Short
Term
Goals
How I learned to live with severe pain
and return to myself
Hello, people. My name is Gayle and I have been living with severe chronic pain for over 10 years. I have also lived with anxiety and depression for most of my life.
This blog is about my thoughts, feelings and experiences with severe chronic pain, the Canadian medical system, treatments, medications, surviving setbacks and finding success independently. Seeking medical treatment in my province (BC) has been a complete and utter nightmare.
I have been on the brink of mental and physical collapse and have worked my way back to myself. I can't say I'm "cured" of pain, or that there even is a cure. However, I have improved my quality of life exponentially, and have moved on from feeling inept to achieving my dream of having a family. I believe that with clear goals, reasonable expectations, education, treatments, and hard work, most of us are capable of improving our quality of life. Obviously there are exceptions, but this blog isn't about what can't change. Its about taking control over what we do have control over: our behaviour, our emotions, and ultimately how we live our lives.
Please note that I do swear a bit (as needed!) and discuss adult topics, so this is not a blog intended for children. With that said, I hope you enjoy my writing and hopefully get something of value from reading about my experiences.
If you are feeling suicidal or are worried about someone in distress who may hurt themselves, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). Connect to a BC crisis line 24 hours a day, without a wait or busy signal.
Immediately make a virtual or (if it is safe to do so) in person appointment with a doctor or your general practitioner if you do not know why you are in physical pain.
This blog is not intended for children under the age of 18.
This information is meant as supplemental support to your healthcare routine. Please use common sense when using advice from the internet.