Posts Tagged ‘pain’

Invisible = Non Existent?

Posted: March 2, 2013 in arthritis, bereavement, cancer, death, dementia, depression, Health, heart, life, love
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When you think of pain, what do you think of?

Do you think when someone is in pain it is always visible to others?invisible pain

Don’t be fooled by a common misconception that someone’s pain is always visible. In fact I would like to point out that there are many people who go through each and every day in severe pain, but because they don’t show it on their face or don’t vocalise their pain to others, it is invisible to everyone but the sufferer.

Not all scars show.
Not all wounds heal.
Sometimes, you can’t always see the pain someone feels.

 

Therefore, do not judge others or assume you know how they are feeling, just because “they look ok” – looks can often be deceptive!

My Aims 2012 – Review of the Year

Posted: December 31, 2012 in arthritis, bible, blogging, clothing, dementia, depression, family, Food, friendship, Health, heart, holiday, hospital, housework, life, love, motivation, music, pray, prayer, religion, Scotland, tennis, Travel, weight
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At the start of this year (2012), I shared with you my aims for this year (in Welcome to 2012). These were not my new year resolutions, but what I hoped to achieve this year as far as some lifestyle changes were concerned and some changes in my spiritual relationship with God.

At the end of each month since then I’ve given you an update on how I’m getting on with my aims. So now we’re on the last day of 2012, here’s my last update for this year, which will give you my honest opinions on whether I achieved, or failed, to reach my goals for this year…

  • Eat healthier
    • Over all, I would definitely say I have succeeded with this aim as I have definitely been eating much healthier when I’ve been at work, and have done ok when at home.
    • Yes there’s still room for improvement, as I have given in to my desire for chocolate on a few occasions.
    • Done ok with this ones I’m managing to continue to eat reasonably healthily while I’ve been at work, and not too bad when at home.
  • Lose some weight
    • Well I had my last weigh-in earlier today, and the news is that over the course of this year I’ve managed to lose 10 lbs.
    • I’m delighted with that as I have definitely not been on a diet, but have just been trying to eat a bit healthier and get a bit more active.
    • Hopefully if I continue doing the same things next year I’ll manage to lose a few more pounds.
  • Spend more time reading my bible
    • Some months this year I managed to spend a lot more time reading my bible than I had previously, however there were still a number of occasions when I didn’t even open my bible.
    • Overall though I’d say I’ve managed to spend more time reading my bible this year than last, though there’s definitely still plenty of room for improvement.
  • Don’t let pain rule my life
    • As many of you will know, I’ve had some health issues for a few years now, which I had hoped would have been resolved by 2 major operations. Unfortunately, despite the doctors being happy with the success of these operations, I have still been experiencing severe pain of the same nature I was getting prior to the initial diagnosis.
    • Therefore it has been an on-going struggle again this year to cope with my pain levels. Having said that though, due to all the other situations I’ve had to deal with this year, I’ve often just had to get on with things no matter how severe my pain has been.
    • On the whole I don’t think I’ve actually given in to my pain completely any more than maybe a 3 or 4 times this year, which looking back now, I find quite incredible.
  • Get back to playing tennis as stopped playing in 2003 when I first wasn’t well
    • I have failed miserably at this one!
    • There were a few times during the year when I was all set to go to the tennis club at the weekend when my friends would be there, but typically the Scottish weather put an end to those plans, and on following weeks other things would happen or we had other plans, so it just never happened.
  • Put aside a minimum of 5 minutes each day to spend some quiet-time with God
    • As with my aim to spend more time reading my bible, over the year, this has been a bit up and down – Some months I spent more than 5 minutes each day with God, others none at all.
    • Also depending on what’s been going on in my life at the time, and how I’ve been coping, some of these times with God have not exactly been quiet ones, as I’ve spent much of the time crying! They may not have been “quiet” times with God, but they were at least “times” with God where even although I couldn’t vocalise my prayers, I know God still knew what was in my heart.
  • Get back to playing the piano regularly as it’s been a while
    • I’ve failed at this one!
    • However I did get a brand new keyboard for my Christmas, therefore I will definitely make progress with in the coming weeks.
  • Go on holiday – we’ve not been away anywhere since 2002
    • Due to on-going health issues/concerns with various family members, this has not been possible.
  • Keep on top of the housework (especially the ironing mountain!)
    • I’ve said it before during some of my monthly updates, but I really do hate doing housework, and ironing is definitely my least favourite chore.
    • It’s should therefore be no surprise that I have failed miserably with this.
  • More patience and understanding of others
    • To me, I have managed to be a little bit more patient with other…though you may disagree!
    • I do find this incredibly difficult, particularly with certain people (who shall remain anonymous)
    • I continue to pray for patience daily.
  • Stop procrastinating
    • I’d say I’ve been successful with this aim, as I feel that, on the whole, I’ve managed to just get on with things.

