ChronicPain My Journey

I got some pretty great news late last week. The trial for my spinal stimulator had finally been approved.  We 1st asked for it about 2 1/2 years ago in which they said no. Truthfully I wasn't ready back then however am now. My reasons for changing my mind are due to a few things. I've  done a lot of research, 5 years of research as this was when it was 1st brought to my attention. I've spoken to people, posted questions in pain groups, reached out to people and searched online. I even have acquaintance whom when I posted about the device, I found out they collected research for this device and it's been very successful.  Returning to dance has been my main reason for wanting the stimulator. My passion is back in my life and it's great. I have become a part of a dance school I believe in and love. I'm grateful to work for someone who has hired me knowing I have chronic pain. Nadia has allowed me to teach within my limitations. I have definitely test

Something pretty amazing happened on December 15 th , 2016. Dance returned to my life.  It was absent for close to 7 years due to a workplace injury  (non-dance related job) on March 17 th , 2010. My body went through trauma at the time of the injury which had left me with neuropathic pain. I remember thinking on the Thursday it took place that I’d be back at work on the Monday. Little did I know that almost 7 years later I’d still be living with chronic pain. When my injury took place I wasn’t able to walk more than 10 metres due to the severity of the pain. I went two years without knowing what was wrong with me. Two years after my injury I met my chronic pain specialist who has been a gem in my life. Both he and my GP are outstanding and have guided and supported my decisions. When I first met my Chronic Pain specialist he explained to me what was going on in my body, he also told me that I wouldn’t be able to dance again to which I broke down as dance was my everything.  S

It's been a long time since I've blogged however myself currently being unemployed I have a lot on my mind.  I apologise for this not being an uplifting blog. I had a job I truly loved teaching piano at an independent school. I was let go due to to financial reasons at the school. Now I'm on the quest to find a job which suits my chronic pain. I've had to turn down 3 jobs due to the hours being too long, too many days in a row, travel time to long. This has of course triggered my depression however this time I have the tools to help me through this period. My life in Canada was pretty amazing. I was fortunate to make a career in teaching/choreographing dance. I did really well.  Work was easy for me to obtain.  I was asked to head a dance program  in a high school however I turned it down to come to Australia. I also remember taking a call, at the airport in Los Angeles, on my way to Melbourne, to be the main adjudicator at the biggest Ukrainian dance competiti

It's been 10 months since my last blog. Guess I didn't have much to say and I was busy having a home built. We decided to move out to the country. Been one of the best decisions we've ever made for us and my chronic pain. We didn't think we'd move further out until we were much older however life changes and we're here to make the most of everything. Life is definitely slower here and it's fabulous. I walk around the corner and there's cattle, sheeps and horses. Short walk down the other street and I'm on the main street listening to a band or eating out. Mentally it's been so much better here for me. I'm so much more relaxed. For those who don't have a chronic illness and aren't on a ton of medications maybe skip this next sentence. I'm finally pooping! That's how relaxed I am. I poop without slippery elm or movical etc. Those in my shoes will understand how joyous of an occasion this is!  My pain levels havn't

I just want to poop! Chronic pain + medication = chronic constipation and depression Pooping, normally a subject mothers will have with other mothers about their baby’s or for those of us who have pets may often talk about how gross it is to pick up our animals poop. However I have a problem.  Who am I supposed to talk to without feeling embarrassed?  Even talking to my closest friends about what my next blog was, was hard for me to share. I’m 42 this year and my life seems to revolve around bowel movements or lack thereof. There isn’t a lot of information on the web for us adults to turn to for help. What helps most people does barely anything for me so I’ve really had to change my lifestyle. I hope what I’ve learned helps you. Now don’t go thinking I talk about my pooping ritual to everyone, however my poor husband has to listen to me complain daily.  The second person who knows all about my lack of bowel movements is my GP. Do you know what it’s like to constantly be talkin

I wasn’t planning on writing this blog entry however I felt I should.   My depression levels have been pretty high the last 3 days, due to my soaring pain levels. It’s been awhile since my last bout of depression came over me so I’m grateful for this.   I know for a fact that if I didn’t have pain I wouldn’t have depression. Anyone living in 24/7 pain would have depression. Depression is like a dark shadow that slowly takes over your soul. Seeps in slowly, overtakes everything however then passes.   That’s the most important thing to remember is that it will pass. It took me awhile to learn this however I repeated this to myself mentally constantly. It’s important to be patient and to believe. I’ve only had chronic pain for 5 years however I’ve only begun accepting recently.   Now that I’ve accepted this other things are starting to fall into place. I understand that when I start to have constant negative thoughts to check in and think about my pain levels. It may not make sense