When you’ve had as many x-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, blood tests, doctor referrals, emergency room visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions as I have, you’ll appreciate it when I say I wish there were a better way.
Until my recent ultrasound identified calcific tendonitis in my left shoulder, the vast majority of tests showed no significant indicators of disease or issues associated with the symptoms or pain levels I experience.
Welcome to the wonderful world of— we don’t have a clue what’s wrong with you.
What Hurts You Say?
Essentially, my early diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is the one that stuck, and I, along with my doctors, have ascribed every ache since then to a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. If it hurts, it must be the fibro. Tired? Fibro. Brain malfunctioning to the point of limited ability to speak? Fibro.
Over the years, I’ve used the services of naturopaths, weight specialists, chiropractors, rheumatologists, physiotherapists, and massage therapists. The one specialist I haven’t been able to get a referral for is…you guessed it…a pain specialist.
Despite the long, and at times disheartening, journey through a medical system designed to treat specific conditions as opposed to pain, every new round of diagnostic tests still elicits a small flare of hope for an answer to my pain problems.
And yep, hope once again flared in January when I went for an MRI of my left hip. Persistent pain and walking problems have plagued me for several years, and my earliest hip x-ray on record dates back to 2013.
The 2013 x-ray, and all subsequent visual imaging tests, did not reveal the cause of my problem. Not the case for the 2021 MRI. The results are in, and I have a muscle tear. Not a big deal. Except it won’t heal on it’s own, it interferes with my ability to walk, and it probably requires Orthopedic surgery because it’s on the inside of my hip. My consult with the surgeon is next week. I’ll update you on how that goes.
Now here’s the thing—yes—repairing a muscle tear should allow me to walk like a normal human. It should also reduce localized pain in the area. However, it won’t do jack shit for my everyday aches and pains.
Well, That's a Relief...Or is it?
Right about now, I should be feeling pretty discouraged.
I don’t.
I feel pretty-damn-good, which is weird for me. It’s mid-winter. There’s snow on the ground. Cold temperatures are freezing my arse. And we’re in the middle of a fucking pandemic. So why am I smiling? Quick, somebody call a doctor!
Oh, wait. Scratch that. Been there. Sat in the uncomfortable waiting room chairs. Have the medical records to prove it.
I’m smiling because compared to this time last year, my pain has indeed gone down. Who? What? Why? How is this even possible?
I’ll be honest with you. I’m not doing anything drastically different. I just modified my approach a little and decided to apply my small target mindset to my 2021 health goal.
For the Calcific Tendonitis shoulder pain, I started physiotherapy and set a goal to stretch a little more every day. My shoulder is now almost pain-free.
I started wearing a back brace to correct my posture. I added in gentle neck and back stretching exercises under the direction of my physiotherapist. My neck is doing much better. My back is improving but is still a work in progress.
I started walking on the treadmill for my overall mental and physical health while doing some writing tasks: two birds—one stone. Go me.
Recently, I started back with some gentle yoga. Roy and I now do yoga together, helping me achieve my 2021 goal of better quality family time. Once again—two birds—one stone!
I also changed my pill-popping habits. I added Cymbalta to assist with pain reduction but not in the recommended dosage. I take 20 mg a day as opposed to 60 mg. So far, I think the lower dose contributes to my pain reduction, but without the brain buzz I usually associate with SSRIs. I also take magnesium, biotin, and vitamin B and D daily. If I feel a flare is coming on, I’ll take 30 mg of Naproxen.
So all this to say, it’s mid-February, and I’m still focused on and working toward achieving the goals I set for 2021! Like I said in the January blog—it’s a new year—and the same old me. My pain, while slowly becoming more manageable, will never be gone entirely. That’s okay. I’m learning some new ways to cope, which brings me to next months blog content.
The Power of a Positive Mindset
My genius sister, chronic pain expert, Dr. Diane, hooked me up with a subscription for a fantastic app. It’s called CURABLE, and it’s a different approach for managing chronic pain. It has certainly had a positive impact on my discomfort level and may very well help you with managing yours, too.
If you’re already using Curable, or you have some positive tips and tricks to share with the community, leave a comment below. We’d love to hear about what’s working for you. Also, if you have any questions about my wellness journey, or just want to connect, feel free to send me an email.
Until the next blog—breathe deep chronic pain WARRIORS!
Current discomfort level 5/10.
Love the newsletter and new blog post! So happy to hear about all the success with killing birds 😉
Keep up the great work and positive mind set. When you are in pain, dropping from a daily 6/10 to 4/10 is like a miracle so small goals are genius! Can’t wait to read about your Curable journey. I love the app for my own pain and for my clients too!
Thanks for the positive feedback, Diane. LOL on the “bird killing!”
So much good about the Curable App. Really want to share the discomfort reduction wealth!