So that’s my honest answers to how I got on this year with the aims/goals I set myself at the start of the 2012. Looking back now, I think my aims/goals have probably been too ambitious and too vague, as if I’m honest, there was probably no way I was ever going to achieve all these goals in one year. I also think my judgement on how successful I’ve been has been very subjective, so I should probably have made my goals more measurable. i.e. by measuring actual status at the start of the year and comparing with actual measurements at the end of the year.

In conclusion, I’m reasonably happy with what I’ve achieved this year. While I may not have been able to say I fully achieved very many of my goals I have made progress with a number of them which I’m definitely happy about.

How about you, how did you get on with your aims for 2012?

Whatever your aims were for this year, and regardless of whether you achieve any or all of them, I pray you managed to make progress, and that you have at least achieved all God had planned for you this year!

My Aims 2012 – November Review

Posted: November 30, 2012 in bereavement, bible, blogging, clothing, family, Food, friendship, Health, holiday, housework, life, love, music, pray, prayer, religion, tennis, Travel, weight
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At the start of this year, I shared with you my aims for this year (Welcome to 2012) – not my new year resolutions, but what I aim to achieve this year. Since then, at the end of each month this year, I’ve given you an update on how I’m doing. So here’s my update for November…

  • Eat healthier
    • Done ok with this ones I’m managing to continue to eat reasonably healthily while I’ve been at work, and not too bad when at home.
    • Hope in the next few weeks, before we get right into the Christmas season, that I can continue to each healthier, so that with all the eating that usually goes on at Christmas I don’t put on too much weight!
  • Lose some weight
    • Failed completely this month as I’ve put on a pound! Really not sure how I’ve managed that as I thought I’d been doing reasonably well this last month
  • Spend more time reading my bible
    • A bit better this month as have actually managed to spend some time reading my bible
    • Although I’ve managed to read my bible this last month, I’m still struggling to find the time and energy to do this.
    • I’ve said this for the last few months, but maybe next month I’ll manage it!
  • Don’t let pain rule my life
    • Bit of a better month as far as pain levels are concerned, as although I continued to have daily pain, most days it’s not been quite as severe as in previous months.
  • Get back to playing tennis as stopped playing in 2003 when I first wasn’t well
    • Not managed this yet and given this is now the end of November and although my tennis club is open year round, there’s less people playing these days, so I’m guessing I’ll probably get right through this year without getting back to playing tennis…but you never know as there’s still another month to go!
  • Put aside a minimum of 5 minutes each day to spend some quiet-time with God
    • Managed to spend more “quiet-time” with God in this last month.
    • Due to family bereavements during th month and some family health issues again, there were a few occasions again where my quiet time with God ended up being my crying-time with God!
  • Get back to playing the piano regularly as it’s been a while
    • Although I haven’t actually played the piano again yet, steps have been taken to change this!
    • I’m afraid though I’m not going to let you in on what that progress is yet…you’ll have to wait till my end of year review!
  • Go on holiday – we’ve not been away anywhere since 2002
    • Again, no progress with this.
  • Keep on top of the housework (especially the ironing mountain!)
    • I really do hate doing housework, and ironing is definitely my least favourite chore
    • It’s should therefore be no surprise that I’m still failing miserably at this one.
  • More patience and understanding of others
    • Still finding this incredibly difficult!
    • I really do need to continue to pray for patience.
  • Stop procrastinating
    • Most of the time I’m doing ok with this, but I’m sure like everyone else, I do have my moments!

