I feel lost and hopeless

Odyssey said:

Hi I am new to the forum. I just joined today. I feel desperate. I am struggling with a progressive illness that is affecting my digestive tract and nervous system. There is no name for it, and there is currently no cure or treatment. All my doctors are stumped. They have no answers or ways for me to manage it.

Recently in the past year, the progressive nature of my illness accelerated. I am currently dependent on total parenteral nutrition also known as TPN (IV nutrition via a central venous catheter) because my digestive system no longer works properly, and now it seems my venous system now no longer working properly either. If I lose venous access, then my hope for survival is very slim. I have already endured tube feedings in the past with no success before I was moved to TPN, with my weight plummeting to a low 46kg.

I have been practicing as much of the Christian faith and praying daily at home quite a lot over the past 2 years, and I am not currently able to go to church, because of my illness and also being on a machine over 14hrs a day.

Currently, I don't like to say it, but I feel like I am losing hope. Things are getting worse, and despite my perseverance to get the help and answers, I am not able to get it. So I turn to God, to ask for his help, and I continue to do so everyday in Jesus' name, but things are still progressing and still getting worse.

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Hang in there, friend

I am praying for you and I am glad you are connecting with us here.
Do you feel connected with people where you live?

Odyssey said:

Hi I am new to the forum. I just joined today. I feel desperate. I am struggling with a progressive illness that is affecting my digestive tract and nervous system. There is no name for it, and there is currently no cure or treatment. All my doctors are stumped. They have no answers or ways for me to manage it.

Recently in the past year, the progressive nature of my illness accelerated. I am currently dependent on total parenteral nutrition also known as TPN (IV nutrition via a central venous catheter) because my digestive system no longer works properly, and now it seems my venous system now no longer working properly either. If I lose venous access, then my hope for survival is very slim. I have already endured tube feedings in the past with no success before I was moved to TPN, with my weight plummeting to a low 46kg.

I have been practicing as much of the Christian faith and praying daily at home quite a lot over the past 2 years, and I am not currently able to go to church, because of my illness and also being on a machine over 14hrs a day.

Currently, I don't like to say it, but I feel like I am losing hope. Things are getting worse, and despite my perseverance to get the help and answers, I am not able to get it. So I turn to God, to ask for his help, and I continue to do so everyday in Jesus' name, but things are still progressing and still getting worse.

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Hello there
Glad that you dropped by here.
Your situation sound dreadful...I am so sorry to hear it.

Where in the UK are you?
Do you have Christian friends who visit you and help you?

I still have Christian family and friends in the UK ...maybe one or some would be close by to where you?

Don't give up hope.
We are praying for you right now...
..........Helen

Odyssey said:

Thanks.

No I only have my family who care and look after me. Most of my friends moved on because their lives moved forward whilst mine stayed still. I used to have many friends, but all my friendships broke down because I have been ill.

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I think that is one of the hardest parts of having a chronic illness - friends drifting away. I’ve experienced a similar situation with friends after suffering several chronic illnesses and addiction. Prayer helps, but finding people with similar circumstance provided me with the most immediate support.

Dear new member I pray that you be relieved of your affliction that the savior Jesus touch and heal you.

There is much to God but His love is the greatest thing. He loves you. Do not mistake your affliction as God's will for you. Press in to Him for His grace and healing.

My father died in a VA hospital after a 20 year stay. Many were his afflictions. My mother was a victim of Lupus and beginning at age 25.

My brother is a DAV with 40% kidney function. My younger brother is a 100% DAV and has had 11 surgeries. My sister has a rare form of arthritis. I have a list of my own.

I say these things to help you in the realization that many others are very afflicted. A friend's 5 year old daughter is fighting cancer.

After our daughter was killed it seemed many former friends avoided us. As if our grief was contagious. People, even Christians can be very cold.

I feel for you, your situation and understand the many things fighting you. Having no church and my wife being disabled have placed us alone and apart. We have been alone for the past 40 years. Even with a church we must fight the good fight of faith. The little fellowship I get is at a site like this maybe. Even here there are harsh people not worth listening too. But receive comfort from the few who offer it.
Jesus loves you is not just an idle statement. He does. He is with you if you have given u ourself to Him and been born again. Let Him strengthen you and yield your weakness to Him.

