Life throws curveballs at us, and we may think everything is falling apart. But there are always means to cope—it is a matter of finding what works for you. For those who live with chronic pain, it’s important to understand that your day-to-day life will inevitable begin to change. Conditions associated with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and migraines may cause loss of sleep, lead to depression, and be the root of mood swings, irritability, and more. The constant discomfort may even force you to give up activities you have a burning passion for, or disrupt your current relationships. And, incredibly, about 20% of the U.S. population suffers from chronic pain.
There is an amazing woman who, though she suffers from chronic pain, never gave up—despite her many challenges in life. Ellen Lenox Smith wrote a book called, It Hurts Like Hell! I Live with Pain—And Have a Good Life, Anyway! Ellen, to give you an idea about her experience, spent 4-years wheelchair bound, can’t lift more than 5lbs (which is devastating when you have grandchildren) and has undergone about 24 different surgeries. Despite living with Ehlers-Danlos and Sarcoidosis, she is still able to find joy in her new, altered lifestyle, and seeks to help others maximize their quality of life based on what she has personally learned.
Here are some tips from Ellen about how to make the most of your life when you suffer from chronic pain:
1. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and know that you only have one life to live. Choose to have hope and find purpose in spite of your challenges.
2. Take the time you need to come to terms with what you may have lost in facing chronic pain, but then MOVE FORWARD, or life will pass you by.
3. Find a knowledgeable medical team that truly wants to help you improve your quality of life.
4. Stay engaged with friends and family where you can, but know that changes in your current relationships is a possibility with your new limitations.
5. Attempt to maintain a positive outlook on life—the mind is a powerful thing. Choose a support group with people who can personally relate to your situation. Be there for one another.
6. Try to seek new activities that you love, and help others. It does wonders for your feelings of purpose.
7. Work hard to find medications and therapies that help you cope with pain.
There are a variety of treatments available for chronic pain, such as talk therapy, painkillers, and other coping techniques, but one highly effective option is ketamine infusions. Ketamine has been used as an analgesic for years—it is one of the World Health Organization’s essential medications, in fact. In recent years, ketamine infusions have been proven to deliver chronic pain relief for up to 6 months. It provides lasting pain relief by blocking receptors in the nervous system associated with managing pain.
Contact RestoratIV Wellness
Our clinic has personally seen how ketamine can change lives for the better, and we want to see it do the same for you.
Please contact our professional staff to receive a free consultation. We are here to answer any questions you may have and look forward to being a part of your newfound joy.
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