What It’s Like to Live with Chronic Pain

Life can be like a roller coaster when you live with chronic pain.

One day the pain may be manageable, and the next day the symptoms may be especially intense. Sufferers often don’t know what to expect when they awaken each day, which compounds any anxiety they may already be feeling about their physical condition.

Loved ones don’t always understand chronic pain

Those who want to help in some way when a friend or family member is in pain are well-meaning, but don’t always know the right things to say or do. This can cause them to feel helpless to provide support, and lead to awkwardness in the relationship. As a result, sometimes friendships begin to fade or the pain sufferer may retreat to a more isolated lifestyle.

Those who want to help don’t always ‘get it right’

Everyone appreciates having someone who cares enough to offer support during tough times. But sometimes the help can also add stress. Between those who make suggestions for ‘cures’ when the sufferer has already tried it all, and those who don’t understand that pain may increase or subside from one day than the next, an overload of unsolicited advice can add to an already-exhausting state of overwhelm.

Sufferers who need pain medications often experience anxiety

Many people don’t really want to take prescription pain meds, yet must rely on them to make chronic pain manageable when pain persists even after surgery or other treatments have failed.

But they may also be apprehensive about potential addiction, or issues with paperwork/insurance that can delay the meds that provide much-needed relief. Being ‘tied’ to a pain medicine regimen can cause anxiety in itself, on top of the stress associated with daily, ongoing pain.

Chronic pain changes everyday life

It goes without saying that when someone has a pain condition, many activities they use to enjoy can become too difficult to manage anymore. Daily routines are altered by the limited actions one can take each day; common tasks may take longer or be more challenging, and any additional steps needed for pain management (doctor visits, pain meds, therapy, etc) take even more time out of a busy schedule.

Circumstances like these can cause pain sufferers to avoid social interaction, leading to further isolation, sadness about the people and activities they’re missing out on, and even anger at having to struggle with their painful affliction.

There is no magic bullet for chronic pain relief

When the only thing a pain sufferer longs for is complete and immediate relief, it would be wonderful if there was a pill or single therapy that would ‘miraculously’ wipe away discomfort. But the reality is, relief from chronic pain may take some work, with multiple steps and complementary therapies for an overall solution to reduce the suffering.

It’s not always easy, given that those in pain are often worn down from their daily struggles as it is. But finding the right pain physician and combination of therapies is critical in order to achieve the most optimal treatment outcomes.