures and tests, went to Minnesota (I am from upstate NY) to see an expert, and had a feeding tube surgically inserted. Basically, I can't eat hardly anything w/o it making me sick. I have never had an eating disorder, do not have signs of anything obvious, including motility disorders, and the only GI problem I have ever had was having my gallbladder out in '98. I can't gain or sustain weight on my own and went from 135 lbs in Sept. '11 to 95 lbs in May '12. I am tube fed through my small intestine at night and am forced to eat as much as I can tolerate by day. I am disabled from my job right now and have a 14 month old who, luckily, goes to day care (for now and until the money runs out) during the day, but have to care for him in the evenings and on weekends as my fiancee works two jobs and needs his meetings too. I try to get day meetings when I feel strong enough, but lately have been very weak. Many days I feel like giving up, but NA and the fellowship keep me going. This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me and my family. I pray every day for God's will and blessings. I often wonder "Why me?" Then I think "Thank God I clean, just for today."
Oh my. I am so sorry that you are forced to endure such pain. I don't know of any networks for addicts in recovery who suffer with chronic illness, but I sure hope there is one out there for you to hook up with. There are members of this forum who live with chronic illness. Perhaps some of them will reach out to you. Thanks for sharing.
Welcome I am an addict named Mike.I also do not know any specific groups that deal with chronic illness but I will keep you in prayer.Excellent work sticking close to our program.Lets us know how you make out.....Peace
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
Hi Brooke, this is Raman an addict. Ive seen many miracles happen to recovering addicts,,,,
I know how it is to live without a gall bladder; mine was removed in 2006. Digestion and keeping diabetes have been an uphill task ever since. Physical exhaustion and mental depression are like shadows......... And i have to fight "overweighting" everyday, walking, Yoga and plain and simple wishing I was was lighter !
Your story gives me hope however, with you saying "Thank God Im clean, just for today."
May the Goddess of Healing and Care be your Guiding Spirit !
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Raman an addict clean and serene just for today in NA Worldwide ; live to love and love to live the NA Way !!!
you too have a disease which causes you fatigue.just keep going a day a time , some betta than others . I have a disease too caused from iv drug using , I had a heart murmer, amnd I got the disease of infective endocarditis when i was young, i have been clean for a long time now write back and ill tell you more... lea
