Hey there, @thehippierays! My husband struggles with everyday pain and I have seen how this could just take your whole life away. It takes so much stamina and strong will to do the simplest thing. I think one of the things which really helped him get back on his feet was the acceptance that his body was not acting the same as it used to. That there would be good days and bad days. That sometimes feeling good and being able to enjoy life is the biggest success one could accomplish.
Best is yet to come!
PS: I found your post thanks to @ajorundon who featured you in her Pay It Forward Contest Entry.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out. Chronic pain can take a toll on a person on so many levels, your husband is lucky to have you by his side. I definitely have a hard time understanding and accepting my new physical limits, but one day at a time I am becoming ok with it. Everyday is a new challenge. I find the greatest gift I have found so far would be neuroplasticity. Practiced at home in everyday life and self taught from YouTube. It teaches you to rewire your brain. It's not a cure all, but it helps get through the difficult minutes. Positive thoughts for your husband to have lower pain levels this week and for you both to have much to smile about. I am going to start following you :)
Thanks for sharing your experience, @thehippierays. I will recommend him to look at some Youtube videos on neuroplasticity. Although he is struggling with Hiatal Hernia which requires some other specific set of exercises. For some time now he's been trying to meditate every morning and practice mindfulness. I would say that I can clearly notice a change in his attitude and behavior. Maybe it has something to do with these two mentioned above :)
He is lucky to work from his computer at home, so in bad days he can just call the day off. So I really feel for your struggle with working hours.
I also followed you earlier to accompany you on your journey to healing :) See you soon!
Mindfulness is an amazing step in the right direction! Good for him! Mindful Based Stress Reduction was my introduction to neuroplasticity, I think he might already be there but definitely remind him. Everyday is a challenge, but with excellent support like you and the positive direction in self help he is taking, he is very lucky. You are very strong as well, I try to imagine the situation from all perspectives and believe you deserve kudos too :) positive thoughts for a great day for you both! :)
Thank you for your nice words, @thehippierays! You are right that it's been very difficult for me, too. However, what's easy anyway :)
Moreover, I meant these words when I said them: for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.
:)
I guess our struggle made me do my How to Cope with Stress series. I would recommend you reading this article of mine. I have described a very curious case in it. It's about a person who dealt with ankylosing spondylitis, a degenerative disease causing the breakdown of collagen. He suffered a great deal of everyday pain but found a way to cope with it and promote his health (there are some scientific research references in the article that you may find helpful).
Have a great day! I send you positive thoughts in return :)
Wow, I just read your article and have to thank you again for taking the time to connect with me. You are on a similar positive mission as me but have an incredible talent for reference and writing! I look forward to reading more from you! I have been told to believe that in turn for dealing with all of these medical conditions in this life, next life I get to be majestic like a unicorn lol these silly but positive thoughts DO help. Your husband is on the right path for positive thinking days, laughter is key and is luckily contagious ;) I love that about laughter. You are amazing Miss, I greatly appreciate you connecting with me and I look forward to learning more about you and your husband's journey. Make today a great day with positive thinking :)
Thank you so much for saying this! I am glad I met you, too. Everyone has their own struggles and sometimes the "symptoms" may vary, but the perception and the feelings are the same. I do believe that sharing and talking about stuff helps!