Is it better to sit around and do nothing and have controllable pain or be in intense pain while doing something and having fun?
That's my question. I've spent the past couple days mostly sitting around recuperating from a busy week or so. Just sitting around. Not doing much of anything. Not standing or walking very much. No lifting, bending, reaching. Limited activity. And truth is, the pain is on the lower end (that's still after the prescription pain medication -- at the end of the 12 hours, since the last dose, the pain returns). But, I'm bored.
Then I decide to do something. Today it was re-pot a couple plants, clean them up and prepare them to come inside for the cold season. 20 minutes or so and the major ache and pain erupted. Spasms. Sore. Burn. It's no longer the low-grade ache in the background. I'm counting down till 3 pm when I can take my next pain pill. But, besides the result -- the pain -- I had a little fun. And even if it was only for a few minutes, I did something I enjoyed. There was purpose. There was accomplishment.
So I ask again -- is it better to just sit around, do nothing and keep the pain under control or enjoy life a little, do something and hurt (a lot). Maybe there's a middle ground -- I haven't found it yet. I'll keep looking.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
A busy couple weeks
I've been busy. That's my excuse for not posting. And I have several stories to tell, but first I must take time to recuperate from being so busy.
Here are my highlights: I spent 3 days in Greenville, SC with a friend from a chronic pain meetup group. She was seeing a specialist for RSD and was alone in SC. I decided I could lend a hand and provide some companionship. In 3 days, with a new doctor and special care I could see a big difference in both her mental attitude and her physical well-being. Hooray for doctors who care.
I rested a day and then headed to Charlotte, NC to see a friend from high school perform. Glen Burtnik and my brother were in a high school band together. Glen has gone on to perform solo, in Beatlemania, ELO and Styx and has several albums (I guess they are actually CDs). It was fun to see Glen. Some day I'll try to post video of his performance.
Between driving, standing, walking, sleeping in hotels, shopping, etc. -- I'm exhausted and in pain. So, now I'm going to rest ... and contemplate how to shop at IKEA. I went to the Charlotte IKEA store and loved, loved, loved it. But, after a quick 45 minute painful walk-through I knew I needed to be better prepared before I spent real shopping time there.
Here are my highlights: I spent 3 days in Greenville, SC with a friend from a chronic pain meetup group. She was seeing a specialist for RSD and was alone in SC. I decided I could lend a hand and provide some companionship. In 3 days, with a new doctor and special care I could see a big difference in both her mental attitude and her physical well-being. Hooray for doctors who care.
I rested a day and then headed to Charlotte, NC to see a friend from high school perform. Glen Burtnik and my brother were in a high school band together. Glen has gone on to perform solo, in Beatlemania, ELO and Styx and has several albums (I guess they are actually CDs). It was fun to see Glen. Some day I'll try to post video of his performance.
Between driving, standing, walking, sleeping in hotels, shopping, etc. -- I'm exhausted and in pain. So, now I'm going to rest ... and contemplate how to shop at IKEA. I went to the Charlotte IKEA store and loved, loved, loved it. But, after a quick 45 minute painful walk-through I knew I needed to be better prepared before I spent real shopping time there.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
New Windows Make A Difference
Last Friday, we got our sunroom windows repaired/replaced. I am happy to endorse James at http://www.window-wise.com/. He did a great job and new windows make a ton of difference. The room is so much more brighter.
The down side is that the window framing/edges need to be painted. OUCH! It's not heavy work, but taking a little paintbrush and going up and down repeatedly hasn gotten the best of me. One window done --- 8 to go. After that one window, I had to quit. Took a painkiller and waiting for that to kick in. Guess the project will take about a week -- One window or so a day. Oh, the pain of being in pain.
Last Saturday, I went to a chronic pain meet-up group called Chronic-Connections. Great group! More on that later. For now, one topic we discussed was: it all starts at the top. Whatever temperament the doctor has with the patients is pretty much how the entire office interacts with patients and vice versa. My takeaway -- if the front office or phone person treats you poorly -- don't even bother making an appointment, the doctor sets the tone and if that kind of behavior is tolerated, he/she (the doctor) will probably treat you the same way. That will save me on wasting time with pathetic doctors who don't really care about their patients. It had to be said -- not all doctors are good with people.
