Chronic pain is often defined as any pain lasting more than twelve weeks. While acute pain is a normal sensation that alerts us to possible injury, chronic pain is very different. Chronic pain persists—for months or even longer.
In my case, I've been in a state of pain for over six years. That may not seem like too much until you think of my young age. I hardly remember a time where my body wasn't aching.
Chronic pain may arise from an initial injury. However, there may also be no clear cause. Other health problems, such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, decreased appetite, and mood changes, often accompany chronic pain. Chronic pain may limit a person’s movements; which can reduce flexibility, strength, and stamina. This difficulty in carrying out important and enjoyable activities can lead to disability and despair. -NIH Medicine Plus.
It all started after falling off of the horse I was galloping on in late January 2011. I recall this memory so vividly and have even relived it in my dreams a few times since the event occurred.
Over time, I've had three x-rays, two MRIs, and went through an exploratory surgery with little to no results. Thanks to my parents pushing me to go to doctor's appointments and finding an outlet for healing, I've found a massage therapist and have been visiting a chiropractor that offers me temporary relief.
I am not writing this article to provide a sob story, but to show anyone else who deals with chronic pain that despite facing daily pain, which sometimes leaves me in bed all day, I still have hope for healing. I find that dealing with this pain has made me a large part of who I am today.
I've learned that facing this pain has a lot to do with the mental state. That does not mean that it is all in my head; it means that each and every day, I have to make the conscious choice on how I want to overcome the challenges I face- with a positive or a negative attitude. It's become a normal part of my routine to analyze and check on where my pain is happening, but also how to push through it, how to ensure that I walk without limping on harder days, and how I make sure that I keep smiling and that I try to reflect a positive attitude no matter how much pain I am in at the moment or how hard the day has been. Showing an outwardly happy appearance enough will eventually be internalized, and it helps others to be happy as well.
In no way am I attempting to normalize my symptoms of chronic pain. I long for treatments that will not only give me a temporary relief but overall healing in my body. No young person should have to be in the same pain, if not more, than most people in their seventies or eighties.
Being in the state I am in has humbled me to the point where I feel more determined and driven to overcome my challenges and to reach my lifelong dreams. No matter how much I wish my body can handle as much as it used to be able to before the accident, I cannot afford to think like that. Being in constant pain allows me to slow down and complete tasks with more focus and care, and despite challenge, it allows me to focus more on my blessings and to have more hope.
"She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future." - Proverbs 31:25
