jeans | similar scarf | shoes | watch | bracelet
My limited experience with chronic and persistent pain gave me a different perspective on a topic I didn’t quite understand. By sharing a few things I’ve learned, I hope to give light to the challenges chronic pain can cause the sufferer and loved ones involved.
I wrote a little about pain (here) and how it pushed me to find a solution to my back issue, but I didn’t share the details about how that pain affected my daily life.
Is this pain FOR REAL?
It is difficult to put into words how debilitating back pain can be. I was a competitive gymnast and a part of this sport meant falling – a lot! I mention this to show that I am no stranger to pain. Overcoming pain was second nature, I would mentally blocked out the pain until it was gone. I determined to never allow pain to hold me back, as I was trained to do in gymnastics. I’m not sure if I was born with a high tolerance for pain or if it was developed through time.
Imagine the mental shift it took to relinquish (a fancy word for losing) control over my body and resign myself to the fact that I couldn’t block out this pain. I remember asking even MYSELF if I was truly in this much pain. The bottom line- I wasn’t in control, my pain was!
Chronic Pain Takeaways
- You can’t see pain in another person.
- Each phase of our life is temporary.
- Live Life to the Fullest- No Regrets.
- It’s OK to slow down, no need to feel guilt.
- Gratitude for the little things – which are really the big things! (for more on this- read here)
I think these takeaways can also be applicable to any experience in life, what do you think?
Creating a bond with those dealing with chronic and persistent pain was also very helpful. It is a camaraderie I don’t wish on anyone. However, community helped me feel a sense of reassurance, which in turn helped me feel less alone.
Loved Ones and Chronic Pain
Be there for them and believe their pain, even if it doesn’t make sense to you. It was heartbreaking when I felt disdain from someone in my life. I tried to be low maintenance, but I did need help. Those that were willing and understanding made the experience much easier to bear.
I have so many stories of love and support from those around me, and I am beyond grateful for those that were there for me both physically and emotionally. A dear friend wanted to take me to dinner, but I couldn’t sit! Instead of stay in the restaurant – we grabbed our food to go and she took me to a park where I could lay on the grass and eat. It meant the world to me, and we still laugh about that experience today!
I can’t believe the pain that once held me back is no longer affecting me. Hindsight is 20/20- and I think thats why it took awhille to write this post. It is fitting that today I am 7 months post op- 7 months of recovery and reflection. I went to the physical therapist a few days ago and they asked if I had any pain and without hesitation I said no. I mean, I am very careful and some days are better than others, but overall my life has improved drastically since surgery. Thank you so much for reading and following along with me. Sharing my story like this is pretty scary and I feel ‘oh so vulnerable.’ I’ve found so much strength from others that were willing to share their stories and be vulnerable so if I can help just one person right now, the fear is worth it. Wishing you the best week!