Life is hard enough,don't go through life with pain that’s keeping you clutching the steering wheel. Join me as I share with you my life of living chronically grateful while living with chronic pain.
When you get injured, or experience sudden pain for other reasons, that’s referred to as acute pain. It’s basically the initial response to stubbing your toe or scraping your knee,burned hand when removing something from the oven. You feel it immediately, and the pain fades quickly.
A moderate or severe injury can certainly cause you to feel pain for longer periods of time (up to six months), but overall, once it’s gone, you don’t generally experience it again.
However, if you feel the same pain for extended periods of time (generally over three months), that pain becomes chronic. And managing it will mean examining what may be causing your pain to persist.
Types of chronic pain
Most types of pain can become chronic over time, especially if it’s connected to a condition that hasn’t been treated, or has persistent pain as a symptom. Any of these types of pain can become chronic:
Nociceptive pain
Your nociceptors are pain sensors located in numerous areas of your body, including your skin and internal organs. When you feel pain from tissue injury or inflammation, it’s because these sensors send electrical impulses to your brain. This is the most common type of pain, and includes headaches, arthritis, osteonecrosis, spondylolisthesis and fibromyalgia.
Somatic pain
This actually refers to a specific type of nociceptive pain which is detected by sensory nerves in muscle, skin, and soft tissue. This type of pain is more focused on muscles, joints, connective tissue, and bones, which means most injuries from physical activity or overexertion will fall under somatic pain.
Visceral pain
This is another type of nociceptive pain, but its focus is on your body’s internal organs. Since these nerves are not as widespread as the somatic or other nociceptive areas, visceral pain can be harder to localize.
This means your pain may be felt in the tissue surrounding the actual area affected. Bladder pain,, irritable bowel syndrome , and endometriosis are types of visceral pain.
Neuropathic pain
This stabbing, shooting, or burning pain is caused by nerve disturbances and spontaneous pain signals sent to your spinal cord and brain through your nerves. Types of nerve damage or nerve irritation include diabetic neuropathy and sciatica.
Psychogenic pain
This is pain caused by psychological disorders, like depression or anxiety. Psychogenic pain can cause fatigue, muscle aches and pains, and can be more difficult to treat than the other types of pain.
Idiopathic pain
This is the term used for pain that has no discernible cause, and can be found in people with pre-existing pain disorders like idiopathic osteonecrosis, fibromyalgia and temporomandibular jaw (TMJ) disorders. Whatever the cause of your chronic pain, we have many treatment options to help you feel better and experience less chronic episodes. So, if you’re ready to be freed from the chronic pain you’re enduring, call your pcp or seek a referral for pain management
You don’t have to live in Boardman Ohio to be a member of the LIVE Yes Connect group. The benefits are you get first hand info of all speakers and upcoming events.
The Science and Humanity of Pain Dr. Sue Curfman PT, DHSC, MTC, OCS Associate Professor at Belmont University will join us to talk about The Science of Pain, and how pain can effect our well being – Understanding how pain can go from useful, to overwhelming and debilitating learn ways to help our pain We will also have a Q&A: your questions are welcome. Dr. Curfman has been teaching physical therapy for over 30 years, primarily in the areas of anatomy, kinesiology and orthopedics and joined the Belmont University School of Physical Therapy in 2021. Her research interests focus primarily in the areas of teaching and learning, pain neuroscience education and physical therapy care of women with breast cancer.
Register for the free event – and the Zoom link will be provided 24 hours before the event.
Scrub carrots and parsnips; peel one of each. Cut peeled vegetables into half-inch dice. Roughly chop the rest.
Peel sweet potato; roughly chop. Tie bay leaves, parsley stalks and thyme into a bunch with string.
Pour oil in sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add roughly chopped vegetables and onion; shallow-fry for about 3 minutes, continuously stirring. Add garlic and fry for 1 more minute, continuously stirring.
Add 1 and a 1/2 cups vegetable stock and bunch of herbs. Simmer until softened, 15 to 20 minutes; remove herbs. While onion mixture is simmering, add diced carrots and parsnips and remaining stock to another saucepan; simmer until just cooked, about 12 minutes.
