End Of Discernment

[regina_coeli]

[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/saint.gif[/img] Prayers

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' date='30 July 2010 - 03:24 PM' timestamp='1280521461' post='2149975']
To be honest, I am not really all that upset. I prayed that I would find His will and that whatever it was, that I would be able to accept it with an honest and open heart. If God does not desire me to be a religious, then I accept that. I will support vocations in hopes that if I cannot answer the call that someone else will be able to. I surrender, so to speak.

Right now, I am comfortable with remaining in the world and being single. I need to be healthy again and that's what my focus will be on. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif[/img] Thank you for your kind words and prayers. And don't worry! I'll still post on VS even though I am no longer discerning. God bless.
[/quote]

I'm really pleased to hear that you're not feeling all that upset. It sounds good to me that your focus will be on getting healthy.

Note: I rewrote my post to you above for various reasons. I apologize for offering advice in a situation I knew nothing about. I hate it when people do that to me, and yet, I went and and did what I criticize in others.

The most important thing I finally learned was that my illness does not define who I am. And, if anyone told me I would become a better person because of my illness I would have told them they were lying. I became a better person despite myself. It sounds as if you are already a better person than I am, and are becoming wise. I'm glad you'll still post on VS.

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' date='30 July 2010 - 03:26 PM' timestamp='1280521594' post='2149976']
Also, I am thinking about possibly joining a Third Order/Lay Dominican community in the future. But we'll see. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif[/img]
[/quote]

That sounds like a good option. At least you're thinking Dominican. You'll get a better night's sleep if you're not always having ecstacies! [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif[/img] I'm so mean. I hope the "Little Flower" has a sense of humor. With my luck, she'll take revenge and start following me around. But, I'm hoping the good, practical, German, Blessed Pauline, whose Sisters live across the street from me, will suggest to the Little Flower that she'll have more success if she concentrates on others. The Blessed Pauline has lived across the street from me too long, and under her eye, I HAVE become more practical and realistic, and I'm hoping she'll refuse to share me with the Little Flower.

And, the PPC accepts anyone who wants to join!

P.S. If you ever feel like it, turn on your PM's, and I'll share with you some things I don't feel comfortable putting in the forum. I'm a "lifer," too.

Edited July 30, 2010 by IgnatiusofLoyola

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='IgnatiusofLoyola' date='30 July 2010 - 04:59 PM' timestamp='1280523588' post='2149996']
I'm really pleased to hear that you're not feeling all that upset. It sounds good to me that your focus will be on getting healthy.

Note: I rewrote my post to you above for various reasons. I apologize for offering advice in a situation I knew nothing about. I hate it when people do that to me, and yet, I went and and did what I criticize in others.

The most important thing I finally learned was that my illness does not define who I am. And, if anyone told me I would become a better person because of my illness I would have told them they were lying. I became a better person despite myself. It sounds as if you are already a better person than I am, and are becoming wise. I'm glad you'll still post on VS.
[/quote]


Don't worry about it. God bless.

[holly.o]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' date='30 July 2010 - 05:26 PM' timestamp='1280521594' post='2149976']
Also, I am thinking about possibly joining a Third Order/Lay Dominican community in the future. But we'll see.
[/quote]

Just wanted to say that that's awesome! The Church truly needs people in those areas as well. [url="http://www.3op.org/"]This site[/url] has great info on that vocation.

You're in my prayers!

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='holly.o' date='30 July 2010 - 06:53 PM' timestamp='1280530436' post='2150031']
Just wanted to say that that's awesome! The Church truly needs people in those areas as well. [url="http://www.3op.org/"]This site[/url] has great info on that vocation.

You're in my prayers!
[/quote]


I would definitely be in good company! St Rose of Lima and St Catherine of Siena were both Dominican tertiaries.

[Sarah147]

Just wondering something. Might there be a natural supplement that would help the problem, or for ex. physical therapy, etc.? It just makes me wonder if an order would be okay with the condition as long as you were on a natural product? Maybe looking at various treatments for the condition?

I know for myself, with my emotional/mental issue, I've been going for counseling in dealing with past hurts, and dealing with stressors, and it has helped tremendously. I am on medicines for some different things, but I plan to knock it down to just the ADHD medicine, and hopefully and prayerfully an order will accept me with it. I trust God will make a way. I also just found out through two sleep studies that I have mild sleep apnea, so if it works for me, I may have to lug a CPAP air mask and equipment into an order! [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/biglol.gif[/img] Yippee. Aren't I lucky? [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/hehehe.gif[/img]

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='JoyfulLife' date='30 July 2010 - 08:33 PM' timestamp='1280536399' post='2150060']
Just wondering something. Might there be a natural supplement that would help the problem, or for ex. physical therapy, etc.? It just makes me wonder if an order would be okay with the condition as long as you were on a natural product? Maybe looking at various treatments for the condition?

