Pain management? Like, what do you do? Give your pain a schedule? Tell it to stop? I’d like to see that happen!
The truth is I have never been to pain management classes and the truth is there are those of us who suffer from chronic pain that could benefit from it because another truth is…not everyone is good at managing pain.
In the beginning diagnoses of your illness you are learning and sometimes it takes a few years to match a method to the madness. There will never be a perfect method but, it can help tremendously to be armed with the knowledge and tools. Imagine being stranded…wouldn’t it be better to at least have the blanket, the extra water, the cellphone and to have watched a couple of episodes of Survivor (or know some MacGyver tricks…old old old show) or maybe a bottle of Frank’s Hot sauce since they “Put that — on everything!”
(Yeah that’ll fix your lupus!)
I learned through trial and error, research, listening to my body, intuition and knowledge of my illnesses/dis-ease how to manage it to the best of my ability. It’s about what works for you.
- It’s about knowing and understanding as much as you can about your illness or dis-ease. I had a difficult time reading about Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis because I am very sensitive and after 5 years I am still accepting it. You need to know what you are dealing with.
- Be prepared for EVERYTHING and EVERYWHERE because most of our symptoms are UNPREDICTABLE and PREDICTABLE based on your body and schedule. I know if I am going to drive to a few places I have my gloves, I do hand exercises to keep my joints loose. I know if I am going to be the passenger to get out and stretch every chance I get! Take your hot/cold water thingy. I take mines everywhere. Especially if I am going to be at family functions, long rides and trips. (Beats dragging a heating pad and these are cute)
- Have your meds with you. Have extra pain meds until you can get back home. I have to take a Benadryl in my med pack because I never know if I will have a itching flare and that would be so embarrassing to me! (I’m a fashion diva and you can purchase cute pill boxes. I was never comfortable whipping out bottles or a big strip that may as well came with a neon sign reading SHE’S TAKING HER MEDS!!!!)
- Know your triggers. Is it a certain food? Is it after you exercise? Is it a certain person?Is it after a meeting at work you know is going to be stressful and drama filled? Is is the Wednesday soccer practice, football practice, dinner, get everyone to bed on time?
- I hear my body saying “Wow! You have how many things to do today?” or “I am tired. Can we go home now? Can we stop now?” and if you must push through be prepared. Get your hot soak ready, your cold pack, your hot pack, your pillows, is everything withing arms reach by your bedside?
- And say NO! No I can’t do that. No that is too much. No I will not push myself today. No it can wait.
I hope this helps you! ❤ < 3 Much love and less pain
~Nikki
Nikki's Confetti Life 
So true; everyone manages pain differently, almost as differently as they themselves are.
Melanie Schulz from
Melanie Schulz.com
Managing any chronic disease takes slowing down and listening to your body for sure. Visiting from A to Z.
So true! Our bodies speak.
The best thing I ever did for myself was attend birthing classes. I’ve used those techniques many a time since giving birth the natural way twice, but it was during my heart attack that it came in the handiest. I was calmer than everyone around me. Breathing, going deep into your self, and refusing to panic, it works, still. I think that’s more about the managing pain aspect than anything else. Wishing you all the best with your issues, no one should be in pain in this day and age, but sadly, that’s not the case. Stay well. Nice meeting you via the A to Z!
Happy A to Z-ing 🙂
Ninga Minion @YolandaRenee from
Defending The Pen
Parallels
Murderous Imaginings
It’s funny how what we learn in some areas can be used into other areas. 😊