Put onion mixture into blender; whiz until smooth. Pour into empty saucepan.
For velvet sauce, take 1 cup of blended onion mixture; return it to blender. Add evaporated skim milk. Blend at highest speed for at least 2 minutes (until glossy). Pour into pitcher or gravy boat.
Stir diced carrots and parsnips into remaining blended onion mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste. Shortly before serving, bring soup to a boil. Serve dusted with chopped parsley and with velvet sauce on the side, as a topper.
The biggest date in the calendar for raising awareness of Juvenile Arthritis (JA) and other childhood rheumatic conditions
Hard to imagine that this very second somewhere in the world and even near you there is a child who dreams to hop skip jump and play like other kids their do.
They dream of living a life that should be pain free, they wish they didn’t have to take daily injections or pills some even have infusion treatments that can last several hours.
Multiply that child 300,000, and you start to get the picture of how prevalent this little-known childhood disease is in our nation today. That number is about equal to the entire population of St. Louis or Cincinnati.
Globally approximately 3 million children and young adults are suffering from JIA with prevalence rates consistently higher in girls.
What are the causes of juvenile arthritis? The cause of juvenile arthritis is unknown. As with most autoimmune diseases, individual cases of JIA are likely due to a combination of genetic factors, environmental exposures, and the child’s immune system.
What are the types of juvenile arthritis?
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the umbrella term for several subtypes of arthritis seen in children and adolescents under the age of 16. JIA is arthritis with no known cause (this is what “idiopathic” means), to distinguish it from infectious forms of childhood arthritis. There are six main subtypes of JIA:
• Oligoarticular JIA: arthritis that involves four joints or fewer
• Polyarticular JIA: arthritis that involves five or more joints
• Systemic arthritis: begins with fevers, rashes, and inflammation in other parts of the body as well as the joints
• Psoriatic Arthritis: inflammation of the joints that occurs in some children with psoriasis (a skin condition)
• Enthesitis-Related Arthritis: arthritis associated with enthesitis, which is inflammation of the entheses, the places where tendons and ligaments attach to bones
• Undifferentiated JIA: a type that doesn’t fit into any one of the categories above
Other types of juvenile arthritis include:
• septic arthritis: arthritis caused by an infection of the joint
• lupus: a chronic autoimmune condition that can have arthritis as a feature
• juvenile dermatomyositis: a chronic autoimmune condition that can occasionally have arthritis as a feature
The signs and symptoms can vary, depending on what type of juvenile arthritis your child has.
Some of the most common symptoms of juvenile arthritis include swelling of a joint, along with stiffness and pain. Symptoms can involve the hands, feet, and knees, but any joint can be involved. Joint stiffness occurs primarily in the morning or after long periods of inactivity (gelling phenomenon). Other signs include:
• limping, especially in the morning
• clumsiness
• swelling in the lymph nodes
• high fever
• skin rash
Symptoms may get better or disappear completely for periods of time (remission), and then flare up at other times.
What are the causes of juvenile arthritis?
The cause of juvenile arthritis is unknown. As with most autoimmune diseases, individual cases of JIA are likely due to a combination of genetic factors, environmental exposures, and the child’s immune system.
Healthy Eating
Eating some foods, like those found in the ever popular Mediterranean diet like
fatty fish salmon,cod , avocado fresh fruits, all vegetables, nuts and seeds whole grains and extra virgin olive oil and avoiding the high-fat, sugary and processed foods can help curb the body’s inflammation.
Hot and Cold Treatments
Heat treatment like heat pads or heat wraps warm baths, work best for soothing stiff joints and tired muscles.
But cold is best for acute pain. It can numb painful areas and reduce inflammation.
Topical Creams-Patches
These creams, gels or stick-on patches can ease the pain.
Mind-Body Therapies
Children that learn meditation and breathing techniques (listening to music or reading) and practicing visualization can help relax and divert attention away from pain, especially during injections or infusion time.
Massage and Acupuncture
Massage can help ease stress and anxiety, box breathing is also a good way children and adults can relax.
