When the physical pain gets to be too much...

As human beings, each of us has some sort of physical pain, challenges or limitations. And perhaps, as you are reading this, you are in such excruciating pain that you are not sure how you are going to get through it or IF you’re going to get through it. I truly understand that feeling.

I have experienced pain so severe, that I have wanted to scream and throw things, and at times, I did. It was the kind of physical pain that is so bad that I became discouraged and felt like giving up. I’ve had pain that is so intense, and at the same time, pain in another part of my body rears its ugly head. It was these times that I would break down and cry so much that pure exhaustion took over, and finally quietness and rest came.

If this is you, I truly understand this kind of pain and I believe that you too will get through it. 

What do you do when you feel like there’s no hope and you’re tired of the pain day in and day out? For me, I try to keep hope ‘alive and well’ by letting it out with tears, groans and shouting, if needed. It’s amazing how therapeutic crying can be or talking it out with a friend, my spouse, and especially taking it to God in prayer. 

I know people that have created a diversion for themselves when they are in the greatest pain. My husband, for example, has had ringing in his right ear (or tinnitus) for the past 15+ years and he has learned how to cope by incorporating music and specifically the rhythms in order to prevent himself from going crazy. For me, I have found hot baths with a lot of Epson salt and bubbles have helped me, physically, mentally and spiritually. My other new favorite is adding a little pure castor oil to the bath, which helps to ease the pain in my body, but also acts as a natural skin hydrator. Although it is most known for its laxative properties, several communities report several uses and benefits. Please click the following link on 27 Health Benefits of Castor Oil: 27 Health Benefits of Castor Oil - Facty Health.

I have not been a stranger to physical pain. By the time I was 24 years old, I had had six surgeries, two of which were major back surgeries. Growing up I had had a lot of back pain, and at the age of 15, I had my first major lumbar fusion back surgery. Unfortunately, due to the pain, I wasn’t able to participate in sports as a kid.  

Regrettably, the pain goes beyond the multiple surgeries. I’ve had female challenges and years of stomach pain and issues. Although I’ve had real stomach issues, I would later come to realize that some of my stomach pain may be “psychosomatic” in nature, meaning, “a physical illness or condition, caused by or aggravated by a mental factor such as internal conflict or stress.”  Stay tuned for a blog on how I’ve been able to better understand psychosomatic pain.

Eight years ago, I developed “frozen shoulder” on my right side. This is a condition characterized by stiffness, and pain in the shoulder joint. Interestingly, according to my doctors and the additional research that I've conducted, women are more likely to develop frozen shoulder, and specifically women ages 40 - 60 years of age. I won’t go into the specifics, but after much pain and physical therapy for eight months or so, I could finally move my arm without tearing up. Then, five years or so ago, I developed pain in my left shoulder, and an MRI identified a small tear, which later turned into frozen shoulder and arthritis. Needless to say, I’ve continued with the physical therapy on and off for the past few years. One miracle is that although I still have quite a bit of pain, I am able to play pickle ball on a fairly regular basis, which has contributed to my overall health and wellness.

Then a year and half ago I started experiencing extreme tiredness along with puffiness around my eyes, and all along my throat. I got in to see my new doctor on a Thursday, and by Saturday morning, she called me to let me know that I had absolutely no thyroid. As soon as I heard this, I began uneasily and vividly picturing and wondering how they would remove this gland. When I talked with my doctor, she explained that there is no surgery, but that thyroid replacement therapy was all about taking pure synthetic thyroxine called levothyroxine daily, and for the rest of my life. Two miracles occurred regarding my thyroid. The first one is that this tiny little pill mimics close to perfect, the thyroid production of T4. 

The second miracle occurred the next time I went to my doctor a few months later. She told me how serious this thyroid condition could’ve been, had I not gone on the medication when I did. She said that when I was initially tested, my levels were so low that had my levels not increased significantly in a short period of time, hospitalization would have been a close reality.

I’ve realized one thing through all the surgeries, the physical pain and the mental drain, is that I’m a pretty strong person. This strength is not solely of me, but Jesus Christ in me, and my Healer. He is the One who gives me the strength to go on. I also cling to the hope of feeling great, and not allowing the pain to overtake me. A few weeks ago, I watched the movie, “Burlesque.” I must have re-watched and listened to Cher’s video, “You haven’t seen the last of me” multiple times. As she sings, “I am down, but I will get up again; don’t count me out just yet.”  And later, “I’ve been brought down to my knees, and I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking… I’ll be back on my feet.” (Cher - You Haven't Seen the Last of Me (Official Video) [From Burlesque] (youtube.com) That’s hope!

As you can probably tell from some of my other blogs, I have an affinity for movies that start with an underdog or someone “down and out” and later, through their struggles, achieve greatness, or they take on the world. 

Whatever pain, challenges, or heartache, please don’t lose your hope!

Life out of death - Table Mountain - Cape Town, South Africa