CPAP and Christian Science

: How do I tell them in a way that will not alarm them? I realize I could just come out with it, but I know they will not know what to think of it. They will not be mad or upset,

They will not be mad, more disappointed... which is worse.

Hi cpapdisco

If you think about it, it is your parents beliefs that will upset them, not what you are doing. And as for being disappointed, that is usually part of being a parent, and as adult children we take responsibility for going our own way.

If you don't tell them, well, in the final analysis it is none of their business.

However, If you want to tell them, and accept the consequences, then by all means do so.

If you believe in the value of cpap, then you do not have to back away from that for anybody. And the new knowledge just may help your Father. And be aware that telling them will empower you in the exercise of your own beliefs, and in your relationship with your parents. Be straightforward, truthful and respectful, and you might be surprised at the result.

Good luck

Mars

rested gal wrote:I don't mean this to sound flip -- do either of your parents use eyeglasses or a magnifying glass for reading?

If so, I would explain that using CPAP is essentially the same principle as using eyeglasses or a magnifying glass.

I'd explain that it's nothing more than just room air being blown at your nose and/or mouth. The little machine is a fan that aims the room air more directly at your nose or mouth.


CPAP is what you use when sleeping -- as a fan to help your throat stay open while you breathe naturally.
Much the same as another person uses glasses when reading -- as a magnifier to help their eyes focus well enough to see fine print.

You put the little mask on at night just for sleeping. Like some people put on a pair of glasses (or pick up a magnifying glass) just for reading.

Yes not much different then using blankets and a comfy mattress or having a air conditioner on.

Julie wrote:...CS diabetics, and that is one illness that goes downhill very fast without medical treatment, equipment, etc. What happens to CS diabetics - do they all succumb or do they get treated?..

My CS-practicing grandmother died of system-wide failures due to untreated diabetes. The irony is that she probably would have lived a much longer life if she'd just moderated her die. But, she liked her pint of ice cream for lunch, cakes & pie following dinner, breads/rolls at breakfast, with candies inbetween. There was no discussing whether her weight or her eating was compromising her health. With her living thousands of miles away, it made this discussing this long distance very difficult. Ah well, we live or not with out decisions good or poor as they may be.

The challenge for all practicing CSs is to define clearly what is disease and what is not. With diabetes, it's the failure to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Whether caused by the death of insulin-producing beta cells or activation of too many of the diabetes-producing genes, it a condition not a disease and changing diet is not medicine. Having narrow airways is not a disease...that's the approach I'd take. CPAP therapy is not medicine in the tradtional sense as it's not a 'cure' it simply prevents the oxygen deprivation that results from our narrow airways, the result of having eaten a diet as an infant and young child that prevented our developing a large arch and wide palette. Check out Rooster's posts on narrow jaw for some supporting info...it's not the blessed body at fault, it's the way our body developed as we grew that produced the narrow airways. Now, having said that, this is highly controversial and many will likely start slinging protests at this

Respectfully, this is a fascinating thread. I really never understood CS, and while this thread doesn't change my curiosity or increase my understanding of their principles, it was educational as to how their principles are applied... and it makes sense what people are saying, depending on where the CS-believing person draws the line. Is the body supposed to be infallibly-designed, since it is of God? Does what we do to our bodies matter (being overweight, or as another poster wrote not eating the foods to develop our correct palate as a child, or even just not breathing enough during sleep if you could call that an unintentional 'action'), and do those actions allow for correction in a therapeutic, prescriptive, science-based way, similar to setting a bone or wearing a hearing-aid?

cpapdisco, the question you have posted is not difficult.

You apparently are an adult and living on your own.
The method of health care you choose is up to you.
Having your parents agree with you is not the real issue.
Your relationship with your parents seems more to the point.

You don't think CS treatment is the right for you, period.
cpapdisco, do your love your parents? Do they love you?
Don't all of you want the best outcome for each other?
You want your dad to have what you believe is best for you.

Does your dad's health picture look grim to you?
Do you believe that his picture may become yours?
You can be open and tell them about that fear.
Your love and honesty about it will clear the air.

Whatever the method, let Love be reflected in love.
Your dad may not be aware of the need you see.
By sharing your fear, you may awaken him to it.
Then he can chose to start taking his "medicine."