Supplements
The use of supplements are rarely studied in children, but some supplements that help adults possibly may help a child.
But don’t just rush to give your child supplements talk to their doctor always first. Because some supplements may interact if the child is also on prescription medication
Stress and Emotions
Kids and teens with chronic diseases are more likely to also have depression
Therapists and psychologists can help kids deal with tough emotions and teach positive coping strategies. A strong support system is important as well.
If you are a parent guardian ir family member of someone with JA
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can be difficult for children to live with. That’s why it is important for parents and guardians to learn about JIA and how to help. We’ve rounded up a few tips for how to best support a child with JIA.
• Learn: Learn about the condition and treatment, and find a health care provider who specializes in treating JIA. Usually, that is a pediatric rheumatologist. Physical therapists can help with pain management.
• Prepare: Have cold packs and heat treatments, like a heating pad, at the ready for joint pain and stiff muscles. Sometimes your child may need a splint (a piece of hard material, usually wrapped in fabric) to help reduce pain and swelling. Make sure to talk to your child’s health care provider before using a splint.
• Educate: Work with your child’s school and school health care provider to educate them on your child’s needs and how to best support them if they are experiencing pain.
• Find balance: Find a good balance with rest and exercise for your child. Sometimes they may need more rest or more activity. Generally, short rest breaks are better than long periods in bed.
• Support health: It’s important that your child has a balanced diet full of whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Children also need a good night’s sleep, which can range from nine to 13 hours depending on their age.
• Stay positive: Keep a positive mindset and help your child understand that they are supported. Help answer any questions they have about JIA, and if you can’t answer them, check with a health care provider.
If in NE Ohio a great place for JA kids to get treatment and excellent care is Akron Children’s Hospital
Donate to you local Children’s Hospital and the Arthritis Foundation
Support Me by donating to
Walk To Cure through the Arthritis Foundation – Whether you’re an arthritis warrior yourself or care about someone who is, sign up and raise funds for WALK to CURE Arthritis!
Coast to Coast all over the United States walks are being held this year to highlight the need for more research dollars to help kids living with juvenile arthritis and to help adults with all issues stemming from all types of arthritis. Did you know there are over 200 forms of arthritis?
To help find a walk in your area sign up participate or if you know somebody who is walking in the walk to cure support them by donating 5-10-100 or as much money as you feel lead to donate.
It’s a great way to get outside meet new people and support a great cause
If you would like to support me in my walk for Walk to cure arthritis link is below. No amount is too small.
I am back of the junk food. Somehow I was eating really healthy then fell off the health train wagon and inflammation returned and so did about 22 lbs.
Feeling like a ball of inflammation and tired all the time I am for the last time changing what I eat and going back on the healthy route for good. This has taught me all the processes garbage is just that garbage and a fast track to pain and an early death.
We have all said it, we are exhausted most of the time we want to move yet we are so tired we just hit the sofa . We have joint pain causing us to also want to sit. Even when we know we have to move.
Our body was not meant boy sit.
Like an old car. If we let it sit and do nothing it rusts always and rots always – But if we keep it greased oiled and in good running condition it will take us where we need to go.
Our body is the same way.
We need a new well better way of thinking a balanced approach to health and healing.
Inflammation is a natural process that is important in the maintenance of good health. Our ability to mount an inflammatory response helps us fight infections and we do this continuously. When inflammation becomes excessive and self-perpetuating it can damage our organs and tissues. This is a final common pathway of most chronic diseases including heart and artery disease (arteriosclerosis), neurodegenerative diseases (dementias and Parkinson’s disease) and cancers.
Oxidation-reduction reactions are the chemical reactions of our body. They are integral to every biochemical process. When there is an imbalance in these reactions “oxidative stress” can occur. This results in injury to the components of our cells, loss of proper function and inflammation.
Get an apple cut the apple in half and set it on the counter it’s browns very quickly- that’s oxidation
Inflammation and oxidation are reciprocal processes that are both the consequence of each other and the initiator of each other. When in balance, we are healthy. When out of balance either acute and or chronic health problems develop.