I pray that you be comforted in your life. That your body be healed and your spirit uplifted. Though I can't see you I can pray and that's our most powerful weapon.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15 :13

Be in His peace

Hi Odyssey,
I also live in the UK, sadly not near you ( I am in Brighton on the south coast ) I am also a lone Christian within my family. I am so sorry to hear of what you are facing - sounds very difficult to deal with. Pleased you have shared it here.
Sometimes we simply do not know ' why ' resolve does not come quickly - however I totally trust in Romans 8:12 , I have this trust as a result of going through many painful and long trials within my family, and yet I have been able to look back on it all and see how God used it all in so many ways.
I have been waiting for some answers to prayer for many many years, breakthroughs and answers come in many unexpected ways sometimes.
Don't give up hope xxxxxxx
Thinking of you, and praying into your situation xx
Butterfly ( Rita )

Odyssey said:

Yeah it is. People drifting away is extremely hard. It feels like people have gave up on you, and you are resigned to being a lost cause. I don't mean to sound bitter, but much the same is happening with my doctors. They can't understand what is happening to my body and have stopped trying to understand, and have me made me feel written off. This also angers my family who care for me and wish good things for me, but it's just hard when people give up on you.

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Doctors like it when symptoms allow them to check off a box. They trust their boxes so much that without them, the patient must be delusional.....

Science and medicine are great, but limited - that is for sure.

Friends and former friends; I tend to suspend my judgment because they are often motivated by fear. Grieving the loss of friends helped me get past the anger.....most of the time - i am still mad about some of the circumstances.

Well, you are not alone! Hopefully, you can make some meaningful connections here

Odyssey said:

Hi I am new to the forum. I just joined today. I feel desperate. I am struggling with a progressive illness that is affecting my digestive tract and nervous system. There is no name for it, and there is currently no cure or treatment. All my doctors are stumped. They have no answers or ways for me to manage it.

Recently in the past year, the progressive nature of my illness accelerated. I am currently dependent on total parenteral nutrition also known as TPN (IV nutrition via a central venous catheter) because my digestive system no longer works properly, and now it seems my venous system now no longer working properly either. If I lose venous access, then my hope for survival is very slim. I have already endured tube feedings in the past with no success before I was moved to TPN, with my weight plummeting to a low 46kg.

I have been practicing as much of the Christian faith and praying daily at home quite a lot over the past 2 years, and I am not currently able to go to church, because of my illness and also being on a machine over 14hrs a day.

Currently, I don't like to say it, but I feel like I am losing hope. Things are getting worse, and despite my perseverance to get the help and answers, I am not able to get it. So I turn to God, to ask for his help, and I continue to do so everyday in Jesus' name, but things are still progressing and still getting worse.

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I'm so sorry to hear of your troubles and the fact that there is little to do.
When we pray, we pray for healing but also for God's will. Illness is not His will, but sometimes we don't get the miracle we pray for.

God is always with us and is our strength.
I'm sure we'll all be praying for you.

I know this has all women on it...but the words are what matter.
Bless you .✟

...

@Odyssey

I am also joining here in prayer for you. I know that our God is able in all situations.

Odyssey said:

Hi I am new to the forum. I just joined today. I feel desperate. I am struggling with a progressive illness that is affecting my digestive tract and nervous system. There is no name for it, and there is currently no cure or treatment. All my doctors are stumped. They have no answers or ways for me to manage it.

Recently in the past year, the progressive nature of my illness accelerated. I am currently dependent on total parenteral nutrition also known as TPN (IV nutrition via a central venous catheter) because my digestive system no longer works properly, and now it seems my venous system now no longer working properly either. If I lose venous access, then my hope for survival is very slim. I have already endured tube feedings in the past with no success before I was moved to TPN, with my weight plummeting to a low 46kg.

I have been practicing as much of the Christian faith and praying daily at home quite a lot over the past 2 years, and I am not currently able to go to church, because of my illness and also being on a machine over 14hrs a day.

Currently, I don't like to say it, but I feel like I am losing hope. Things are getting worse, and despite my perseverance to get the help and answers, I am not able to get it. So I turn to God, to ask for his help, and I continue to do so everyday in Jesus' name, but things are still progressing and still getting worse.

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Do you have a church that you have attended regularly? If so, I would call them and ask for the pastor or priest to visit you. If you don't have a regular church, I would find one in the area and call them and describe your condition and ask for prayer and for the pastor or priest to visit you.

I cannot imagine any turning down your request.

Stranger

My heart goes out to you.

