Chronic pain help Part 1

Most people find that they have landed in a world that they never thought they would be in. Chronic Pain can have many effects on your mind,body and overall well being. Nobody seems to quite understand what you are going through? whether you have a diagnosis or not, Your pain is Very Real and all of a sudden your life has changed quickly. You must make decisions on Pain mgmt and find a way to deal with well meaning coworkers, family members, friends, etc.. Let's face it, Your Life has changed and you must change with it. Don't fight it, The worst thing you can do is to fight your pain, as that will only make it worse. You have a choice to stay stranded in the middle of the road (or) use your chronic pain coping skills that I will post here to help you. First, make sure you have the needed tests done to rule in or out what is happening to you. Second, I cannot stress to you the importance of keeping a Chronic Pain Journal. Sounds like a hassle, yet you will soon find that you can look back and "see" what causes your pain to shoot off the chart? You will be able to "see" the days leading up to a "flare" (or) temp. "set-back". This is very Important During your journey in the land of chronic pain. You will Begin to see a pattern. You can see things you need to change in your life as well. Chronic pain affects our Lives in more than just one way. It affects our Jobs, our marriages, our friendships, the list can go on. In my next post I will list "Coping skills" that you can start applying right away! You are (not) alone, although, Chronic pain can make you feel like you are the only one on the planet who hurts! I know, Ive been in Chronic Pain for over 12 years, and I have learned alot about Myself as well as others. You are Never alone, You are a stong person who Can Make it through the land of Chronic pain. You will Get (alot) of opinions & advice from well meaning people and doctors, Yet, its (YOU) who must take responsibilty for helping yourself! I dont say this to be mean, I say this as I know first hand it's very true. I care, and that is (why) Ive decided to start posting what has helped me along the way, to share what works for me and what doesnt. To let you know Yes! there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that you are a very strong person who can apply what you think will help you and learn to "adjust" to "living with Chronic Pain".