C Reactive Protein (CRP) is one of many markers of inflammation. It is made in the liver and the peripheral tissues. When there is an acute injury or infection there can be a sudden rise in CRP. Chronic disease processes produce a persistent elevation of CRP. Over the last decade it has become apparent that chronic inflammation is an important background process in arteriosclerosis and its consequences (heart attack, heart failure, stroke, dementia and kidney failure). CRP has become a useful tool in measuring for chronic inflammation.
It is important to realize that acute problems such as infections, surgery or trauma may elevate CRP. Elevations from such conditions may take up to 3 months to return to a baseline level. It is important to measure CRP serially to determine whether an elevation reflects an acute intercurrent condition or a chronic inflammation
Medical scientists know that approximately 50% of coronary artery disease (heart attack and angina) can be accounted for by abnormalities in cholesterol and LDL. The other contributing factors include hypertension (high blood pressure), Diabetes (poor blood sugar control), inflammation (as measured by CRP), tobacco use, thrombophilia (blood that is too sticky) and blood viscosity (blood that is too thick).
When inflammation is controlled the beneficial effects of statin drugs in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke are amplified. It has been shown that improving or normalizing CRP will improve the benefit of statin drugs by another 30%.
The observation has been made that when the LDL cholesterol can be brought down to 70 or less and when CRP is 2.0 or less arteriosclerosis can be halted.
Strategies to lower CRP:
There is no prescription medication with a direct indication for lowering CRP. The observation has been made that statin medications (Crestor, Lipitor and Zocor) can lower CRP. This probably is a result of the reduction of LDL which when oxidized causes inflammation in the endothelium (the inner lining of the blood vessels).
Aspirin does not lower CRP directly. It reduces inflammation and reduces the effects of elevated CRP in individuals who are aspirin responsive. Not all people respond to aspirin.
Dietary measures that reduce inflammation:
Calorie restriction and weight loss will reduce inflammation in the body.
A low glycemic index diet will reduce insulin resistance. A reduction in insulin resistance will lower inflammatory markers such as CRP. See the information on glucose/insulin balance on our website.
A diet low in saturated and trans fatty acids and high in monounsaturated and poly unsaturated fat will reduce inflammation. This means reducing consumption of red meat and processed foods and increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and sea foods.
The modified Mediterranean diet and medical food products that are utilized in the Therapeutic Life Style Care (TLC) Program will help to reduce inflammation and lower CRP.
Supplemental Products that will reduce inflammation:
There are a variety of natural products that will reduce inflammation in the body:
Detoxification will help to reduce inflammation. Please see the information on our Web site.
It is also important to look for chronic infections that can be treated. Such infections include sinusitis, bronchitis, chronic bowel infections (dysbiosis), prostatitis, cystitis and gynecological infections.
It is best to work out a therapeutic program with your practitioner.
Do not try any of the above supplements without consulting your own pcp. Some supplements have interactions with medications.
Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
This blog is my own thoughts I am not a doctor or nurse and this blog is for entertainment purposes only. Not intended to ever be construed as medical advice.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog, website or in any linked materials. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or call for emergency medical help on the nearest telephone immediately.
Do achy joints plague you during the coldest months? Does it seem like your knees, hips, and ankles feel sore whenever snow is falling?
It’s not your imagination! Winter weather—particularly cold—can cause slow, achy joints, making it hard to get moving. If you’re looking for winter joint pain relief, here are eight tips to help you avoid the discomfort brought on by the cold.
But first, it helps to understand why winter aches and pains happen.
Why Cold Weather Make our Bones and Joints Ache
There are several reasons why winter weather may cause joints to feel achy. The cold naturally makes muscles feel more tensed up and tight.
This tension may lead to less mobility and less flexibility in the joints. Some studies also link changes in joints to changes in the barometric pressure, dry air, and other winter-related issues.
The jury is still on that one but ask anyone who lives with joint pain and they will tell you: they are weather predators
Cold is very uncomfortable, and the discomfort makes us painfully aware of every twinge and ache. So, if you’re ready to combat winter joint pain, here are a few tips for winter joint pain relief to help you feel better when blustery temperatures settle in.