Christian Science requires something of its students.
It requires each to follow their highest sense of right.
CS has been my highest sense of right.
I have found it effective when in need.

Bless your heart, cpapdisco,
Carolyn - San Diego

To all who want to better understand Christian Science as a method of health care,

There are many CS websites you can visit, here are three:
http://ChristianScience.com
http://TMCYouth.com
http://Spirituality.com

Most importantly, the Christian Science textbook has all the answers:
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

There are some misunderstandings posted.
I would invite questions but that would be off topic.
Please visit the links and post your questions.
CSs will answer. Maybe we will meet there, too.

Warmly,
Carolyn - San Diego

do either of your parents use eyeglasses or a magnifying glass for reading?

Hi, I'm a Christian Scientist and I don't think your parents will have any trouble with this at all. As the post above says, they most likely use eyeglasses and other kinds of "temporary means" without any problem. And Christian Science is about going to God for guidance and direction in all aspects of your life, not just for physical healing. Most people in this world believe in some form of prayer to a higher Source and healing happens all the time, like the post above about the man and his back after the preacher prayed for him. We just go to God first, -instantly - before considering other helpful physical ways. You'd be surprised how often the healing occurs and nothing else is needed. But in this case, just be honest, open and caring - I think your Dad will appreciate your loving attention to his needs as much as anything else. It sounds like you have a good relationship with your parents - they will want to honor that as a precious part of their lives, I'm sure.

Tell them that Cpap uses air and filters it with distilled water .. There is NO medicine involved. That shoudl be ok with christian science issues.

If a CS breaks a leg, can the CS individual wear a cast or a splint? That's essentially what CPAP is--a splint made of air. That analogy might help.

Hi cpapdisco –

Thanks very much for your question AND (especially) for the string of reasoned, compassionate and (I trust for you) helpful responses. Working as a spokesperson for Christian Science, I spend quite a bit of time on the Internet reading all sort of things about Christian Science. Most of the time (unfortunately) what I read is filled with misinformation... and, all too often, a dose (or more) of vitriol, animosity, and disdain. What I read in your question and in the responses you've received is anything BUT that.

I'm not usually one to offer advice, but the answer that comes to me when I read your question (#1) is actually inspired by something I've learned (and have had to RE-learn many times) through my study and practice of Christian Science: PRINCIPLE (doing what's right, at least according to one's highest sense of right at that moment) and LOVE (doing what's most compassionate for all involved) always work hand in hand. I can't tell you how many times I've been stopped dead in my tracks – unable to to made a decision, unable to move forward – simply by convincing myself that I have to sacrifice one for the other. "If I do what's right, someone's going to get hurt." Or... "If I do what's compassionate, I'll be sacrificing my principles."

I have no doubt you'll be led to do the right (the principled AND the compassionate) – thing and make the right (the principled AND the compassionate – decision).

As a former Christian Scientist and a current CPAP user I would agree that there's no difference between wearing glasses and using a CPAP machine. If your parents wear glasses or go to dentists they have very little to say about your using a CPAP machine.

I'm an active Christian Scientist myself and came across this thread today. Cpapdisco, your desire for well-being is good, and that is essentially the goal of Christian Science. I’m sure that your search for relief and cure for yourself and for your dad as well, will prove helpful for everyone.

I've been reading this thread with interest and curiosity, having no first-hand knowledge of the subject;
and am heartened by the kindness people have shown here. The 'it's only air' sounds like a good rationale for treatment;
but I am concerned about out Amish citizens. I wonder how THEY manage. Is treatment even possible?

chunkyfrog wrote:I've been reading this thread with interest and curiosity, having no first-hand knowledge of the subject;
and am heartened by the kindness people have shown here. The 'it's only air' sounds like a good rationale for treatment;
but I am concerned about out Amish citizens. I wonder how THEY manage. Is treatment even possible?

I don't know for a fact, but have been told that it is typical for Amish women to breastfeed until the child is 14 to 24 months old. Maybe this results in a very low incidence of OSA among the Amish population.

Another thing to think about is going back just 25 years - no one used CPAP!

(Whatever you do, don't google Amish airlines.)

I do thank everyone for your kind thoughts. I am not too surprised that CSers have found this and have come to help. The love and generosity of Christian Scientists never ceases to amaze me.