Dealing with Chronic Pain

Janienne Jennrich, Self-Portrait Photo by Janienne Jennrich

Posted by
Janienne Jennrich
Mar 9, 2008

HI-

Coping with chronic health problems is nothing new to many people I know, or to myself, and maybe to you.

I don't feel I have a lot of answers for how one overcomes pain or depression that can come with health issues.

Many look for some larger purpose for discomfort. I used to wonder if my migraines would inspire one of my children to a medical career. Perhaps I was a stepping-stone to a cure for chronic headaches? Perhaps my pain was some sort of blessing for mankind.

Nope. Neither child leans in the least toward a career in medicine or research.

Okay, so maybe I'm meant to learn something. I have tried. Really tried.

Guess what? After twenty-five years... zip, nadda, nuttin'. So much for that one. Of course, I am an expert on migraine medications and all manner of healing. Yes, prayer and positive thinking, included.

A famiy member with pain answers "How are you?" with the enthusiastic reponse, "UN-Believable!" This is neither a negative or positive answer, but it keeps one from sounding whiny (oh, I have another headache...what else is new.. I am the most boring person on the face of the earth...).

See, I don't have any good answers on coping. Mostly I just get through "bad days" and catch up on "good days." Helping others is a good uplifting distraction. I pick projects I can do in small spurts. I try to make my kids laugh. Nothing is more healing than the laughter of a child.

So, how do you deal with chronic pain, recurring health issues, or other challenges? There is a discussion question on the main Seniors/Grandparents page where you can share. I'd love to hear from you.

Be happy,

Janienne

Nov 8, 2008 8:01 AM

Guest :

I have found that my dogs help me with chronic pain. I have been totally disabled since 2005. I am prescribed and take morphine and vicodin for that pain, but having my dogs - meeting their needs, petting them, caring for them, being amused by them, extends the time between doses of those narcotics. My little dog, Bug is a Pomeranian and she is hilarious. She keeps me laughing with her stunts and enthusiasm. I highly recommend companion animals for chronic pain. It may not take the pain away completely, but they will distract you from the pain in ways that the people around cannot. For all of you that live with pain - day in and day out - I wish for you the best. I hope you find something or someone to assist you. Janienne is right - I also feel like the most boring person on earth - I'm in pain - what else is new - but those days when I can get out of bed and join the world are wonderful. Children and animals might be our answers to assisting us join the world a bit more frequently.