My biggest impediment, on bad days, is getting started! My friend i& neighbor s an amazingly productive artist, who lives with RA and OA pain.

She told another friend and me "Here is how I cope" -
1) I make a list of 2 things to accomplish each morning - sometimes as small as "clear off the kitchen counter" or "get groceries". If I finish those, I had a successful day. But usually, this gets me moving and I go on to accomplish more.
2) Every day, I do something related to art. If I can't paint, I sketch. If I can't sketch, I go through my (on-line) photos looking for inspiration. If I feel too lousy to even do that, I watch art-related videos.

Then you posted about "SMART" and I was amazed at how her goals aligned so perfectly, while still respecting her body, emotions and ability. She inspired me, and I have been trying this fall to emulate her. It has really helped!

Thank you Rachel for the reminder that I need to make goals I can accomplish with the body and energy I have, not what I used to be able to do!
Sue

@rwinney Rachel, I have found that setting my realistic goals have in the past, clashed with the amount of physical activity I used to be able to accomplish. It has taken many years to understand and accept that what "used to be" is not on the table, anymore. As @kenc mentioned, the depression with accepting that fact has been a big hurdle for me. As far as "time attainable/trackable" that is difficult, as some days are so much better than others. For my creativity side, the sewing machine is set-up, my art supplies are close to hand, my yarn is handy, so there is a choice based on what it feels like is attainable any given day. And the e-book reader is always charged up if all else fails!

@sueinmn Sue, having degrees of working with your creativity and projects seems to work for me, similar to your friend's ideas! Right now I am stuck on whip-stitching together the panels of the "afghan from h***" as a holiday gift for the neighbor. She chose the boring colors. Once I finally realized that she won't think any more or less of the whipstitch versus fancy joining, it should go fast, then edge stitching the whole thing.
Ginger

I have done this sort of thing on my own for some time now. My one disappointment is that I cannot get out and walk. I was on steroids for vasculitis for 5 1/2 years before they determined I didn't have it! The damage from the steroids includes diabetes, osteopenia, spinal stenosis, tooth damage, weakened muscles, bones, tendons (torn tendon that cannot be repaired because it would just tear out again), and more. I am gaining weight due to inactivity. I am doing more that I was two years ago. I work around the house (dishes, cleaning, etc), but cannot stay on my feet more than 5-10 minutes. I wanted to get a back brace that would support the spinal stenosis and lumbar pain I experience, but have been advised against it by my doctor. I would use it only to get out and walk - the 5 minutes would be a good starting point for me. They want to inject my back but they want to use steroids. After a lot of long hard thought I decided I have enough damage from steroids. I have decided to learn to live with it, which I am doing (plus my husband had his back injected and ended up with arachnoiditis - don't want to add to my problems). My only other goal is to do some walking. Distraction is a help. I am an author, I knit and crochet, I read, but these all add to my sedentary lifestyle, which I am trying to change. I am gaining - I was doing nothing 2 years ago. If I could just get out and walk some, I could accept the rest. I may go ahead and get that back brace anyway - it's not like I would be wearing it 100% of the time.

I admire the SMART goals concept, but having suffered from chronic pain for almost the same amount of years I have been trying to lose weight, my biggest obstacles have more to do with SMART “obstacles” I always seem to be lacking: Support system, Motivation, Accountability, Results. and Tenacity.

Thank you! I have not heard of SMART goals before & find this info very helpful for daily life.

I've had Fibromyalgia for approx 35 + years now. I'm now 65 and still learning to live with this ever changing, up, down, in, out, incurable, but often manageable disease!
The new symptoms heaped upon the remaining old ones can be overwhelming at times, too many to list, but sounds like most on this thread understand that.
I take the max ammt of Pregabalin that has helped ease pain, Tylenol as needed (cannot take NSAIDs due to gut issues), a CBD rub, Thyroid Rx, an Rx plus Bergamot for high blood pressure related to pain, and supplements/essential oils I have learned that help ease multiple symptoms.

I also have had to learn not to push beyond what my body is asking if me. On severe pain or multiple issue days I need to practice being gentle, and have learned when I can push just a bit more. How hard is this for us who are Fixers, Planners, Doers, Leaders!
But all in all... Life is good! I am thankful for all I have gone through and that I can use Life's lessons to help & encourage others.

Rachel, these are great ideas but just in my own opinion there should be counseling prior to surgery letting the patient know what to expect following surgery. Forums are great but one problem is that those who have great outcomes usually leave forums never to be seen until something else goes bad. The medical community has failed a lot of patients especially when the outcomes weren’t good. Resources aren’t available to a lot of chronic pain patients. Your MDs have their hands tied . Secondly no one should ever want to go down the opioid road. On those pain break through pain days there’s no where to turn. I would advise anyone facing spinal surgery to get counseling as well as being informed of the procedure. That’s why forums like this are invaluable.