Drink Water 💧
Hydration is important but it’s especially vital in the winter months. People often think of drinking more water when it’s sunny and warm, but in the winter, dry air makes you feel dehydrated, tired, and achy. Don’t neglect your water intake! I am trying to get more water also, because honestly I am terrible at it.
If you aren’t a fan of plain water, sipping a cup of warm herbal tea is an excellent way to get more hydration in the winter. Bone broth and soup are also hydrating options. Aim for about six to eight glasses of water per day, more if you are working out and active.
EAT A HEALTHY, BALANCED DIET 🥗
A healthy diet is essential year-round. In the winter months, a well-balanced diet will keep your body much healthier than a lifestyle of processed junk food.
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes and beans lean meats, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar and saturated fat. If you are sensitive to certain foods, consult with your physician about determining the best course of action. If you can afford it see a dietician and they can help you get on the right path.
KEEP MOVING
It’s vital to keep your body active, even in the winter months. While you shouldn’t work through significant joint pain without the assistance of a medical professional, stiff or achy joints shouldn’t mean canceling your gym membership.
Often, we feel less motivated and more inclined to stay home, where it’s cozy and warm during the winter. Netflix and the couch seem to beckon, especially when a brisk walk means bundling up in layers, but you can walk in a mall indoors. Low impact activity will keep your joints healthy. Try indoor swimming in a warm pool, stretching with yoga or Pilates, brisk walking, and weight training to keep your body active and fit. But remember it’s also ok to not be ok once in a while. We all need to rest and recharge. Listen to your body.
TRY TO AVOID WINTER WEIGHT GAIN
Hand-in-hand with winter often comes weight gain. 5-7 Over the holidays, healthy habits tend to slide a bit, with many people packing on extra weight. Then we add frigid temps , hibernation and before you know it we gained 8-12 lbs in a winter. That doesn’t help our joints. Although the average is 3-6 pounds even a small amount of excess weight will start to affect your knees and other joints.
If you feel like you need to rein it in after the holidays, or your eating more than usual because you hit the winter blues talk to your doctor, if you have a bad relationship with food seek a counselor or a 12 step OA meeting.
INQUIRE ABOUT SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER TREATMENTS
Curious about joint health supplements and treatments? Always consult with your physician on the best plan for your body. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary, but only under the supervision of a physician. Many supplements and medications can result in unwanted side effects. And many cannot take NSAIDS.
Follow through on your physician’s recommendations for any vitamins (such as vitamin D) that may get low once the weather gets cold. Your doctor will help you figure out the best course of action for winter joint pain relief.
If you’re concerned that your winter joint pain is more than cold weather, call your doctor right away.
Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This blog does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other professional health care advice, diagnosis or treatment. And cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this blog or website.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog, website or in any linked materials. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or call for emergency medical help on the nearest telephone immediately.
2021 is almost gone. Salute to the experience you had in that year, and welcome 2022 with all the guts and glory.
Many things you’ve learned in the year 2021 some of happiness and some some of hurt and some of love. May your 2022 be full of surprises and blessings and love and great fortune goodbye 2021 welcome 2022!
God bless you and good vibes and thanks for following me and stopping by.
The holiday season can be a time of joy and love, but for people with chronic pain during the holidays it can be a time of joy, happiness and also stress, anxiety, sadness, depression, frustration, and increased pain.
Pacing, and Delegating:
There is often too much to do over the holidays, but how much do we REALLY need to do? Let’s be realistic about how much you can do, and think about what is really important for you to do. Request the help of others to help prepare some of the food, decorate, shop, or whatever you may need, so that you have more energy for the things that really matter to you. LET”S EMBRACE the “Less is More” philosophy!
Mood and Stress:
Depression and anxiety are often increased around the holidays and in the winter, which makes chronic pain worse, and makes it harder to do the things you need to do to manage your chronic pain. If this has been your pattern, start thinking now about how to manage the anxiety and depression before you get too caught up in a downward spiral. What has helped you in the past? What other techniques could you try? If you see a therapist or counselor, ask them to help you plan.
