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What Pain Teaches Us
My 83-year old husband cries out in pain during the night, and moans and groans during the day. Not exactly music to my ears, especially since I suffer from chronic pain.
What has been a balm to me as George's primary caregiver, is all your hugs and prayers.
I refuse to be defeated by pain--my own and my vicarious suffering for my husband.
On Pain
Kahlil Gibran
And a woman spoke, saying, Tell us of Pain.
And he said:
Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.
Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.
And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy;
And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields.
And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.
Much of your pain is self-chosen.
It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.
Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility:
For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen,
And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.
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Thank you Pedro. Well yours is a good example of how great beauty can come from great pain. I only wish for you to be pain free. Thanks again for your inspiring words.
Joe
Thanks Annie,
I live in southeast WI, near Milwaukee, and we have terrific healthcare here through Froedert Hospital. Froedert is like Mayo or The Cleveland Clinic - it's a "learning" facility associated with the Medical College of WI. The school and Froedert have incredibly strict standards for who they will accept. And any research coming out of the med school is put into practice at Froedert, hence the "learning" designation.
I've been fortunate to find good ortho surgeons for knees and hips, shoulder, and spine.
The only two major joints that haven't been replaced are my left hip and right shoulder. I think I'll need to get my right shoulder done - it feels fine now but the X-rays show another story. Well, at least I'll be ready for it. I would just like one year, hopefully 2026, when I don't need any joint replacement surgery.
I ran marathons in my 30s and 40s. I was pretty good at it. I miss those days (my last marathon was in 1999), but have taken up spinning and that gives me the cardio rush I love.
Thanks again Annie!
Joe
@heyjoe415 I really appreciate the back story! We have the Cleveland Clinic nearby where I live in south Florida but im disappointed in their Medical prowess. They didn't even get my late Mum's cancer diagnosis correct!!
I think University of Miami is the best facility within South Florida, but one needs a pre- existing diagnosis to go there. So going there for ' pain' is not accepted. My pain is predominantly nerve based and its taken many, many years to get close to what I consider a fairly accurate diagnosis. I wish you well and do hope you can avoid the shoulder surgery a bit longer!! Best wishes. Annie
I’m fused from C3-C6, T2-S1. My entire spine except for 2 discs. I wasn’t parachuting for sport. That I highly recommend, most fun you can have with your clothes on. I’m 67 based on my date of birth, but my Pop is 95, and besides his bum ticker, he’s got more range of motion than I do. Im glad you found value in my story. That’s why I tell it. To let others know it can be much worse and you can still survive. And occasionally someone has it worse and I learn.
Thanks Annie.
I'm very sorry to hear that the CC got you Mum's diagnosis correct. And I'm so sorry she has passed. May her memory live on through you.
Interesting that U of Miami requires a pre-existing condition for admittance. From what you've described, it certainly sounds like you have neuropathy (a chronic condition causing nerve pain - especially in the extremities, I think.....).
If your PCP would make such a diagnosis, they could then refer you to U of Miami.
In any case, I hope you find some relief.
And thanks for your comment about my shoulder! My surgeon told me there are a lot of osteophytes present, but I don't have any pain, no discomfort. My left shoulder was a different story. It started bothering me 2 years ago. Cortisone helped once. The replacement in August was a huge relief from the daily pain.
I'd like to get through 2026 without any surgeries! I hope my right shoulder holds out, and thanks so much Annie.
Joe
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1 Reaction@heyjoe415
I replied privately but I dont think I did it correctly.
I'll try again later. I hurt myself very badly 4 days ago. It was a simple movement but has resulted in the worst injury of my life. ER couldn't find anything but im having excruciating pain in my back and spine. 5 days later, rest isnt providing any relief. Meanwhile be well and be grateful for all our blessings...
Bye for now. Annie
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1 ReactionHi Annie. I did send a private message, so please check your email.. You should have received it in email.
I hope you're feeling better. Please check my message and let me know.
Joe