Hi, my name is John and I have peripheral neuropathy. Sometimes I have difficulty separating my physical pain from the verbal expression of that pain. That means that sounds are triggered by my constant discomfort. When I hurt, I say "Owww!" It's the way things work for me.
The "Owww!" serves as a placeholder for other things I might want to vocalize. I guess if I tried I could stay silent and avoid these minor verbal outbursts. And sometimes I do. Many times.
Or I might say "Owww!" under my breath.
When I'm completely alone at home, I often scream "Owww!" at the top of my lungs. Maybe scream some other things. Give voice to the emotions that are tied tightly to the knife-stabbing pains tearing through my muscles and joints. Sometimes I get tired of hiding the extent of the anguish that is part of my daily neuoropathy experience. Read more about more neuropathy journey at Let Me Introduce Myself.
I believe it's OK to acknowledge your pain. Accept its existence. And if that means saying "Owww!" feel free to say it. Holding in the reality of your experience won't change what you're feeling. Being truthful with yourself and those who are close to you might open up real conversations. Might prompt you to ask for more help when you really need it. Read more about the changes that accompany neuropathy here.
I hurt. A lot. My meds don't ever completely erase the pain. Not even close. And so I say "Owww!" It's alright for you to do the same thing.
Another thing, tears happen. It's OK to let yourself feel the pain and hurt and wish that you didn't have to be going through this stuff now. Tomorrow. Every day. Forever. Reality can suck sometimes. You're not required to be a stoic statute who stuffs down emotions so deep that no one knows what you're going through.
Share your thoughts, your pain and your needs. Tell someone what you're going through. Ask for positive distractions. Ask for prayer. Ask for help. What about you? How do you or a loved one get through your worst pain day? And what makes it better? Sometimes humor can help. A little. Let's talk.
Thanks for listening.
John
P.S. If you'd like to follow my Life with Neuropathy blog, visit lifewithneuropathy.blogspot.com. Find the three lines next to the search button in the upper right hand corner of the home page. Then click on follow. You'll be notified of my future blogs.
P.P.S. To see an archive of Life with Neuropathy articles find the three lines next to the search button in the upper right hand corner of the home page and click on Life with Neuropathy Archives. Or cut and paste https://lifewithneuropathy.blogspot.com/2023/09/ into the search line.
Thanks, Matthew, for the awesome image. Photo by https://unsplash.com/@matthewschwartz
If you'd like to follow my Life with Neuropathy blog, visit lifewithneuropathy.blogspot.com. Find the three lines next to the search button in the upper right hand corner. Then click follow. You'll be notified of my future blogs.
ReplyDeleteSomething that I've learned since giving birth and nursing is that I struggle to say ow. I am too self-reliant and have a hard time acknowledging that I am in pain and need help. I have difficulty taking my own needs seriously. God had really used the past few weeks to teach me to lean more fully on Him and to be ok with asking for help. Having the humility to do that is really hard. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! Your needs do matter. That is such an important thing to learn. It is sometimes very hard to let others see our weakness and pain even when we know we need help. We want to appear strong and in control. Thankfully, God is a tremendous source of strength and hope. His heart hurts at the sound of those long loud "Owwws" but He is always there to comfort us in our difficulties.
DeleteIt's church day but I'm too exhausted to go, I have a pain block at hospital on Tuesday, & for that I am exceedingly grateful. Normally, I seem to manage my pain quite well but there are days when complete exhaustion takes over and I simply have to pay attention to my aging body and simply wander thro the day as best I can, Being elderly I hate the thought of loosing a day, but it is what it is, and, tomorrow is another, and then it's Tuesday and with luck all will go well and windows of opportunity to do stuff will open up once more..La chaim!!
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