Let go of the idea of perfection. The best memories are about being together, more than how perfect the setting was or wasn’t. Nobody is happy if you exhaust yourself making everything perfect.
Practice gratitude. Focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have. Consider volunteering, which can get you out of the house and away from family stressors, while letting you help someone else in need for a few hours.
Staying Healthy:
We often engage in a lot of unhealthy behaviors over the holidays, like eating and or drinking too much, staying up too late, not exercising.Some may even have and emotional attachment compulsion to food or drink, if you do look into over eaters anonymous oa.org or AA aa.org
We are also more likely to be exposed to viruses, like the cold or flu, when in a large gathering or traveling. Overindulgence and illness have a direct impact on pain, and can make life pretty miserable. Especially over the holidays, it’s important to pay attention to ways to stay healthy. Limit or avoid alcohol; avoid eating large, heavy meals; stay hydrated and take your vitamins.
Keep to Your Routine
Many pain medications work best if they are taken on a regular schedule, but this can be hard to do when schedules are disrupted by holiday activities. Use your phone or a medication alarm so that you don’t get distracted and miss medication doses. Make sure you will not run out of medications while your provider’s office is closed over the holidays, and address any potential problems early
Keep Your Medicine from childrenand others Make sure all medications are kept locked away from family and friends who may find them accidentally or on purpose. “Hidden” is not good enough. Be especially vigilant where children are concerned
Remember Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Lord – what ever pain or issues you may be dealing with take them to God- Our Higher Power is always there.
Embracing flexibility instead of rigidity for those of us living with chronic joint pain.
In the study, patients reported that key components of pacing themselves included:
Breaking down tasks into mini tasks
Saying ‘no’ or learning to
Being kind to themselves self care is a must
Using rest breaks
Doing something each day
Developing a structure or plan
Gradually building up activities – people who run marathons don’t just run marathons: they train and pace themselves- we need to pace our self –
Stop feeling guilty if you need to rest
Respect your limits
Love the body you have
Don’t be so proud as to not get that handicap placard or license plate. Not all disabilities are visible
People chronic conditions like osteonecrosis, osteoarthritis, ra, fibromyalgia etc, We tend to feel the Zip and then the Blah: if we do too much in one day, even if they feel okay at the moment. For example, I woke up with a little or a lot more energy and without as much pain, and I try to get all tasks done in one day….. only to pay for it in pain days later. So we must learn to pace ourselves
Tip
Pacing isn’t always about avoiding doing too much. It’s also about staying out of a cycle of doing too little or nothing at all. We must keep moving. And figuring out how to stay physically active is one of ways we can promote self-care, and reduce stress as well.
Understanding more about the underlying causes of pain can help improve treatments and alleviate suffering
Each September, pain specialists and advocates across the country raise awareness about issues related to chronic pain during National Pain Awareness Month. Did you know that chronic pain affects more than 100 million Americans. that’s 1/3 of the USA population living with some form of pain.
That to me seems unacceptable. We have in 2021 rejenerative medicine and various treatment options from prolotherapy to prp to A2M to stem cell.
Plus we have many biologics and lets not forget there are still the traditional pain pill that help – yet so many doctors seem to not offer any longer thanks to the US government’s campaign to stop them it’s seems and a special thanks to all those who are addicted to opioids like heroine,fentanyl .
That may sound cruel, but you know there are many responsible people that can take a pain pill and not become addicted.
I also don’t like the US government to interfere with my private doctor patient relationship. The government has no business in my opinion telling doctors what they should be doing.
Understanding more about the underlying causes of pain can help improve treatments and alleviate suffering. Johns Hopkins researchers are working on everything from the molecular causes of pain to the latest advances in pain treatment.
What You Need to Know
Nearly 100 million Americans experience chronic pain —more than those who have diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined.
Pain is a warning sign that indicates a problem that needs attention.
Pain starts in receptor nerve cells located beneath the skin and in organs throughout the body.
Living with pain can be debilitating and adversely affect everyday life.
Arthritis
Arthritis refers to over 100 different conditions ranging from autoimmune disease to normal joint inflammation.
