Chronic Pain is a Pain

There's this part about chronic pain that no one talks about. It's the complete mental and physical exhaustion. When you have chronic pain it wears your body down and fast. Not only are you in agony but your body is going into survival mode.

While you are in this survival mode you are often being asked to make difficult decisions. "Do you want stronger pain meds? Do you want to try this type of med instead? Do you want repeat imaging? Do you want surgery?" These questions are hard to answer when your brain is working properly, let alone when your brain is barely functioning.

In the midst of all of it, the world expects a smile. No one wants to hear about the pain, they prefer you to act like your fine as it makes them more comfortable.

Those with chronic pain learn to push through the pain and exhaustion. When they say the hurt, they REALLY hurt. The reality is when they finally mention it they have likely already been hurting for a long time, they just reached their breaking point. Chronic pain is not the same as the occasional pain, it wears you down in ways you can never imagine until it happens to you.

Those with chronic pain function at levels that would cause the average person to head to the ER. Why? Because they have to. Those with chronic pain don't have that luxury. If they don't keep pushing on they won't ever do anything again.

Having chronic pain is incredibly frustrating and tiring in itself, not to mention the part where you have to try to communicate that pain to your doctors. Here are some tips on how to best communicate your pain-

1. Keep a detailed history of your pain. Keep track of the type of pain as well as the pain level.

2. Use clarifying words such as stabbing, cramping, throbbing, etc.

3. Learn how doctors use the pain scale before shooting out numbers.

4. Compare your pain. Sometimes it is helpful when describing your pain to past pain.

5. Don’t let anyone undermine your pain. If a doctor isn’t taking it seriously, find a new doctor.

Your pain is valid you deserve to be heard.

Disclaimer-

All information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider and/or your insurance provider for your specific situation. This blog does not offer medical advice.