So that’s my honest answers to how I’m getting on with my aims for 2012 – To summarise my progress to date…it’s stalled a bit in the last few months, but overall, given recent circumstances, I’m reasonably happy with my progress even though I could do so much better!

There’s only one month left in 2012, so I’ve not got  much time left to achieve my aims, but I’m still hopefully still got time to achieve some more of them before the end of this year!

How about you, are you succeeding with your aims for 2012 so far?

Whatever your aims for this year, I pray you may be making progress in your aims for 2012, and that come the end of the year you will have achieved all God had planned for you this year!

People In Need

Posted: November 27, 2012 in bereavement, bible, blogging, death, family, friendship, Health, life, love, music, prayer, religion, Salvation Army
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The last few days my blog posts have focused on bereavement, and how, even when coping with that situation, we can do so with hope, knowing we will see our loved ones again in heaven.

But for each of us, how do they help people who are hurting either due to bereavement or other events?

Firstly some words from the bible:

Remember those who are suffering, as though you were suffering as they are ~ Hebrews 13:3 (Good News Translation)

Is that the key, to try to understand the pain and hurt the person is feeling?

I’d say yes, as without trying to understand how and why the person is feeling pain, there is no way we can truly understand how they are feeling. So does that mean unless we’ve been in that same situation as the person, we can’t possibly understand their pain?

No, with God‘s help we can be the support and strength the person requires to get through their darkest moments. We may not have been in the situation the person’s currently in, but God can give us the words and actions to provide the comfort and strength needed for those who are hurting.

No More Pain

Posted: November 23, 2012 in bereavement, bible, cancer, death, family, friendship, Health, heart, heaven, life, love, music, religion
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Revelation 21:4 (Good News Translation)

He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain.

Well known words from Revelation, but ones I’ve found myself drawn to several times in the last week or so. I don’t know about you, but I’ve found it quite reassuring knowing that those I love who have passed away recently are now free from the pain they suffered during their latter time here on earth.

don’t get me wrong, I’m still upset by their passing, and have shed countless tears, however knowing they are now pain-free and are at peace, somehow makes it a little easier to cope with.

The loss of a loved one is painful and upsetting, but please remember that whatever difficulties they may have had while they were with us, they have nothing to fear any more as they are at rest now.

Heart Attack!

Posted: November 3, 2012 in family, friendship, Health, heart, hospital, life, news
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I’ve been reminded all too often in the last year or so, how easy it can be to miss and/or ignore the signs of a heart attack…particularly if you are a female. From what I’ve been told, and what I’ve read. some of the symptoms experienced by women when they are having a heart attack can can different from the more familiar symptoms which men suffer.

I therefore thought it would useful to remind you females, what signs and symptoms you should look out for, as recognising the signs of a heart attack in either yourself or someone you know, could save a life!

So here’s some heart attack symptoms women should look out for:

  • Heavy pressure on the chest, not necessarily pain, but like there’s a heavy weight on the centre of left side of your chest. It may come and go and can be mistaken for indigestion.
  • Shortness of breath that comes on suddenly when you haven’t exerted any energy. Struggling to take breaths combined with discomfort in your chest is a definite sign to get checked out.
  • Nausea and vomiting – This is far more common for women than men and is often hard to link to the idea of a heart attack.
  • Sudden fatigue, which is easy to ignore as it can last for a few days or come and go – This can also combine with weak or tired muscles.
  • Dizziness and feeling light-headed.
  • Sharp pains in your torso or arms – Women are also more likely to report stabbing pains in the back, shoulder, neck or jaw.
  • Cold sweats or unexplained or extreme sweating.

So those are the symptoms to look out for, but what should you do if you or someone you’re with experiences any of the above?:

  • If you have one or more of the above symptoms for longer than five minutes, call an ambulance – quick treatment is lifesaving.
  • Even if the symptoms go away quickly, it’s still worth getting checked out by a doctor as it could be a sign that a heart attack is on the horizon and you may be able to prevent it.