Back Pain
According to the National Institutes of Health, eight out of ten people will have back pain at some time in their life.
Headaches
Millions of people get crippling headaches, and there are dozens of different headache types — but receiving the right diagnosis is key to getting the right treatment.
Find a Pain Specialist
You don’t have to live through your pain alone. There are pain centers, programs, and clinics that are made up of teams of specialists who aim to ease your pain, and allow you to live in as much comfort as possible.
Wishing you all a happy blessed and pain free day.
I was so sad to see the rudeness of some people saying that Valerie Bertinelli gained weight-needed to lose weight etc…
You would think by now we would be past the days when a woman’s body was her ownand not be subjected to trolls and ridicule but no sadly we are not. Some feel the need to comment on, judge, shame others for how they look how small or big they are.
They are the exact reason why so many women young women and little girls and boy and grown men have a complex and isn’t it time we just stop and mind our own damn business!!
Do people follow others just to be rude and shame them?
Have they nothing better to do with their sad little lives than pick on others?
We can always hope that some day people will just be kind and remember if you dont have anything nice to say , then just be quiet.
This week Valerie Bertinelli, who, thanks to the internet, has become the latest victim to the trolls .
Who are we as a society to feel the need to constantly criticize and give advice, opinions especially unsolicited advice to others.
Did this person that commented on her weight not realize that she may be struggling in some way? I believed she helped to take care of her mom until she passed away and then buried her mom in 2019 and then her ex husband , friend and father to her son Eddie Van Halen died in 2020. That is a lot of sadness and loss in a short amount of time. Trying to be strong for her family and for the public and paparazzi is not easy I’m sure. Grief and Sadness can take its toll and everyone processes things differently and its not our job to point out others flaws.
I understand exactly where she is coming from. And I applaud her for sticking up for herself. I appreciate when she said when she sees someone that has gained weight- she feels as if they are going through something.
Matthew 7 :: NIV. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
John 13:34 says So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
Why cant we just be kind? Is being hateful and angry that easy ? but to be kind is it really that hard? or are we just so full of ourselves we cannot see that we are hurting someone else’s feelings.
I love what Valerie said – ” when you see someone that put some weight on , they must be going through some things”
She is so right…… being fat and being thin and then fat again I can tell you I never wanted to get fat…I didnt enjoy being fat, its no easy to just lose weight. So I get where she is coming from.
My first marriage was abusive-I ate to bury my feelings of self ;loathe , shame, sadness, I was mentally and physically as well as financially abused in my 1st marriage, so I felt like a failure,and unworthy of love. I mean if the person who says they love you beats you and is mentally cruel to you it must me me right??? WRONG, but I took me years to recognize this and get out. Point is I was going through something and ate my feelings. When I went to my church for guidance I was shamed for wanting a divorce….and shamed by others for staying.
My dad died in 1988 I was 25, we were close. The first man I ever loved and he was a great man, a really good dad. My dad the man I loved , argued with, got advice from, is now gone from my life forever. My mother was lost with out him. They were sweethearts from a young age and my dad died at 56.
I now had to step up and help take over the books by managing and balancing the books of the small family magazine business my parents had; at least until my mom decided what to do with it. on top of going through a long dragged out divorce. So I again stuffed my feelings. I didnt gain weight but I did eat my feelings. My mom sold the 3 story 4 bedroom home and wanted to go live in an apartment asked if I was ok with that or did I want the house,
I wanted what was best for her, sell the house so her and my gram could have less expenses. I would have liked to see her go to a smaller home, but I understand why she did this…it was cheaper to go to an all utilities included apartment, sell the house and lower all her expenses
1998-1999 the years of diagnosis for me, my hypothyroidism is now Hashimoto Thyroiditis and add osteoarthritis in my knees , right hand and arthritis in my left hand right wrist back…all this and under 40
2000 my mom suddenly passed away and I was stuck to go through 60 plus years of paperwork, figuring out what to do with her things like sofa, chars, clothes etc….while my FT job harassed me to get back to work after my 3 day bereavement, I asked if I could take my vacation to take care of all her things etc…. was told no, again explained the situation I’m an only child, no help have limited time or I will need to pay her rent for February as she passed away January 26.2000. Again was told no. In fact I was told to turn n my management keys if I wasn’t back buy January 30,2000.
