To live with pain is one thing but to manage a job and pain? well...in my opinion that takes a whole other level of strength. But you know what? So does living knowing you aren't able to work anymore. BOTH!! situations, in my opinion, take a lot of strength and courage to keep living every day without giving up and giving in.
To have to gather yourself up and get yourself off to work every day when you're hurting...that is power! that is courage! To have only your own four walls to see each day and you still manage to occupy your days keeping yourself as busy as you're able...well that's power too! and it's also courage! Do you believe that? What are your thoughts?
To live with pain and to keep working or to have pain and need to stop working...well that's a conversation we had on the Facebook page and here are your responses...thank you for sharing your thoughts!
- What’s a shame is that even though my body hurts, it doesn't show it on the outside, so many don't believe that there is pain.
- I work part time and people are always saying you are so lucky ..if only they could understand...I work when most people would be phoning in sick .. It makes it so hard when people just don't get it
- I feel like I need to work....in the traditional sense, but I don't know how to even begin. Also being in the throws of a big life change....it seems so far away
- I'm blessed that I can work remotely from home most days, especially on bad days. I can cover myself in heat packs and rest while getting my work done.
- I was explaining to my hubby why I was so exhausted today from just going out to eat and a little grocery shopping. My spine is currently inflamed really badly and my left hip is wearing out swollen and painful. As if arthritis, spinal stenosis, and fibromyalgia weren't enough and worn out rotator cuffs in both shoulders. He wasn't tired like me. I explained it is like trying to walk in thick mud up to my thighs. I have to force my muscles to move my legs. It is exhausting as well as painful.
- I went back to school at 52. I climbed steps very slowly if I couldn't get to the elevator. I bought a rolling book bag/computer case, I let my professors know I was not well. They were all very kind. I graduated, passed my state boards, and became a realtor and real estate broker. I continued to educate myself and became certified in several specialized segments of the business. At 61, after being rear ended by a careless driver who never even slowed down, my spinal injuries stopped me from being able to drive or climb stairs so I retired. I just pushed through the pain every day. All my clients were understanding about my weird way of climbing stairs (side ways). It was not easy but I did it.
I asked you earlier how you were managing...whether you're still working or you had to stop...both require some coping skills....SO! how are you managing?
If you're still working....
- Do you bring along some coping skills to work with you? (pillows for support, a change of shoes when needed, layers of clothing, soothing music, calming pictures...just a few examples)
- Do you have people at work you can turn to when you need support?
- Do your employers understand and support your needs?
- Do you have a work station or environment that is supportive to your needs and abilities? (There are some ergonomic work stations now...are they available to you at your work?)
- How do you prepare yourself for work? How do you soothe and care for yourself and your needs when you come home?
- How do you talk to yourself when you're feeling your pain?
If you're not working...
- What do you do during your days to help you heal...to soothe and nurture your needs?
- What hobbies, activities and interests do you have and involve yourself with?
- Do you have people you can turn to when you need support?
- How do you prepare yourself for your days? How do you soothe and care for yourself when you've done too much?
- How do you talk to yourself when you're feeling your pain?
Whether you're working or not...what can you do for you to help you through your days?
take good care of you please