Re: Has anyone read Managing Pain before it Manages You/Jennette

[Guest guest]

Hi Jennette,

Along with research I also have done on line, I have also read that book. In

fact, I have the book somewhere in my collection in storage. It helped me a

little bit, in ways such as you have said. Such as having to become our own

best advocates. I am also have long term chronic pain that looks to be

permanent unless a cure for RSDS/CRPS arthritis, Occipital Neuropothy, and

Chondromalacia Patellae with Bilateral Patella femoral Syndrome is found.

It is very true that learning takes time and that so many of us have had to

learn the hard way how difficult getting the help we need really is,

unfortunately. Being proactive is definitely a plus, as is being dedicated to

helping ourselves. I know that sometimes that isn't enough because of what I

have been through and my experience with the medical fields across the country

and globe. The book, as well as on line research definitely help us to gain the

knowledge needed or desired to be our own advocates and in being proactive with

our health care and treatments in managing chronic pain. I agree that knowledge

is definitely a tool that is good not just for our own mindset but also to help

our doctors to understand better what we are going through and how to treat us

half, if not most of the time.

I have come across biased, and yes judgmental, doctors and nurses who have

treated me poorly because I have several tattoos and an eyebrow piercing. I

used to be what the younger generation these days calls " Emo " thanks to all that

I go through. I no longer dress all in black all the time. And all my tattoos

mean something to me or I wouldn't have gotten them. But, it doesn't stop some

from treating me as though I am desiring drugs when that couldn't be further

from the truth. I desire cures lol.

Anyway, thank you for sharing and I hope it helps others as well! :-)

Love,

Becky in NM

Jennette wrote:

Since I'm a long term pain sufferer of many decades I've learned quite a bit. I

know for a fact that it's imperative that we pain patients become our own best

advocate.

Learning takes time and unfortunately so many of us have learned the hard way

just how difficult it is to get the help we need.

We have to be proactive and dedicated to helping ourselves. There's no magic

involved but knowledge gives me the tools to find what works best for me.

Jennette