Can You Live With Chronic Pain?

Being a chronic pain sufferer for many years I saw countless doctors. They could mask the pain with drugs, but no one could cure me. This was not the way I wanted to live my life. I decided to find another way. Although there isn't a roadmap for how to cure chronic pain, there are some things you can try to reduce your suffering.

Don't Beat Yourself Up: You didn't ask for this pain. You are not a bad person because you are in pain. If you can't do everything at once, don't worry. It will be waiting for you when you can. Don't anticipate the pain. This can actually increase your suffering and stop you from doing things you enjoy.

Talk About How You Feel: I wrote in my journal everyday, no matter how bad I felt. You can say whatever you want to a piece of paper. When I got angry I wrote it down. When I was in so much pain that I didn't want to talk to anyone I wrote it down.

Find out about your disease: The internet is a great resource. You won't believe how much information you can find. Don't believe anything that you have to purchase to treat your pain. If someone had a cure you know it would be available to doctors.

Change Your Attitude: My attitude was fine before I began suffering. So, how could I use my attitude to change my pain? This seemed stupid to me. But, even though I resisted at first, I kept looking into what others were saying worked for them.

Read stories of others who are suffering: You are not alone. It is hard to believe, but it is true that there is always someone suffering more than you. I guarantee it.

Join a support group: It will surprise you how many people who suffer with chronic pain actually live life to the fullest. They don't all cry and complain. They can help you learn to take control over your pain.

Prayer and Guidance: I talked to my priest. Was I being punished? He told me that sometimes we are called to suffer. This irritated me at first, but again, I listened. I pondered the thought and began to thank God for my suffering. Was I thankful for the pain? No. But, if God thought I could handle it. Who was I to disagree?

Do Something You Love: I love all kinds of music. The depression that comes from suffering can be reduced by listening to music. I still keep my ipod with me when I am having a bad day. It helps.

There is no cure for chronic pain. A positive attitude is hard to have when you are suffering, but if you can get yourself to that place, you may find that you can cope better. You have to take control and not let the pain control you.