Currently I’m having a bout with pain. It’s been going since last Thursday. Usually a trip to the chiropractor takes care of this type of pain. Unfortunately the swelling from arthritis prevented adjustment from “sticking”.
I can handle my day to day pain. This here is a bit harder. When holding your own head up causes pain-that’s not good. When holding arm out to do simple tasks sends sharp pains into shoulder and neck-that’s not good. I am on steroids currently to help swelling go down. I take my 2nd daily dose this afternoon. I have had to deal with this type of pain for years.
I’m grateful that every day is not like this. I’m positive the weather change is the cause this time. I have been known to cause myself more pain by doing things that I probably should avoid. No I don’t go skydiving or anything like that. But I overdo it some days. I have had to get very real with myself about what I can and what I can’t do. I cannot allow the former athlete to take over. I’m not that girl anymore. I have become very comfortable with saying no to plans. I recognize when I need to rest. I know what exercises help me and which ones to avoid. I have learned to listen to my body.
It wasn’t easy at first. It took years for me to accept that I would never be the person I was prior to my accident. It was a learning experience. It was most difficult for me to stop looking at what I lost. But over time I started focusing on what I could still do. None of us are as we once were. These changes happen to us all. I just had this change happen at a young age and overnight.
I have found some things to be therapeutic when I’m in pain:
1. My sense of humor. I try my hardest despite the pain to seek out things that make me laugh. I joke about myself and my issues as well.
2. Silver linings-always always look for them. They are there. Right now, my silver lining is knowing that this type of pain is not a frequent occurrence and it will not last.
3. Music-music is an escape. It takes you away from the here and now. It soothes the soul.
4. Acceptance-it is what it is type attitude. Make the best of it. Let your body heal. Do what you need to do to care for yourself.
I can and I will feel better. I can and I will be back amongst the living soon. I can, I will be alright. I can and I will relish every second of the things that I enjoy. I can and I will set reasonable goals for myself and achieve them. I can, I will.
#chronicpain
#arthritis
#spondylosis
#fibromyalgia
#spinalfusions
#laura
#ikickass