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Sheryl Pickering's avatar

Although I haven’t been in a war zone I too suffer from chronic pain. I am in many different medications and they do help, at least enough to want to live. I have tried all of the same things you have and many more. I think because none of us have found a cure we always feel like failures. I’m always hoping to find something to “cure” this burden and I can go back to having a normal life. Unfortunately it doesn’t happen. Because pain itself is invisible you get treated differently, my own father hurls abuse at me every time I talk to him or visit him. To him my pain and disability is a moral failing. I go on because there are some things that are enjoyable and I always hope I can do a little something to make the world a better place or make another human being feel a little bit better. That keeps me going.

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Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

I'm really sorry for your pain. And I am angry about your ignorant and abusive father. I walk away from such personalities. But I don't have a clue about the complexities of your relationship. Just protect yourself...

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Penfist's avatar

Sheryl,

I am so sorry about the way your father views your chronic pain. As to it being a moral failing, that sounds like a lack of critical thinking ability to me.

Keep making the world a little bit better as long as you can! That's a worth endeavor. Drop by anytime if you need to chat with someone who understands. Invisible pain is still real, and everyone deserves to have a support network.

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Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

Pen, I too suffer from back pain. Nothing close to your experience. But enough that I can try to imagine how life altering your affliction is. The back is a delicate structure. Based on the experiences you have described, it's a wonder you are still with us. I am glad you are. Your writing always stirs something in me. Perhaps it's your general world view...or the fact that you are "dog person" :)

Anyway, keep writing. It has great value.

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Penfist's avatar

Thank you, Bill. Chronic pain is only one facet of my overall issues. Writing keeps me on the right side of the sanity line :)

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Sheryl Pickering's avatar

Also, thank you for sharing. Knowing we aren’t alone on this journey does help. ❤️💔❤️

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Penfist's avatar

You made me wonder if there are support groups for people with chronic pain. https://uspainfoundation.org/uspfevents/daily-check-in-chronic-pain-support-group/

I am going to attend an online meeting soon.

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