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Pain and Loss of Self Worth

Chronic Pain | Last Active: Dec 18, 2023 | Replies (142)

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@leigh17

Thank you, I found this very helpful tonight in the midst of a very hard day struggling with my situation.

Thank you….

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Replies to "Thank you, I found this very helpful tonight in the midst of a very hard day..."

You're welcome, Leigh, To share a little story that inspired me and I hope will inspire you. Yesterday, I went to my ophthalmologist for an annual corneal exam due to having an eye condition called Fuchs dystrophy. Fuchs caused the cells in my corneas to start dying off and disturb my vision at age 41, and required me to have cornea transplants and cataract surgeries in both eyes at age 43. Every year I go to make sure the cells are still healthy. Anyway, yesterday I walked into the office full of senior citizens and flashbacked to how I felt so out of place walking in there 13 years ago for the first time and finding a lobby full of...well, I'll just say it - "older" people. I felt too young to be there, was scared, in denial and angry. Fast forward, I have grown and worked on acceptance and mind set. I am blessed that the transplants have held up and my vision is good. My point in sharing the story is that when I walked into the jam-packed office of seniors and took a seat, across from me was a tiny little lady slouched, laying against a man that appeared to be her son. The man got up from his seat to complain that his 95-year-old mother had been waiting over an hour and she couldn't continue to do so. The little lady couldn't have weighed more than 80 90 pounds, was missing half of her teeth and was so frail I didn't think she had 1 oz of energy, but as I sat in my chair observing, I saw her lift one arm continuously for five reps followed by arm circles and then jaw stretches. Her son was so good to her he had a sweater draped over her because she was cold he kept rubbing her cheek and engaging with her until she finally started to speak and lo and behold she was funny! She had humor about the long wait. I was completely amazed that when her name was called, her son pulled her up, held on to her and they walked into the exam room. I wished her good luck and she said, "with what?" I said with eyes and she giggled. She was so inspirational to me in that moment and I realized that what's kept her going obviously was her tenacity her humor and probably her acceptance. I'm 53 now and have learned so much about myself through chronic pain and conditions and others both older and younger that have inspired me. We continue to grow through what we go through. We can never give up, we can only just keep trying to be the best versions of ourselves given the cards were dealt.. Sleep well and I hope you have a better day tomorrow.