I thought of my sister when I read your post. She was having the same symptoms and eventually was diagnosed with ALS. I'm not saying that's what it is but maybe you can ask your doctor about that.

I'll be joining others in praying for you.

Odyssey said:

Currently, I don't like to say it, but I feel like I am losing hope. Things are getting worse, and despite my perseverance to get the help and answers, I am not able to get it. So I turn to God, to ask for his help, and I continue to do so everyday in Jesus' name, but things are still progressing and still getting worse.

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Hello there Odyssey.....First, welcome, I sincerely hope you may find strength and comfort through the believers you come across here..........Secondly, I cannot tell you how saddened I am to hear all that you have had to endure, especially as you seem to be having to do most of it on your own ( never easy ).
Please please do not take this as a criticism or to make light of your suffering, but I need to ask you, in regard to how you wrote that you pray daily, essentially for the same thing, is that right ?
I was shown a long long time ago, that if or when I did that, I was showing unbelief, as I never have to ask more than once, after that, I have to believe and continually give thanks because it is done, regardless of how long it may take....If I know it is something within the will of God, such as seeing someone healed, there must be no doubts, and yes I am acutely aware of how difficult that can be at times, in particular if we are asking for something for ourselves......It has always been much easier for me to pray and get results for other people than myself.......The other thing is that we almost always attach certain conditions, to whether God will assist someone or not, this must not be done, as He imposes no restrictions on love.
I have no idea how you can go about getting your expectation ( true hope ) of being healed in line with Gods will to do so, but perhaps you can keep reminding yourself daily of His never ending love for you and praise Him and thank Him daily for all the provisions He has left us in Christ and ask Him to teach you anything you may be lacking in being able to receive His love, so that your body can then align itself with His will also ?
I believe it states in the Proverbs that 'His Word brings health to all our flesh" and there are countless examples of Jesus healing people and revealing that it is NOT Gods will that any man suffer, as He would then have been working against, rather than in tandem with God, whenever he healed someone.
I don't believe any of us truly comprehend how all this suffering comes about, particularly in believers, nor do most of us know how to receive like little children, the gifts our father has already freed up for us.....I myself am one of them ... I have had untold amounts of attacks on my body, certainly shouldn't be here (many times over in fact ), but I am still here, and although I do still get physical problems, He has never let me down.....I am the one letting me down, as I cannot quite get my mind to agree that He can give me a new spine, so I still have problems with that...My expectation of it is full of doubts, so I keep undoing the very thing I am wanting.
Sorry, now I'm no doubt depressing you, that was not my intent.........My point is though, that there is literally nothing that He cannot do, but He can be prevented from manifesting the thing, by us, if we cannot fully believe, and that means believing ONLY, not believing, mixed with a few doubts here and there, or impatience, nor bitterness, unforgiveness and such.
Because we all have such lack of understanding of our Father, as churches have basically taught us about a very two faced God, this isn't easy. This is why it is imperative that we seek a real relationship with Him, get to know Him for real..
I will surely join with the other lovely people here praying for you....I hope you will really really push into and accept 100%, His love for you and perhaps just stay in that for a while....Realize that you have an enemy who wants nothing more than for you to give up...give up on yourself and give up believing God.
All the very very best to you and hopes of productive relationships here on the forum.....May He bless you...Pia

Odyssey said:

Hi I am new to the forum. I just joined today. I feel desperate. I am struggling with a progressive illness that is affecting my digestive tract and nervous system. There is no name for it, and there is currently no cure or treatment. All my doctors are stumped. They have no answers or ways for me to manage it.

Recently in the past year, the progressive nature of my illness accelerated. I am currently dependent on total parenteral nutrition also known as TPN (IV nutrition via a central venous catheter) because my digestive system no longer works properly, and now it seems my venous system now no longer working properly either. If I lose venous access, then my hope for survival is very slim. I have already endured tube feedings in the past with no success before I was moved to TPN, with my weight plummeting to a low 46kg.

I have been practicing as much of the Christian faith and praying daily at home quite a lot over the past 2 years, and I am not currently able to go to church, because of my illness and also being on a machine over 14hrs a day.

Currently, I don't like to say it, but I feel like I am losing hope. Things are getting worse, and despite my perseverance to get the help and answers, I am not able to get it. So I turn to God, to ask for his help, and I continue to do so everyday in Jesus' name, but things are still progressing and still getting worse.