In summary, if you’re in any doubt whether you/they may be having a heart attack or not, don’t delay, call an ambulance or get yourself to A&E immediately and get checked out. After all it’s better to get checked out immediately and find there’s nothing wrong than to hold off and suffer what could be a life-threatening heart attack.

Please remember these signs to look for, and most importantly take action fast as doing so may safe a life…your life!

You Can’t Be In Pain! #3

Posted: October 9, 2012 in blogging, depression, friendship, Health, life, management
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The last couple of days I’ve give you some examples of situations where the physical pain being experienced by someone, can be easily overlooked or ignored by others. Today however I want to remind you that although I’ve focused on physical pain for the last couple of days, it’s not just physical pain that people overlook.

Physical pain can be debilitating and draining but emotional pain can cause just as much pain and fatigue. Unfortunately though, emotional pain is often dismissed something the sufferer can just turn off when they get in the way. However those sentiments couldn’t be further from reality!

Having struggled both physically and emotionally on a number of levels for some time, I can honestly say that I’m not entirely sure which is worse, physical or emotional pain. In some ways physical pain is actually easier to cope with because normally there is at least a reason for the pain and pain killers can often help ease the pain to some extent. However when you’re suffering emotionally, there is no quick fix, as there no “emotional pain-killer” that can just turn off your feelings and suddenly make the world seem brighter and more appealing again.

So please remember that just because you can’t see anything physically wrong with someone, doesn’t mean they are necessarily well physically or emotionally. So don’t judge others, particularly when you’re simply doing it based on what you can see.

You Can’t Be In Pain! #2

Posted: October 8, 2012 in arthritis, blogging, cancer, depression, friendship, Health, heart, language, life, management, work
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Today I want to continue my blog posts about pain by sharing another example of coping with pain…

I recently heard of someone who had had a minor accident, but it had left them in too much pain to allow them to drive to work. Therefore, rather than take the day off work sick, they intended to work from home. However they were informed that as they couldn’t work from home as they would be “doped up on pain killers“.

You might think this is fair enough, however let me ask you this, if the person requesting to work from home had simply requested to do so for some reason other than their pain, would their manager ever have known they would be working from home while “doped up on pain killers”?

What about those who work, who are in pain, and are “doped up on pain killers’, are their managers quick to stop them working just because they’re on pain killers?

You may think anyone who is on pain killers shouldn’t be working as they can’t possibly be operating at their true level, and therefore their work must be suffering. But can we really be that sweeping with this response? I’d suggest not, as everyone is different. Speaking for myself, I know I am on prescription pain killers and therefore would probably be deemed to be “doped up on pain killers” while I’m at work, but I’d suggest that majority of the time, most people around me at work are completely unaware that I’m struggling or that I’m even in any kind of physical pain.

So basically I’m saying that just because one person can’t work while in pain or “doped up on pain killers”, it doesn’t mean everyone is this same.

We all have different pain tolerance levels.

We all cope with pain differently.

Our bodies all cope differently with pain medication.

Just another little reminder for you today not to judge someone’s ability to cope while in pain or on pain killers, because of their own experiences, as we are all different, and we call cope differently with pain medication.

You Can’t Be In Pain! #1

Posted: October 7, 2012 in arthritis, cancer, dementia, depression, friendship, Health, heart, language, life, love
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Over the next few days I want to talk about pain, and in doing so share a few examples of people dealing/coping with pain.

A few days ago someone said to me:

She’s 10 years older than me, but she’s not got any problems as she’s able to walk ok, unlike me.

I was annoyed, though I made no comment as I didn’t want to upset or anger the person who said it to me. It’s all back to that “invisible pain” things again isn’t it! After all the person who said this had no idea whether the person they were talking about had any serious or significant illnesses, but simply judges their state of health based on what they could see…and it’s only ever going to be physical ailments that are visible!

I must be honest and say, as one who suffers from severe pain on an almost daily basis, I find it annoying and frustrating how many people assume you are well and healthy just because they can see no obvious physical impairment. If only all physical pain was that easily identified!

