Confronting Chronic Disease and Refusing To Give Up | Susannah Meadows | TEDxNashville

[mradderz]

I'm epileptic, have eczema, have had IBS most of my life, and am currently a year into a crippling other stomach illness, as to which I'm still getting tested for what it could be. Some of us are just dealt an unfair hand in life, which is the main reason I do not believe in a god, for the unnecessary suffering there is on this earth. However that does not mean I'm finished yet. I have another test in 2 weeks from now which could finally help me getting progress to getting better from this stomach illness. I have had to quit both the jobs I was working so have lost all income, have lost some of the joys in life as my main hobby is working on cars despite the fact I'm no longer allowed to drive after having a grand mal seizure in December 2020, and I can also no longer enjoy the occasional pleasure of having a good night out drinking with my mates due to my stomach. I'm limited to the daily activity I can do due to the stomach pain, but I try my hardest to make each day worth it by being as productive as I can, even if I only do a few basic chores that day. Doing these chores often causes me a lot of pain, however the mental effect of not doing anything with my day is even more soul destroying than the physical pain. That being said, some days the pain is just too much to do anything, and those days are really tough. Once a athletic busy person, the fact I can no longer do many of the things that made my life worth living, has made my the past year very challenging and I'm not ashamed to say I've thought of quitting from this world as a result sometimes at my weaker points. However, I'm not done yet, just as long as there's hope for improvement. I'm not asking to be pain free entirely, just a chance to do the things I love again. There is more fight left in me yet. I'm only 21 and I have always had big plans for what I want to achieve in my life. These plans help keep me strong in-between the numerous doctors appointments I've had. I hope what is wrong with my stomach is curable and hope to come back in the future to this comment section with good news. I hope for good news for others suffering, no matter how big or small of the health issue. Stay strong and fingers crossed 🤞

[emmanate]

I’d love to persevere while knowing I can’t be cured. The world is so hyper vigilant in finding cures and it’s emotionally wrecking to us that are exhausted doing so. Having hope can actually be self damaging at times. Until I die, or magically get better, I preserve for contentment in my life. That is something to be proud of, too.

[sony]

my 22 months old daughter was diagnosed with JIA at 18 months.still struggling and looking for ways to deal with it.clicked on the video, started reading the description and saw JIA written there..i hope all children with chronic illness recover but just reading that im not alone and a mother of a patient with JIA has done this TED talk feels great.

[lemakeup]

The last words were intriguing 💪I coincidenly tapped this video while I need something that could elevate my mood regarding my condition. I am on heavy fatigue due to my autoimmune disease I guess. I have Enteropathic Arthritis, IBD, IBS, Gastritis, Anxiety and Spasmophilia. I am physically and mentally abused sometimes. I hate panick attacks and flare episodes. Trust me it's the worst ever. It's been 11 months dealing with those diseases and I am still trying to cope with. Love the video and explanation. To all people who suffer from chronic pain or illness, you guys are awesome and deserve to be anything you want to be. Virtual hugs for you all 🤗

[KingaGorski]

Never surrender. Stay strong, especially when you feel weak—that's the true definition of strength. Never give up. 🫶

[yosefnegussie]

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has been a significant challenge that profoundly affected various aspects of my life. I had IBS for nearly decades, but now free from it through following a layman's advice. She told me to take two 250mg metronidazole capsules, first thing in the morning, on empty stomach, and stay the whole day fasting. I did that for a month, eating only diner, (and I defeated IBS in a Knockout! :).

[jacquiwilliams]

I have rare chronic progressive autoimmune diseases I am beating the odds I couldn’t walk and use my hands! I was on 35 litres of oxygen a minute snd in hospital for 4 weeks! I came off prednisone when others haven’t! It’s about the mind and the feeling! I got up every morning and pushed myself I now can run 4 km I have climbed mountains! I never will never give up! I agree it’s the mind!!!

[rosie]

Wow my heart goes out to everyone here ❤y’all are so brave and amazing!! I hope everyone is healthy and happy asap, it’s so hard but you are going to make it out!!

[vim]

I have severe tinntus, I've seen many doctors and specialists all of which could do nothing and told me to live with it. I work freelance while doing my bachelor's degree. The tinnitus is very taxing and exhausting, day to day life is difficult. There are no medical interventions available. I am hoping and pray for some hope soon.

[chronicallypep]

I have recently been diagnosed with an incurable chronic disease called small fiber neuropathy. I found this video very helpful and enjoyed. Thank you!

[taylorstrange]

One day after a virus started to experience abdomen pain and pressure. It's over 2 1/2 years and we're still looking for an answer. This illness has put my life on hold, but I am determined to get it back one day. I'm only 22, this started when I was 20. If anyone had this before, lmk

[bigbause]

Thankyou for posting this. Really made a difference for me

[greatnews]

Imagine being broke and having such huge infection and inflammation in your brain, you can’t think your way out by yourself.

[ayushighosh]

Idk what’s wrong with me, I’ve been having neck, shoulder & back pain for 2 months now, went to doctors, I had a ct scan & blood tests, it’s normal . I’m dealing with extreme anxiety issues, I can’t stand without being dizzy. It’s making me feel miserable. I’m going to study abroad after two months but I’m afraid that I’ll miss the opportunity because of all these. I want to cry & disappear. I can’t deal with this pain.

[contentsavvy]

i still waiting for my endoscopy i have no money 😭 lost my job my 64 year mother spending me few money every month to take care of myself i feel so ashamed but i can't do anything i feel ill all the time but i wanted to resume my work

[greta]

Three words for you Susannah !! Thank you

[erinchell]

I am so very happy for you and your family and message.

[lukose]

The TED talk stage never contains a Podium . Podiums are useful and makes the speaker more comfortable while giving the speech . This speaker has spoken well, but i feel sorry for students in a school public speaking class , who may have to speak without a podium .

[k.baller]

I'm dizzy off balance 24/7 like I'm rocking on a boat even when I'm still or laying down, like gravity is literally pushing my body... I've had mri, blood tests done and there's no resolution or relief... All this began 4 months ago after a panic attack and this month the rocking sensation is worse.... It's torture everyday having this invisible condition where people think I look fine but internally my body is being tortured. I'm losing hope... Watching these videos to try to keep myself going... I

[kevindobson]

My whole body is inflamed literally
Sudden from severe
Ibs
Interstitial cystitis
Severe crippling ocd
Anxiety and panic disorder