Physical pain sucks, but it comes with a chronic illness. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Before my first surgery, I ignored severe pain for a very long time. I almost ignored it until it was too late. I assumed it was just another bad day and I could sleep it off. I was so wrong and nearly lost my life.
Now I know better. If after a day the pain doesn’t go away I usually either call my doctor or go the Emergency Room. I shouldn’t have to suffer. I shouldn’t feel guilty for asking for relief. Somehow I always do, like I feel maybe I’m supposed to tough it out. Also, I go to the ER or my doctor, not just for pain relief, but to make sure there’s not a blockage or abscess.
Why? Why do I have to suffer? Do you know what it’s like trying to go to work when you’re in pain? Or trying to do anything really?
Narcotics aren’t always a great option, but sometimes they are necessary. Pain meds only mask the pain, they don’t fix the problem. So while doctors try to come up with a plan at least they can keep me comfortable. I’m never on pain meds for more than a day or two at a time (unless I’m recovering from surgery).
Do pain meds take away the pain? Nope. It just dulls everything, I’m still in pain but care less. That’s the best way I can explain it.
Sometimes I’m timid when asking for relief, but usually, once doctors know my history and see my test results they have no problem helping me. I remember after my first surgery, one of my doctors was talking to me and said I should have been jumping up to the ceiling screaming in pain.
Medical marijuana is a great option, sadly one I haven’t been able to try out here. According to US Attorney Jeff Sessions, I’m a criminal who should be locked away if I use marijuana. Get a grip. Most doctors agree medical marijuana is a great and safe alternative to narcotic pain medications. There is a serious opioid addiction crisis in this country and most people who are addicted started somewhere simple, like recovering from an accident or surgery. Florida just recently legalized medical marijuana, but it’s still not available (correct me if I’m wrong please).
I hate asking for pain meds, but sometimes I have to. It never fails, but I always feel guilty or that I’m being judged, even if the doctors are great. I feel like I’m supposed to be stronger and handle a certain level of pain. Or that I don’t always look like I’m in pain. Well, 17 years of severe pain off and on, I can hide it well.
I hate pain, but I don’t rush to pop pills the minute the pain comes on. If I’m home the first thing I do is take a hot shower. Handheld shower heads are great for just applying right over the sore spots. The world is so much better after a hot shower. Next thing I do is climb into bed with my electric heating pad. The heating pad doesn’t take away the pain, but it does help and at least I can try and get through it. If it gets worse I’ll take a pain pill and if after that I’m still in a lot of pain and it doesn’t seem to be going away (I try and give it 12-24 hours) I head to the ER for instant relief. Drug me up and send me on my way, unless it’s something more serious.
Like with everything else I manage my life around the pain. I adjust my level of activity or plans to make life easier when I’m in pain and turn to my go-to pain relief methods until it passes. The next day I wake up and go back to my normal routine. I never know when I’m going to get knocked down again, but I know what to do when it happens.