I know for myself, with my emotional/mental issue, I've been going for counseling in dealing with past hurts, and dealing with stressors, and it has helped tremendously. I am on medicines for some different things, but I plan to knock it down to just the ADHD medicine, and hopefully and prayerfully an order will accept me with it. I trust God will make a way. I also just found out through two sleep studies that I have mild sleep apnea, so if it works for me, I may have to lug a CPAP air mask and equipment into an order! [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/biglol.gif[/img] Yippee. Aren't I lucky? [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/hehehe.gif[/img]
[/quote]


Unfortunately, natural programs won't work for the illness I have. It has to do with a chemical imbalance so only meds work.

[Sarah147]

It's incredible with the sleep apnea because family never noticed/told me about any odd sleeping behaviors. I went in for the study due to mental fatigue and sleepiness in the day. It's amazing all the symptoms it [i]CAN[/i] cause: frequently waking up, dry mouth, headaches, depression, fatigue, psychosis, having problems with memory and concentration, experiencing personality changes, etc. It can lead to a diagnosis of ADHD, too, which I have. My doctor said using the CPAP air mask may reduce my ADHD symptoms, and even cut down on my medicine for it. Studies have shown that the apnea actually causes some brain damage, and that air mask therapy brings healing to the brain. It will be interesting to see what it helps me with...



Heh, so this is how I'll be sleeping... It looks so silly.
[url="http://www.centerforsoundsleep.com/images/cpap.png"]http://www.centerforsoundsleep.com/images/cpap.png[/url][url="http://www.ohiohealth.com/mayo/images/image_popup/r7_cpap.jpg"][/url]

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='JoyfulLife' date='31 July 2010 - 12:36 AM' timestamp='1280550989' post='2150153']
It's incredible with the sleep apnea because family never noticed/told me about any odd sleeping behaviors. I went in for the study due to mental fatigue and sleepiness in the day. It's amazing all the symptoms it [i]CAN[/i] cause: frequently waking up, dry mouth, headaches, depression, fatigue, psychosis, having problems with memory and concentration, experiencing personality changes, etc. It can lead to a diagnosis of ADHD, too, which I have. My doctor said using the CPAP air mask may reduce my ADHD symptoms, and even cut down on my medicine for it. Studies have shown that the apnea actually causes some brain damage, and that air mask therapy brings healing to the brain. It will be interesting to see what it helps me with...



Heh, so this is how I'll be sleeping... It looks so silly.
[url="http://www.centerforsoundsleep.com/images/cpap.png"]http://www.centerforsoundsleep.com/images/cpap.png[/url][url="http://www.ohiohealth.com/mayo/images/image_popup/r7_cpap.jpg"][/url]
[/quote]

One of the residents I cared for in the nursing home had to wear a CPAP machine to bed. I saw him with it on and it does look very strange!

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' date='31 July 2010 - 11:51 AM' timestamp='1280591464' post='2150257']
One of the residents I cared for in the nursing home had to wear a CPAP machine to bed. I saw him with it on and it does look very strange!
[/quote]

In my former community, my roomate had to wear the CPAP machine to bed. It helped her a lot and wasn't noisy at all.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='laetitia crucis' date='31 July 2010 - 12:56 PM' timestamp='1280595416' post='2150274']
In my former community, my roomate had to wear the CPAP machine to bed. It helped her a lot and wasn't noisy at all.
[/quote]

yes, they are pretty quiet. About the only time I heard any noise is when the tube disconnected accidentally.

[Sarah147]

[quote name='laetitia crucis' date='31 July 2010 - 01:56 PM' timestamp='1280595416' post='2150274']
In my former community, my roomate had to wear the CPAP machine to bed. It helped her a lot and wasn't noisy at all. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif[/img]
[/quote]


Laetitia, a community was actually okay with the CPAP? Wow! I am thrilled to hear that, as I thought it would be a financial issue or they might not accept an entrant with such a health issue. Was it a big or small order, cloistered, etc.?

If trial therapy with the mask works for me, it looks like I'll be wearing the kind that covers both the nose and mouth, as the nose-only one caused too much pain and pressure on my upper teeth/gums/mouth.

[Sarah147]

I found quite a thread about disabilities and the religious life:

[url="http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=235025"]http://forums.cathol...ad.php?t=235025[/url]


Someone on a forum said:
"But I've know another order that was willing to accept people with bipolar disorder as long as it was controlled by medicine. So you never really know.

Seek and you shall find. "


Also, I remember reading a while back about a woman that was looking at religious orders. She was on medicine for a mental condition. At one order, the Sister told her that if it was God's Will, she would enter with or without the medicine, and that God would make a way. I remember she ended up not entering there, as I guess it wasn't the order she felt called to, but it gave her hope.


I also learned some time ago of a natural supplement for things like ADHD, bipolar, anxiety, and other conditions. I haven't tried it, but from the testimonials I've heard, I'd like to give it a try. True hope dot com website. There is also loads of stuff to find in reviews at the i herb website.

