Pain relief with Quell

Pain relief with Quell

I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company. I’ve been in pain for a long time, 6 years to be exact. It’s…Continue reading Pain relief with Quell

Taking opioids for chronic pain means being treated like a criminal and constantly being told that you're exaggerating your pain.

What it’s really like taking opioids for chronic pain

Currently, taking opioids for chronic pain means you’re a pariah, which is why there aren’t enough stories to be more stories out there about what it is actually like to have an opioid prescription for chronic pain. Why I take opioids for chronic pain You can read my story here for some background context of my…Continue reading What it’s really like taking opioids for chronic pain

7 harmful myths about chronic pain

7 Harmful Myths About Chronic Pain

Myth #1– Taking pain medication makes you an addict Fact:  There is a difference between physical dependence and addiction. Addiction involves compulsive cravings, inability to control use, and use despite potential harm and self destructive behavior. Physical dependence occurs when the body becomes used to the presence of a drug. Many substances – such as nicotine, sugar, and anti-depressants can cause…Continue reading 7 Harmful Myths About Chronic Pain

7 ways to distract yourself from pain

Pain often takes over everything, it demands to be felt. Despite what the people who think pain isn’t real think, pain acceptance does not make the pain go away. So here’s a few suggestions that might help to distract you from the pain for a short time. A relaxing salt bath A bath can be…Continue reading 7 ways to distract yourself from pain

Is fibromyalgia fake? 5 fibro myths debunked

 You may have landed on this page because you googled “Is fibromyalgia fake” looking to confirm that someone in your life is a lazy hypochondriac. Well unfortunately for you ( but fortunate for them) fibromyalgia is real. Now don’t get me wrong, Fibromyalgia is overdiagnosed. Many people who have chronic pain issues end up getting…Continue reading Is fibromyalgia fake? 5 fibro myths debunked

10 unexpected life lessons learned from chronic illness

10 unexpected life lessons learned from chronic illness

10 unexpected life lessons learned from chronic illness 1. People are both better and worse than you think Illness tends to bring out the best and the worst in people. You find out very quickly how awesome some of your friends and family are. People will be there for you that you might have never…Continue reading 10 unexpected life lessons learned from chronic illness

10 gifts for someone with chronic illness

10 gifts for someone with chronic illness this year

It’s that time again, time to think about buying presents for everyone you know. Time to stress about who you may or may not have forgotten. Time to wander the mall aimlessly looking for something to give. Well wander no more, I have a list of some fabulous gifts  I would love and your loved one with…Continue reading 10 gifts for someone with chronic illness this year

positive thinking is a coping mechanism not a cure

Positive thinking is a coping mechanism, not a cure

No one would ever accuse me of being an optimistic person. If you ask me if the glass is half empty or half full, I’d say that it has water in it.  My family likes to tell me I’m like Eeyore because I was depressed in high school (because four years of depression in your teen…Continue reading Positive thinking is a coping mechanism, not a cure

10 struggles only people with chronic pain will understand

10 struggles only people with chronic pain will understand

1. Putting on long pants When your thoughts go like this: “Can I lift my legs high enough? I’m so stiff I can barely move. How does anyone ever do this standing up? If I sit down on the floor to put them on will I be able to get back up again? ” Help,…Continue reading 10 struggles only people with chronic pain will understand

the power of music therapy for chronic pain

The power of music therapy for chronic pain

I grew up in a family where music was very important. In fact the ability to read music was considered an essential skill that must be developed. From a young age my afternoons involved listening to my sisters practice piano and soon enough my turn came to take piano lessons. I hated every minute of…Continue reading The power of music therapy for chronic pain