So I said screw it, turned in my keys and filed a complaint with corporate and filed for unemployment and I won. But again all that stress and extra stress was followed by eating to bury my feeling, while I buried my mother. Over 1 year I gained 19 lbs.
In 2001 I was rear ended while at a stop sign hit and pushed into the car in front of me that was also stopped. I had neack and shoulder injuries that kept me in pain, and unable to work. I ate my feelings and yep gained about 45 lbs in 2 years on top of the 19 I gained when my mom died.-64 lbs is a lot on someone 5’1. After I had my shoulder repaired, i tried to lose weight……not happening. I tried for years didn’t gain and lost the same 15 lbs over and over.
Time passed I got used to being fat and felt horrible about it everyday, my husband never said anything bad to me but i always wondered what was he thinking his once 110 lb wife now 180 lb. you will rarely see me in photos in fact try to find one of me from 2005 until 2018… it will be rare and only for certain people.
2013 i tried again to lose weight started exercising, it was hard on all my bones, I was actually dropping a few lbs exercising to videos and walking, I felt this sudden stabbing hot poker pain in my right knee, it almost took me to the floor…..called my doctor had to stay off feet for a couple weeks and then mri shown I tore my medial meniscus and besides that and osteoarthritis I can add osteonecrosis in the right knee as well.
COME ON ALREADY…….will this shit ever end!!! I lose 15 lbs and then get injured and yep……you guessed it gained it back plus 15 more….
now in 2017 I am the biggest I have ever been 291 lbs
You see people are not wanting to be fat…… as Valerie stated people are usually going through something
I am trying to lose weight and have lost about 80-90 lbs over 3 years….but I still have a way to go and it is NOT easy……
So please when you see someone fat or thick or too skinny dont judge them and please dont tell them what they need……..WE KNOW
I have been nominated in the 10th annual WEGO Health Awards 2021 and would appreciate if you could take 1 minute of your time and endorse me.
I have been an advocate for over 30 years.
My journey began by advocating for survivors of Domestic Violence
I worked in a Battered Women’s Shelter and Rape Crisis Center for over a decade and went from monitoring the crisis line to becoming a DV shelter manager that ran a support group for women in and out of shelter. I spoke to women in correctional facilities, because often they have been abused at some point in their life.
I spoke to high schools so teenagers boys and girls would know the signs of being in a potentially abusive or controlling relationship.
I also explained date rape etc and how important it is to tell someone what happened and also tell them it was not their fault.
I also began advocating for bone and joint pain and joint health after I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at age 35 and at age 51 after a meniscus injury landed me with yet another painful diagnosis; Osteonecrosis in my knee.
I am a fairly new facilitator for the Arthritis Foundation LiveYes Connect group in Boardman, Ohio , I also am a Arthritis Ambassador for the AF as of March 2021.
After my Osteonecrosis-aka Avascular Necrosis diagnosis I felt alone and afraid with yet another bone and joint condition was scary , I was told I had bone death. The Ortho told me there was nothing that can be done just live in pain until the knee collapses then he would replace it. I was definitely getting another opinion.
Whatt was even more scary was that many of the orthopedic doctors I saw rarely heard of it and never or rarely treated it. This left me even more concerned. You cannot have a good quality of life if you cannot find good medical care.
So I started my own support group which is worldwide and has over 1500 people in it from all over the world.
Each of those members is offered a free booklet that I wrote about Osteonecrosis so they and their family can understand that there is hope, there is treatment and unfortunately there often times is disability. But they need to know they not alone and their family can also educate themselves on the condition.
I joined WEGO Health about 7 years ago, because it was a great organization and it allowed me to advocate on a different platform. I also educated myself on other conditions and I have met some fantastic individuals, who work so hard in their advocacy.
The link below is so you can scroll and click endorse also there are several awareness links that I also have for you to view and feel free to follow me.
Chronically Grateful Me by Deborah L. Andio 