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First, know that you are not alone. We are there with you, and so is the King. Acts 14:22 [22] Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

He will not forsake you or leave you alone, no matter how it seems to your eyes. You have great purpose, and He will complete that purpose in and through you. You said you are the only believer in the midst of those around you. You are a Testament of mercy and grace and strength(His) when all strength should be gone.

Everyone needs purpose. This is against your will, and I have been there. Offer this new path up to Him and surrender it to Him. What are your gifts for the whole body? If you don't know, ask Him. Offer up a living sacrifice...YOU. Do you read His word daily? If not, please start. Your body is rejecting the food and the nutrition of this physical world...but nothing can prevent you from eating of the bread of life that brings marrow to your bones. This is what your body truly needs. Healing comes from the inside out. Consume what God says, every word.

Isaiah 33:24 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.

Philippians 1:28-29
[28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. [29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Romans 8:36-39
[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My husband and I are praying for you...

Odyssey said:

Hi I am new to the forum. I just joined today. I feel desperate. I am struggling with a progressive illness that is affecting my digestive tract and nervous system. There is no name for it, and there is currently no cure or treatment. All my doctors are stumped. They have no answers or ways for me to manage it.

Recently in the past year, the progressive nature of my illness accelerated. I am currently dependent on total parenteral nutrition also known as TPN (IV nutrition via a central venous catheter) because my digestive system no longer works properly, and now it seems my venous system now no longer working properly either. If I lose venous access, then my hope for survival is very slim. I have already endured tube feedings in the past with no success before I was moved to TPN, with my weight plummeting to a low 46kg.

I have been practicing as much of the Christian faith and praying daily at home quite a lot over the past 2 years, and I am not currently able to go to church, because of my illness and also being on a machine over 14hrs a day.

Currently, I don't like to say it, but I feel like I am losing hope. Things are getting worse, and despite my perseverance to get the help and answers, I am not able to get it. So I turn to God, to ask for his help, and I continue to do so everyday in Jesus' name, but things are still progressing and still getting worse.

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Odyssey:

My words are only words, of stranger, although we do have something very important that we both share, live with, and understand; we are both a part of the family of God.

When we are hurting, especially for a long time, without any improvement in sight, feeling alone and abandoned when even our friends and even family become distant. we just want to cry out loud and say, why Lord why me!!

Our closest friends can abandon us or stop coming over to visit. This is your case I gather. When even the doctors seem uninterested in our welfare I can see how it can become very disheartening.

Christ will never abandon you Odyssey. I just prayed for you Odyssey that he will heal you. I want the peace of God to fill you.

Remember, our true and lasting family is with our Lord and Saviour and other believers, our true family.

You are a ‘new’ Christian I gather….?

You had faith and commitment when you first came to Christ. You felt the stirring of the spirit of God in your heart. Use some quality quiet time to reflect upon it with the spirit of truth. You made this commitment in firm faith to believe in the gospel, the gift of salvation, the new life. Jesus became real to you in your life. He still is there in your heart. Speak to him in words that are simple and true. The Father’s spirit will help you.

God knows your needs Odyssey.

I pray to our Lord that the peace of our Father refreshes and reinvigorates you.

Lord, help this person I do not know, although you know very well to be healed, according to your plan and will for Odyssey.

Rejoice in the fact that we are alive in Christ. We live with him....in spirit and mind


Bless you Odyssey, my thoughts stay with you...


APAK

Odyssey said:

have been practicing as much of the Christian faith and praying daily at home quite a lot over the past 2 years, and I am not currently able to go to church, because of my illness and also being on a machine over 14hrs a day.

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There are mobile forms of the feeding machine, could you request one for use once or twice a week so you can get out to attend church or visit people/places?

Have you been incontact with your local church for such help as they can provide.
Many churches record their services and will deliver them to housebound Christians, this is often linked to a home visitation team, who try to keep the house bound in touch with the local church and provide a service to them.

As you are not a church member contact the minister of the church who's web site looks the friendliest and explain your situation asking for a visit.

Dear odyssey

Keep on praying just as Jesus stated in the story of the visitor asking for bread and the widow and the unjust judge.

My wife and I prayed for years for children before Jesus answered. He sent them after 14 years. We've waited on everything, things others take for granted.

Don't give up. Hold fast. You are not alone. Take courage. There is love for you. Please be comforted. There are so many lonely.

I pray for your heart to be lifted up.

God is for you. Our circumstances are no measure of God's care. You can see this in the Bible.

Fear not God sees. Never give up. Amen