The down side is that the window framing/edges need to be painted. OUCH! It's not heavy work, but taking a little paintbrush and going up and down repeatedly hasn gotten the best of me. One window done --- 8 to go. After that one window, I had to quit. Took a painkiller and waiting for that to kick in. Guess the project will take about a week -- One window or so a day. Oh, the pain of being in pain.
Last Saturday, I went to a chronic pain meet-up group called Chronic-Connections. Great group! More on that later. For now, one topic we discussed was: it all starts at the top. Whatever temperament the doctor has with the patients is pretty much how the entire office interacts with patients and vice versa. My takeaway -- if the front office or phone person treats you poorly -- don't even bother making an appointment, the doctor sets the tone and if that kind of behavior is tolerated, he/she (the doctor) will probably treat you the same way. That will save me on wasting time with pathetic doctors who don't really care about their patients. It had to be said -- not all doctors are good with people.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Appreciating the better days
Fall is definitely on the way. The past couple weeks have been full of gray days and seasonal changes. That means havoc in my body. I journal regularly and know that there are better times of the year for me (that's why my mom says I should move to Arizona where there aren't as many weather cycles). It's not fall yet; it's not even cold yet; but the changes are happening and I can already tell.
How come so many of us recognize the not-so-good days before we recognize the better days? Next spring, I am going to appreciate the better days as soon as they happen.
This year, I spent a couple weeks wondering if these were better days or just my imagination. I spent time rationalizing what I was feeling. I questioned if what I was feeling was real. Now, I realize that I need to treat the better days the same as the not-so-good days -- accept them immediately.
It might sound like a small thing to many of you, but for me, this is a major breakthrough. Have a good one!
How come so many of us recognize the not-so-good days before we recognize the better days? Next spring, I am going to appreciate the better days as soon as they happen.
This year, I spent a couple weeks wondering if these were better days or just my imagination. I spent time rationalizing what I was feeling. I questioned if what I was feeling was real. Now, I realize that I need to treat the better days the same as the not-so-good days -- accept them immediately.
It might sound like a small thing to many of you, but for me, this is a major breakthrough. Have a good one!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The day after a long weekend and I'm still struggling with the pain. Again yesterday, I pretty much just sat around. I figure that part of the increase in pain is due to seasonal changes -- fall is definitely in the air here. (big sigh) So frustrating.
Then I read an article titled "Spine Fracture Treatment Fails Test" (click here to read the article). The article says that vertebroplasty, a treatment for spinal fractures that is rapidly growing in popularity, may not be all that it's cracked up to be. My original doctors offered this possibility when I broke my back. Although I don't remember that discussion (I think I was in shock over breaking my back), I never had it done. At that time, non-invasive, more conservative treatment sounded like the better option. I'll never know if it would have worked for me -- it's too late to even try now. No one could ever give me guarantees or even high odds for this or any other surgery, so I chose no surgery.
Sure, it could have helped and made me better -- or it could have failed and made me worse. I am who I am.
Then I read an article titled "Spine Fracture Treatment Fails Test" (click here to read the article). The article says that vertebroplasty, a treatment for spinal fractures that is rapidly growing in popularity, may not be all that it's cracked up to be. My original doctors offered this possibility when I broke my back. Although I don't remember that discussion (I think I was in shock over breaking my back), I never had it done. At that time, non-invasive, more conservative treatment sounded like the better option. I'll never know if it would have worked for me -- it's too late to even try now. No one could ever give me guarantees or even high odds for this or any other surgery, so I chose no surgery.
Sure, it could have helped and made me better -- or it could have failed and made me worse. I am who I am.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Paying the Price for Pine Cone Fun
Wow! I hurt. A lot.
