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A bit about me...

I have been posting to this blog since October of last year on many approaches to chronic pain management. I came to realize that many of you know that I have some professional credentials, so I know a bit about pain management in that regard. But you might not know that I have personal experience in dealing with chronic pain as well. So, this post is all about me and the various pain issues I deal with in life.

Don't let the turkeys get you down!


Ever since I was a young teen, I have been plagued with migraine headaches.  Most of my issues in this regard seemed to be worsened by hormonal cycles.  Now that I have past that part of my life, I still get an occasional migraine, but for the most part life is good in this regard.  That being said, I can't even begin to tell you how many days I spent sick in bed because of a migraine headache.  Many times I could not even eat or drink for hours on end because of this.  I am ever so grateful that this is in the past!

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my mid-thirties. Fortunately this is limited to one knee. I have physical restrictions because of this.  It was really tough back when my daughter was young--no jump rope for Mom!  To my advantage, I have been actively exercising for many years.  A few years ago I gained some weight and decided to make some very big lifestyle changes with respect to diet. I lost 25 pounds and it has made all the difference in the world!  While I must still live with some restrictions, my knee is pain free most of the time.  There may come a day when I need to consider surgery for joint replacement. But for now it's all good.

Lastly, I have carpal tunnel syndrome. For the most part it is not bothersome but here again living with restrictions is the rule.  I love to crochet and this can be a real challenge when I am totally engrossed in a project. Someday surgery for that problem may be in order; but for now I just have to stick to the rules.

These issues are certainly not equivalent to some pain conditions...but they are chronic and I have lived with them all for a  very long time.  I try not to let the turkeys get me down!

Photo source: Flickr




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