I personally don’t like a lot of fuss, and certainly don’t like being the centre of attention, so for me trying on a daily basis not to let other see my physical pain is an almost full-time task.

Today, I just want to remind you again, that just because someone seems well and healthy to look at, doesn’t mean they are, so don’t make rash comments or judgements about others based only on what you can see.

My Aims 2012 – August Review

Posted: August 31, 2012 in bible, blogging, dementia, depression, family, Food, Health, holiday, hospital, housework, life, love, music, pray, prayer, religion, sport, tennis, weight
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At the start of this year, I shared with you my aims for this year (Welcome to 2012) – not my new year resolutions, but what I aim to achieve this year. Then at the end of each month I’ve given you an update on how I’m doing.

So it’s now the end of August, which means it’s time for my next update…

  • Eat healthier
    • Fixed this last month. I’ve done fairly well when I’ve been working, but outside of work not so good.
    • While at work I’ve just been in my usual routine of eating a lot of fruit and drinking a lot of water, whereas dinner’s been a bit of a problem, mainly because I’ve been going to visit Dad in hospital and have been having some quick or ready meals for dinner when I’ve got home from the hospital because I’m so tired by the time I get home.
  • Lose some weight
    • Probably just as well the bathroom scales don’t seem to be working, as I suspect I’ll have put on a few pounds again.
    • As with the “eating healthier” task, it’s probably all down all the hospital visiting and quick ready meals I’ve been eating.
    • Maybe once Dad gets out of hospital I can get back to some kind of normality, but who knows when that’s going to be!
  • Spend more time reading my bible
    • I’m making excuses again! But I’m struggling to find the time and energy to sit down and spend any quality time reading my bible.
    • I said this last month, but maybe this next month I’ll manage it…I really need to organise myself better to read my bible at a point in the day before I become too tired…mind you some days I have no energy at the start of the day, nevermind by the end of it!
  • Don’t let pain rule my life
    • Still struggling quite a lot with pain levels this month and generally not feeling 100%.
    • I feel as though I’m making excuses, but it’s not intended to be that way, simply a statement of fact…that with all the running around I’ve been doing for over 6 weeks now since Dad went into hospital, it’s hardly surprising I’ve not felt great.
    • Mind you, it may have been a struggle physically as well as emotionally in this last month, but I’ve managed to keep going, much to my surprise at times.
  • Get back to playing tennis as stopped playing in 2003 when I first wasn’t well
    • Not managed this yet as there’s just been too many other more important things to bother about than playing tennis again.
    • Also as my pain levels were still so high it really would have been daft to even think about attempting to try to play tennis.
  • Put aside a minimum of 5 minutes each day to spend some quiet-time with God
    • A repeat of last month again as I managed to spend some quiet time with God, however much of it was spent crying.
    • Just like last month I’ve had to remind myself on a number of occasions that when things are bad, I need to turn to God rather than forget Him!
  • Get back to playing the piano regularly as it’s been a while
    • Continuing to make no progress with this one!
  • Go on holiday – we’ve not been away anywhere since 2002
    • Again, no progress on this one yet!
  • Keep on top of the housework (especially the ironing mountain!)
    • Still failing miserably at this one.
  • More patience and understanding of others
    • Failing miserably at this
    • I’m continuing to pray a lot for patience because I certainly need it!
  • Stop procrastinating
    • At last a task I’m actually doing ok at!
    • Mind you maybe that because I’ve had that many things to do, I’ve not really had any time to procrastinate!

So that’s my honest answers to how I’m getting on with my aims for 2012 – To summarise my progress to date…it’s stalled a bit in the last couple of months, but overall, given recent circumstances, I’m reasonably happy with my progress even though I could do much better!

There’s still plenty of months to go in 2012, so I’ve still got time to achieve them all before the end of this year!

How about you, are you succeeding with your aims for 2012 so far?

Whatever your aims for this year, I pray you may be making progress in your aims for 2012, and that come the end of the year you will have achieved all God had planned for you this year!

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