Downplaying…

The topic of this post is something on my sort of imaginary (because I’ve never written it down) list of silly things I think about because I’m a former Christian Scientist, and it is something I’ve written on before. I recently had an appointment with a new dentist I recently switched to. As with any such appointment with a new care provider, there are the usual questions about allergies, medications, and any family medical history to be aware of. Proudly, I listed the three medications I do take (all related to asthma and allergies). Now, most people wouldn’t think anything of this sort of thing, but for me, it’s still a bit of a big deal to be a ‘normal’ person who sometimes does take prescription medications, or who is at least open to the idea.

A Metaphor Does Not a Diagnosis Make

I was reminded recently, in an on-line discussion thread, of Christian Scientists’ propensity to put at the root of many a physical ailment a metaphorical mental/emotional issue. A participant in the thread commented on how a heavy feeling in her chest was expertly diagnosed by a Christian Science practitioner or some other Christian Scientist as a ‘manifestation of stubbornness’. Yeah right! No, it couldn’t be something perhaps more serious like heart disease or asthma. Just change your hard heart, and it will all go away–like magic! Geez! Now I know what’s caused my asthma! I guess I can toss aside my inhalers! Hallelujah!

I Am a Sensitive Guy

It’s official: I’m a sensitive guy. I received that diagnosis recently during a visit to the emergency room at the local hospital. This visit was occasioned by a sudden, unpleasant, and quite alarming rash that broke out all over my body; and given that it was late in the evening on a Sunday, going to a walk-in clinic or my own doctor were not going to be options, so I went to the ER. The rash had arisen the day before in a much milder form, and had somewhat subsided overnight, but now it had reared its ugly head in a much more alarming form, worse than I had ever experienced such a rash in the past.