The experience of illness, either directly or indirectly is a fundamental part of life. Numerous scholars even argue that there is a form of universality in illness; a fact that many people can relate with. There is no redefining moment in an individual’s life that is comparable to times of illness and disease. In such times one has time to reflect on life, past moments, unfulfilled dreams and future aspirations. However, the environment or atmosphere that one is surrounded with plays a crucial role in the recovery process (Eberst, 2008) . Being surrounded with a favorable environment promotes quick recovery while unfavorable environments reduce one’s ability to recover quickly. Therefore, this paper will investigate the phenomenology of illness with special reference to Leo Tolstoy story about the death of Ivan Ilych.
Describe the Phenomenology with Illness and Disease
As mentioned in the introduction section, illness is a key aspect of life. Normally, it is closely associated with death but does not have crucial philosophical issues as death. Normally, it is viewed in the physiological perspective mainly categorized within the domain of human medicine (Dunn, 2010). Due to this, the experience of illness is neglected by most philosophers, even in the field of science and medicine, practice and biomedical theory. Therefore, it is important not to strictly restrict illness to scientific research but analyze it in a social or phenomenological perspective.
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People with past experience of illness acknowledge it is an intense and hugely unsettling experience. Notably, it has the capacity to shake or even shatter ones fundamental beliefs and values. It takes a huge toll of an individual’s emotional and physical strength, and one is required to have a lot of inner strength in order to adapt to its physical and emotional strains, limitations and frustration associated with it. Recounting Ivan Ilych experience with illness as described by the Leo Tolstoy, Ivan was often haunted by thoughts of his past and mortality (Tolstoy, 1886). Despite his illness being incurable, he was still yet to grasp the implications of his life. He even required the assistance of Gerasim – his peasant servant to get rid on his excrements. Amongst his kin and friends, none seemed to grasp the fact of his imminent death. All but the servant pretended that he was only ill and was not dying.
Many ill persons, especially those with serious illness struggle with despair and feelings of meaningless. Majority report a change in how they perceive time and space. Illness is often one of the moments that lead one to philosophical and moral reflection (Shelly & Miller, 2006) . It totally separates one from his or her normal daily routines, revealing certain aspect of life that are often neglected
Analysis of own experience with illness and disease and its impact
I have experienced illness in the past and it was not a good experience. After a visit to a mosquito infested region, I contracted a serious case of malaria that left me bedridden for a few days. Fortunately, I was not admitted to a health facility and was required to take medication from home. Recalling that experience, I can acknowledge that I have never lived long days compared to those three day that was confined to my bed. A day to me felt like a whole week. Despite there being a wall clock in the room, I did not know what time of day it was. I felt completely isolated from the outside world. Sometimes, I even thought I had died and gone to another world.
Other times, it would wake up late into the night sweating profusely, feeling thirsty and exhausted from all the sleeping. I would have very clear nostalgic memories of my childhood, with some dating even twenty years back. Due to the numerous drugs that I was taking, I fell in and out of trace during both day and night. To some extent I felt my physical body somehow disconnected from inner self (Eberst, 2008) . However, I can comfortably acknowledge that the environment I was in helped me to recover quickly. It was very quiet, comfortable, I had my television and radio and the window was close beside my bed so I could see outside.
The experience had a huge impact on my life. After recovery, I felt rejuvenated with additional strength to face life and complete my studies. I learned to appreciate life even more and to never take myself for granted (Shelly & Miller, 2006). I also learn that having an encouraging atmosphere and environment is crucial for quick recovery.
Conclusion
The human experience with illness and disease is a fundamental aspect of life. However, the conditions, atmosphere and environment that one is surrounded with during illness is very crucial to person’s recovery. Illness takes a heavy toll on the psychological and physical strength of an individual. Hence, it is important that one be provided with the best resources, medication, peace of mind and a lot of support in order to overcome.
References
Dunn, L. (2010). Creating healing environments: a challenge for nursing. Online Journal of Rural Nursing & Health Care , 10 (2), 3-5.
Eberst, N. R. (2008). Arizona Medical Center Shows How to Be a 'Healing Hospital'. Health Progress.
Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to care: A Christian worldview for nursing (2nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL.: IVP Academic.
Tolstoy, L. N. (1886). The death of Ivan Ilych (L. Maude & A. Maude, Trans.). Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Retrieved from http://www.ccel.org/ccel/tolstoy/ivan.html
