Pain Fog: Living in spite of Chronic Pain
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Day 239. Sharing the Load.

10/27/2015

1 Comment

 
There's a switch inside a person who is healing that gains or adds stress depending on who they depend on. What I mean by that is, there's a part of our self defence that becomes alert and at attention when we don't feel safe, when we are alone or in need. That same switch turns off when you're surrounded by those who want what is best for you.
This isn't a conscious thing. It's something we ain't even aware of. I have noticed as the weeks tick by I have days in which I feel I can and should do more. And there are days when putting one foot in front of another seems impossible.
It's no coincidence that on the better days I have had company. First my sister Val arrived and stayed ten days. It was perfect timing just one week after being released from hospital. She was very attentive and I was very immobile and weak. A couple of days after Val left, my eldest sister Queen was here for a little less than a week. I was doing somewhat better but still required a lot of help. At Thanksgiving both of my daughters were here and my brother Jim was here to help out. By then I was doing more but still very limited by my mobility and stamina. There was a week and a bit without anyone and I managed on my own. It was a frustrating week. I can see why now. I was alone, and the little things others were doing for me I was doing on my own or not doing at all. I felt limited every minute of every day. For instance I couldn't go for my daily walk until Barry arrived home from work. By that time of the day I was feeling tired and didn't increase my distance or time. I didn't eat as well either because it seemed like a lot of trouble to prepare a healthy snack etc.
This week my sister Mary is here. It has given me my freedom back. I can challenge myself to walk a littler further. I'm eating very well because when I'm too tired to prepare something, she will. The most important thing is, when there's somebody by your side, you are more likely to focus on the positive and not be frustrated by what you can't do.
It's like splitting the load with your support person. So thanks to my family for being there for me. It meant I could come home to rehab this time and feel the peace of this beautiful community as I move toward better mobility and overall health.
1 Comment
Mary
10/28/2015 12:07:57 am

Maureen, I'm very happy to be here for you and keep you company while you recover.
I'm very proud of you and Barry; it's been a challenging year for you both and you're doing your best for each other.
Jerri and Meg are real Troopers and always there to help;such a wonderful family . ❤️

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    Maureen Clout

    I'm going in for a 4th neurosurgery; this time it's a repair to my lumbar fusion. Here, I will post my daily updates on dealing with diagnosis, surgery and recovery. Join me on my journey.

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