Edited August 1, 2010 by JoyfulLife

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='JoyfulLife' date='31 July 2010 - 11:29 PM' timestamp='1280633361' post='2150429']
I found quite a thread about disabilities and the religious life:

[url="http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=235025"]http://forums.cathol...ad.php?t=235025[/url]


Someone on a forum said:
"But I've know another order that was willing to accept people with bipolar disorder as long as it was controlled by medicine. So you never really know.

Seek and you shall find. "
[/quote]

Actually the illness I have and the stress I am currently under make discernment unbearable at this point. I am still open to it in the future, if, God-willing, I have a vocation.

I actually discovered that the Little Sisters of the Poor do not have such stringent requirements for acceptance and I may look into them if I decide to start discerning again, but we shall see. Only God knows if the stress will be lifted and when I will see the light again.

P.S.--It's actually refreshing to find out there are orders out there that are open to accepting people with bipolar disorder. Though I do not have that disorder (thank God!), I've read how people have discovered such biased attitudes when trying to discern with a community they found attractive. That fact of acceptance in some communities gives me hope.

[Sarah147]

Yeah, it sure gives me hope, too, with my emotional/mental issue.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='JoyfulLife' date='01 August 2010 - 12:10 AM' timestamp='1280635837' post='2150436']
Yeah, it sure gives me hope, too, with my emotional/mental issue.
[/quote]

I know this is kind of off-topic, but have you ever considered the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Alma, MI? I've heard that since they have a medical apostolate, they are more forgiving to those with mental disorders. Although I would think it's on a case by case basis, it might be a good idea to get in touch with them and see what their ideas are on your personal situation. Perhaps they could give you some advice, as well.

http://www.rsmofalma.org/

Edited August 1, 2010 by MaterMisericordiae

[Sarah147]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' date='01 August 2010 - 01:17 AM' timestamp='1280636256' post='2150438']
I know this is kind of off-topic, but have you ever considered the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Alma, MI? I've heard that since they have a medical apostolate, they are more forgiving to those with mental disorders. Although I would think it's on a case by case basis, it might be a good idea to get in touch with them and see what their ideas are on your personal situation. Perhaps they could give you some advice, as well. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif[/img]

[url="http://www.rsmofalma.org/"]http://www.rsmofalma.org/[/url]
[/quote]


Thank you, I will have a look. I've kind of come to the point where I'm going to discern what apostolate, spirituality, community I'm drawn to. I'm still learning about all of this. Then narrow it down to a few. Then approach when the timing is right with what I feel called to, and let them take me on a case-by-case basis and see what Divine Providence allows for me. Some have made a good point that if I feel really called to a specific order, they may take that as God's Will and accept me. I cringe though in not being able to pick so much on my end, because I don't so easily feel drawn to just any order. My condition is well managed though and so I'm hoping they will all be very open to me. Maybe "managed" isn't even the word, rather there are no symptoms of it at all, for quite some time. I've really had to learn how to deal with situations and stressors through councelling. That's been key.

Also, the True Hope website I mentioned... If I remember correctly, I believe a man and his daughter formed their own company and similar supplement after the success of the True Hope website supplement on his bipolar daughter. They are at Quiet Minds dot net. Again, never tried either, but curious.

Edited August 1, 2010 by JoyfulLife

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='JoyfulLife' date='31 July 2010 - 09:48 PM' timestamp='1280627314' post='2150392']
Laetitia, a community was actually okay with the CPAP? Wow! I am thrilled to hear that, as I thought it would be a financial issue or they might not accept an entrant with such a health issue. Was it a big or small order, cloistered, etc.?

If trial therapy with the mask works for me, it looks like I'll be wearing the kind that covers both the nose and mouth, as the nose-only one caused too much pain and pressure on my upper teeth/gums/mouth.
[/quote]

My former community is fairly new (a wee bit over 20 years old now), active Marian missionary, and currently has 983 members (from aspirants to perpetually professed) worldwide. There are almost 100 members in the U.S. currently... so I don't know if this itno the "big" or "small" category. They also have a cloistered branch, but all that enter will go through the active formation first and may request to be cloistered if they believe this is their vocation -- and if they are then missioned to the cloister.

Health insurance is required with this community and is generally paid for via benefactors -- once we professed temporary vows we were asked to find benefactors to send $100-200 a month to help with various communal needs, like health insurance.

Anyhoo -- my roommate had the mask that covered both nose and mouth -- I don't know how much was covered by the insurance, but the community helped pay for whatever wasn't covered. I love that Sister and miss her muchly! She's probably one of my most favorite people in the entire world.

[Sarah147]

What are the odd's of running into someone that knew a Sister with CPAP, much less roomed with her, and even much less the existence of a Sister on CPAP? Funny.