Dealing with chronic pain can feel like a relentless journey, but it’s also one where hope and empowerment can lead the way. I’d like to share my own story and offer some tips that helped me reclaim control.
My Journey: Trusting Instincts and Finding My Path I faced a bilateral wrist injury, initially misdiagnosed by several specialists. Despite the consensus, I felt something wasn’t right. By questioning the status quo and using research skills I’ve honed through my blog, I discovered the root cause: a chronic birth defect. My persistence led me to a solution that finally set me free from pain. I found a doctor that I could trust and most importantly that could get what I actually needed: to land the plane and have a path forward. Given the anatomical defect, surgery was the only permanent solution. Despite some disagreement from the peanut gallery of other doctors, I consulted, I decided to have both wrists done at once. The pain I was feeling was just not physical – it was the inertia and the disruption to my normally vibrant, energetic, life.
The recovery is painful and very humbling. I have a newfound appreciation for being able to use my body, especially my hands. I know that eventually things will get back to where I can leave a normal life. As someone once said, time takes time resilience is something that I’ve always recognized as a strength. Make it survival all the other things that have happened in this life, I can get through this. I’ve got no regrets.
The biggest thing that I thought would help is sharing my experience with other people because a lot of us do live with chronic pain that does disrupt our lives and our ability to function as human beings in society, and that includes work, being a productive person, pursuing our fitness goals, and being there for our families.
Top 5 Tips to Deal with Chronic Pain
- Trust Your Instincts with Doctors: Your body knows best. If something feels off, speak up.
- Seek Second Opinions: Never settle on one diagnosis. Different perspectives can provide new insights.
- Do Your Own Research: Knowledge is power. Understand your condition and options.
- Take Care of Your Mental Health: Chronic pain affects more than just your body. Seek support and practice mindfulness.
- Play the Long Game: Recovery might not be quick, but perseverance can make all the difference.
- The Journey Does Not End When the Pain Ends: Even after physical pain subsides, ongoing care is crucial. Continue with recommended physical therapy, ensure you take adequate rest days, and pay attention to your diet. An anti-inflammatory diet can be particularly beneficial. (A link on which oils are anti-inflammatory)
Approaching Pain from the beginning
Pain always starts somewhere. The key is to nip it in the bud as quickly as possible. This prevents the pain from escalating and becoming chronic in the first place. Are some of my go to solutions for when any area of my body starts to be in pain.
- R.I.C.E. Method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation can be effective for acute injuries or flare-ups.
- Physical Therapy and Acupuncture: Gentle and often effective, these methods can help improve mobility and reduce pain through targeted exercises and stimulation.
- Meditation and Mindfulness: These techniques can help manage the emotional and mental toll of chronic pain.
- Adjustments to Diet and Rest: A nutritious, anti-inflammatory diet, coupled with proper rest, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Topical treatments; one of my favorite brands is this roll on with Arnica and CBD, called Penetrex.
