Facing down "normal" pain after years of chronic pain

/ Inspire Santé/
Facing down "normal" pain after years of chronic pain

It's so hard to accept any bad days after suffering so many bad years. I think that, as my pain continues to recede in my rearview mirror, that will become less challenging. With time, I expect that I'll even come to appreciate the occasional "down day" with some minor ailment. But for now, I'm desperate to enjoy my still-fresh health.

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A letter to my mother: This is what I've endured.

/ Inspire Santé/
A letter to my mother: This is what I've endured.

My mother and I have been estranged for more than five years. While I was at my lowest point -- wheelchair bound, in excruciating pain, and suffering immensely -- she was critical and skeptical of my pain. That became intolerable, and my recovery ultimately required that I sever ties with her and work on rebuilding my emotional health and my strength.  She's missed so much these past several years.

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Top 3 ​​​​​​​Stress-Busting Gifts for Caregivers [Guest post by Beverly Nelson]

/ Inspire Santé/
Top 3 ​​​​​​​Stress-Busting Gifts for Caregivers [Guest post by Beverly Nelson]

Considering the fact caregiving duties take up as many hours as a part-time or even full-time job for many unpaid providers, it’s often extremely difficult for them to prioritize self-care. But thoughtful gifts can help make their lives a little easier and even encourage them to indulge in a little “me time.” Here are a few gift suggestions for the deserving caregivers on your list.

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Back from the Brink: The identity crisis of a patient-turned-healthy woman

/ Inspire Santé/
Back from the Brink: The identity crisis of a patient-turned-healthy woman

“Being sick is your entire identity right now – by necessity.  You go to the doctor, to physical therapy, to Walgreens.  You spend your ‘free time’ doing your physical therapy exercises or intentionally trying to relax.  The people in your life relate to you as a sick person – the way they interact with you is reflective of their awareness of your disability.  When you no longer have that disability, it will change the way people see and treat you. It will change how you spend your time.  It’ll change the entire focus of your day and life.”

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My pain changed me, and I'm working to be OK with that.

/ Inspire Santé/
My pain changed me, and I'm working to be OK with that.

I thought I could “start fresh,” making a clean break with my pain-riddled life and beginning the pain-free chapter.  But my reflection since my pain faded away have taught me that there are no clean breaks.  Our lives are fluid, and our experiences color us.  So today, I’ll admit that my pain changed me.  And I’m working to be OK with that.

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It's OK to be sad sometimes: my experience with loss

/ Inspire Santé/
It's OK to be sad sometimes: my experience with loss

I spent months crying into Gracie’s fur as I shook and sobbed on the sofa.  I flew weekly for medical treatments out-of-state, and I returned home to clutch Gracie for hours as I recharged my batteries.  I absorbed her unconditional love for me in times of excruciating turmoil surrounding my health, our wedding, law school, financial instability, and familial discord. 

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