Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde

I have been adjusting to a new medication these past couple of weeks. The initial side effects were not surprising but one caused me to feel like I had about 10 pots of coffee in my system. This, in turn, caused my mouth to run a muck. I'm sure I could have provided some very funny material for a sitcom. Other times made me wonder what it must be like to for someone to try and live with me... aka my husband.

For more then three years now, my husband has had to learn how to navigate the ups, downs, and ins and outs of my various mood swings resulting from the side effects of various pain medications, frustrations, fear and sadness. Today was another stellar example of one of those states where I wanted to rip off everyone's head (heavy sigh).

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!!

This goes out to those wonderful individuals who stand by us.

THANK YOU!!!

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It is not easy living with someone or caring for someone with chronic pain or other chronic illnesses. I can't imagine trying to put up with me (especially on days like today). I also don't want to take for granted the fact that my husband does love me and will stand by me no matter what. He didn't sign up for this and he is the last person I should be getting cranky with!

I also know that there are some people who are not as fortunate as I am. I can't begin to imagine what it must be like trying to go down this journey alone. This is why I am so passionate about my chronic pain ministry. My tag line says -

No one should EVER have to struggle through pain alone

One of my goals is to help people set up local support groups in their area. I will be working on this initiative over the next while and will keep you posted on my progress. In the meantime, I wish you peace. I pray for you that you would find strength and rest in the Lord. He is transforming my life in to something amazing through my pain journey. I know He has an amazing purpose for your life as well. Maybe it's to be an inspiration to others, or to be there for someone else who is hurting, but you have gifts which are uniquely yours. Don't ever forget that.

Evolution - When Planning Matters -

Evolution - When Planning Matters -

Managing Meds

It has happened twice now... I have forgotten to take one or all of my medications at one point in the day. What is really troublesome is how incredibly horrid I feel when that happens. This coming from someone who didn't even like taking medication a few years ago. I never imagined the day when I would become dependent on them to function.

I can hear the buzz now -

Why doesn't she try to wean off her meds?

I was able to get off mine; she's just not trying hard enough.

OMG she's addicted!!!!

I have no doubt I would have thought the same thing if I wasn't going through this weirdness. Now I'm not advocating that someone not try to wean off their meds, or try hard to avoid them. I am not your doctor and it is not my place to comment on your personal situation. I am just sharing mine. In a way, it helps me to get it out there - to think about it in a way that makes a bit of sense.

But I digress... or, maybe I just forgot what I was talking about...

Anyway, oh yes, the joys of taking medication. I have had to go out and buy one of those pill organizers that my dad used to use. I have had to enter the times for taking my meds in to my iPhone so that I get reminders. And even with all that I still forget. That is the state of my mind since I began this bizarre journey. What is interesting is that just when I think I've lost my mind completely, I talk to someone who is dealing with chronic pain or chronic fatigue, or any other type of chronic illness, and they are in the same boat! I know that chronic pain does affect the brain. Between the pain, the stress around the pain, trying to learn to have a life, etc. etc. it is no wonder our minds get a little loopy!

If you are going through a similar situation, I welcome you to reach out and share your story. If there is anything you have done (please, no business promoters) that helped you with your memory, your pain, your energy, or your meds, please share that as well.

While there are many of us going through chronic pain or similar struggles (1 in 5 now), it still seems hard to connect. Maybe it's because we can't get out of our houses as much as we would like, or we just don't have the energy to socialize anymore, or maybe we are still too embarrassed to reach out and admit that we need help - whatever the reason, I ask you to reach out now.

What you have to share may be the very thing someone else needs to hear.