Yesterday, I spent a couple hours sorting through a couple big bags of pine cones. I mean, pine cones ... they are light. It's not like I lifted heavy weights or did a huge amount of work. I just picked up a pine cone, cleaned it and put it into a box. About halfway through, I took a break and took 15 mg of my pain medication. Feeling better, I went back to my pine cones. When done, I sat down and realized that the pain had increased. I took another 15 mg of my pain medication (I'm prescribed 30 mg a day, as needed, so this was within a regular dosage). I could barely lift my arm the rest of yesterday.
Even today, I'm still paying the price with residual pain. Haven't done a thing all day. No pine cones or anything. Rest is the only activity allowed (except for watching the NASCAR race on TV tonight). So, I'm paying the price today. All because of those pine cones. Kind of frustrating.
Yesterday, I spent a couple hours sorting through a couple big bags of pine cones. I mean, pine cones ... they are light. It's not like I lifted heavy weights or did a huge amount of work. I just picked up a pine cone, cleaned it and put it into a box. About halfway through, I took a break and took 15 mg of my pain medication. Feeling better, I went back to my pine cones. When done, I sat down and realized that the pain had increased. I took another 15 mg of my pain medication (I'm prescribed 30 mg a day, as needed, so this was within a regular dosage). I could barely lift my arm the rest of yesterday.
Even today, I'm still paying the price with residual pain. Haven't done a thing all day. No pine cones or anything. Rest is the only activity allowed (except for watching the NASCAR race on TV tonight). So, I'm paying the price today. All because of those pine cones. Kind of frustrating.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The One Day I Appreciate My Well-Endowed Chest
There is one day a year that I am really glad that I have big breasts. Mammogram day. That was today. At least when I get my mammogram there is something for the technician to grab on to, place on the X-ray table and smash down. I can’t imagine being itty bitty on top during a mammogram. Small chested women would require extra pulling. Then when the top plate lowers to the table to flatten the chest, all I can see is a major pinch. Not with me. A firm, but not painful smush is all I encounter.
Truly, get a mammogram. It’s not a big deal and it provides vital screening. I go to Wake Radiology in Cary, NC. They are compassionate, subtle and quick.
So, thank goodness for my abundant chest – at least today!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
September is Pain Awareness Month
This information is from the American Pain Foundation.
All year, the APF works with people and organizations across the country to build a united movement to improve pain treatment, raise awareness, dispel tragic myths and spark much needed change in order for people to get the pain care they deserve. This September, activities will be taking place across the country to highlight the effects of undertreated pain on people with pain, families, at workplaces, in the healthcare system, in diverse communities and the tremendous benefits change can bring. Visit their website: http://www.conqueringpaintogether.org to learn more.
On this site you will find an online petition, information about what others are planning and an easy-to-use toolkit with materials to help you take action in your local community and be part of this nationwide movement to improve the treatment of pain. We are especially excited to launch the first ever National Day of Action on Saturday, September 26th, 2009. On this day, we hope you and your community will join us and declare, “I commit to improving access to appropriate and effective pain care for all!”
This charge is being led by APF’s Power Over Pain Action Network (POPAN). The network is made up of people with pain, caregivers, healthcare providers and advocates like you, who are committed improving pain care for all. Please visit http://www.popactionnetwork.org/ to learn more about the network.
All year, the APF works with people and organizations across the country to build a united movement to improve pain treatment, raise awareness, dispel tragic myths and spark much needed change in order for people to get the pain care they deserve. This September, activities will be taking place across the country to highlight the effects of undertreated pain on people with pain, families, at workplaces, in the healthcare system, in diverse communities and the tremendous benefits change can bring. Visit their website: http://www.conqueringpaintogether.org to learn more.
On this site you will find an online petition, information about what others are planning and an easy-to-use toolkit with materials to help you take action in your local community and be part of this nationwide movement to improve the treatment of pain. We are especially excited to launch the first ever National Day of Action on Saturday, September 26th, 2009. On this day, we hope you and your community will join us and declare, “I commit to improving access to appropriate and effective pain care for all!”
This charge is being led by APF’s Power Over Pain Action Network (POPAN). The network is made up of people with pain, caregivers, healthcare providers and advocates like you, who are committed improving pain care for all. Please visit http://www.popactionnetwork.org/ to learn more about the network.
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