5 Things only People who Suffer from Chronic Pain Can Understand

Chronic pain is a very common condition which affects a lot of people world-wide. The costs associated with it are higher than $635 billion each year. The sum is higher than the one associated with cancer or diabetes. However, few people take the time to acknowledge this condition and even fewer work on raising awareness on it. Only fellow sufferers can understand and relate to all the struggles of a person with chronic pain.

There are different levels of pain

Chronic pain is unique to each individual, as well as how they choose to manage it. However, we all have different levels of pain and we usually address them gradually. There are times when an ice pack is enough to soothe the pain, but there are also times when you need to sit still in a dark, quiet room take a painkiller or undergo physical rehabilitation treatment. And there are also times when the pain is so severe that you need to go to the ER.

Normal life is relative

For someone with chronic pain, normal life is a relative term. We don’t remember how it is to live without the pain, without the appointments to the pain management therapists and without the pills. For someone who suffers from this condition, normal is when pain allows you to function properly.

You always feel guilty for something

Pain can be so severe that you need to cancel your plans for the day in order to sit in your dark room with a pack on ice on the painful area. And you always spend the nights at home, trying to get some sleep. This equals a lot of missed appointments, canceled plans and angry friends. You will feel guilty about having to ditch a meeting in the last moment and not being able to show up to your cousin’s birthday. And all this guilt will make you feel even more pain.

You often lie

How can you tell your new employer that your chronic pain prevents you from doing some extra hours? You don’t! You lie about it and you will continue to lie to many people, hiding your condition. This is partially due to the stigma which accompanies chronic pain. Because it is not visible, many people simply believe you are trying to get attention or opioids. To avoid dealing with their opinions, you just lie. Another reason to lie about your chronic pain is the fact you simply don’t want to talk about it. This is some people’s way to pretend they are not in pain and overcome this debilitating condition.

You are always on an emotional roller-coaster

Being in constant pain affects your emotions and makes you highly unstable. When your pain is very severe you have low tolerance for pretty much everything. When you are on a new pain management pill you experience a sort of high. Chronic pain makes you act strange at times and it can lead to additional problems, like anxiety or depression.