Pain Management

I've spent quite a few years of my life in pain. Between accidents, surgery, and a couple of years with active rheumatoid arthritis, I've become somewhat of an expert on chronic pain management. I've even written a couple of magazine articles about it. However, understanding pain and actually being in pain are two entirely different things. Being in pain for too long starts to affect your mind and spirit.

I've been in pain for about two months now and I haven't done much about it because I knew I had a doctor's appointment scheduled and I wanted to get a second opinion before I started taking anything beyond an occasional Tylenol. I have the attitude that you shouldn't get rid of pain or cover it up until you understand what is causing it. Pain is the body's way of getting attention- "Hey, stupid, you did something wrong here!!" So I like to know what I'm treating. I've also learned from the experts that pain needs to be evaluated on a scale from 1(annoying) to 10 (where's the Morphine drip?) in order to evaluate its relevance. My current pain level is about a 2 with an occasional episode of 3.

My doctor is of the opinion that I have joint inflammation and some arthritis from my many "experiences". You just can't knock a body around as much as I have this one and not have some degree of permanent damage. LOL But he also said the magic words I was waiting for: "I don't think it's anything serious." I've been going to my doctor for fifteen years; I trust him. Now I'm ready for a little pain management.

My prescription for pain has always been the same: Ibuprofen, walking, stretching (Yoga), and weight loss. It also helps me if I eat less meat. So it's up to me to get busy and get rid of this annoying pain before it affects my positive attitude. 

By the way, my doctor also says that I'm one of his healthiest patients!! Yeah! That should help with #1 on my bucket list!

Take care, and if you haven't seen your doctor in a while, go make an appointment!

Comments

[houstine]

Like your new pic, and also your new heading...neat Have a great day!

[patty craft]

thanks for this post--just what I needed to hear today as I blogsurfed.

peace and love