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| Welcome to the PainSupport Newsletter | ||||
| Editor: Jan Sadler, MBE | No.242 May 2015 | |||
| How to get the balance right...
by Jan Sadler |
In a recent newsletter I asked PainSupport members what they found was the biggest challenge with their pain. One reply that I received will ring true with many of us. June P. wrote, 'My biggest challenge is getting the balance right. I get so frustrated that I can't do all the things that I did before I had pain.' With chronic pain or illness come many changes. Our ability to do as we did before we had long-term pain or illness often changes dramatically. One of our biggest challenges is to match our ambitions with our new levels of ability. If we try to carry on as we were before we had pain or illness, we risk the extra physical hurt of a flare-up of pain. We will also suffer the frustration and sense of loss about what we can no longer do - and that really hurts. It's only natural that we want to continue as we were before we had pain. And I'm not suggesting we limit our ambition. If we set our sights too low, we tend to do less and less, feel more negative and suffer more pain. So, what is the answer to this situation? It's obvious that if we continue to attempt to make our body deliver what our mind desires we are set up for disappointment and more pain. I believe there's always a way to solve such a dilemma. Sometimes it's not the way we want, but the way that's best for us. As the Rolling Stones song went, You can't always get what you want But if you try, sometimes you find You get what you need. So, be creative, look at activities from another angle and see if you can find a more suitable way to do them, enlist help from others if necessary. It may even be that an activity is no longer suitable for you, in which case, it may be healthier for you that you don't do it - but make sure you replace the activity with something new and interesting. Once we realise that these new ways are actually better for us, and we can even achieve more, we will begin to gain control over our pain. We will have adapted to our new situation and the battle between Ambition and Ability will be won. |
| PainSupport member's own story |
This PainSupport member knows how she's going to win the battle Bex says, I'm 36 and have had chronic pain for 9 years. It is hard but sometimes you have to think about what lies ahead of you right now rather that what your life 'could have been like'. You need to have a period of grief for your 'old' life and then get stuck in to your current one. Try not to look too far ahead or think 'if I'm like this now, what will I be like in 5 years?' as it is rubbing salt in the wounds and will upset or worry you. You change as a person so become more empathic of what others are going through I've found. Remember too that family, in general, are trying to help and support you and that you don't want to push them all away by focusing on the 'what could have beens'. Try to take on new hobbies. I wouldn't have know that I would be good at jewellery making had it not been for my injury. There are good things that are currently tucked away that will emerge as you come to terms with having it. Bex. Editor: Thank you to Bex for sharing such an inspirational story with us. Bex has worked out a good life balance and along the way discovered new talents. Join our forum like Bex did. Ask questions, answer questions or just read what our members say. |
| A question? |
Do you have any practical day to day challenges with pain and how it affects your life? If you do, you are welcome to send your question to me for discussion in a future newsletter. You would remain anonymous, of course. Whatever affects your life probably affects many of us. This is a great way to support each other.
Email PainSupport here or use our online Contact Us form here |
| Mind-full or Mindful? |
Introduce moments of mindfulness throughout your day. Every now and then pause and stop everything you are doing and look around you, really see what is around you. Or, if you prefer, close your eyes and listen to the sounds you can hear - really listen for a minute. Mindfulness moments like this can help you feel calmer, more present and centred. Find out more: PainSupport Mindful Meditation page Action for Happiness website Headspace website |
| An Invitation… |
The PainSupport Contact Club If you're not already a member, why not join our highly successful and popular Confidential Contact Club? There is, of course, no charge! There are lots of lovely people out there who just happen to have pain in their lives but who are determined to make the most of things despite it all. YOU have much to offer them, and they have much to offer YOU. Ease the pain by sharing life's ups and downs with those who understand. Here is a wonderful message recently received from Anita, a UK member of the PainSupport Contact Club, Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to meet new friends. I now have a lovely circle of like-minded friends made from your website. Thank you also for the great website. Anita. Register for the Contact Club at the bottom of the Contact Club page. |
| Relaxation for pain control | ||||||||||
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All of Jan's CDs have been voted top relaxation CDs by people such as BackCare.org, Holland and Barrett and Woman's Weekly Magazine. All are available from our Shop
Jan's CDs always include simple techniques for breathing for pain relief. Also, of course, there are tracks for pure relaxation using visualisation and relaxation techniques. All you need to do is listen to Jan's soothing voice and your pain and tension will float away! Go to our Shop to download or buy CDs or books. |
| It worked for me! |
 A member's recommendation Pull Plugs Painsupport member, Ann R., says she has used these plugs with handles for nearly 6 years. Ann says they are brilliant if you have problems with your hands or a bad back. The plugs have made such a difference to her life that she now has them all over the house. Buy pullplug Please tell us!! If you try any product or idea that helps you in some way please let us know. Even if it only reduces symptoms a little, it may help others too. Email PainSupport or Contact Us here |
| Just for You - worksheets and downloads all at no charge |
We have lots of goodies for you. Click the links below for your really useful downloadables.
Discussion Forum Some of the latest forum topics - join in and have your say! Ringing in the ears - Tinnitus Fatigue Painful night Big toe fusion Got a new scooter Links to some of our regular popular topics Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Our members recommend the latest good books Laughter is the best medicine Ideas for easy meals Join our hobbies/crafts topic & photo album Join our garden topic & photo album 'Today I am...' - a snapshot of each other's lives.
Visit our Discussion Forum If you haven't yet been to our forum, take a look and bookmark it. There may well be a question you can answer for someone, or you may want to post a question of your own - or just read the entries, they are always interesting. Discussion Forum Or to find friends, you are welcome to join our more confidential Contact Club If you haven't done so already, sign up here for our monthly email Newsletter & and your Toolkit for Pain Relief download. Forward this newsletter to a friend |
| Words of Wisdom... |
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'A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.' - - Colin Powell |
| Laughter is the best medicine |
A friend offered me a go on his private ice rink for 50p. I thought, 'What a cheapskate.' I called OK magazine; they said 'Hello?' I said 'Oh sorry, I’ve got the wrong number.' The Bermuda Triangle used to be called The Bermuda Rectangle until one side mysteriously vanished. Forgot to go to the gym this morning. That’s ten years in a row. Exit signs, they're on the way out, aren't they? We have thousands of jokes in our Laughter is the best medicine series on the Forum, here's a link to all the latest: Visit our Joke Bank You are welcome to add some jokes too - as long as they are nice and clean, of course! |
| Editor's Note |
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We hope you've enjoyed the PainSupport newsletter and find the information useful. Send us your comments and items for the newsletter, we love to hear from you. Email PainSupport here or use our online Contact Us form here 
All best wishes - keep smiling - and keep moving! Jan at PainSupport More about pain relief here Forward this email to a friend |
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You may print the above Newsletter for your own personal and private use but if you wish to use all or part of it for any other reason, please ask first.
Copyright belongs to Jan Sadler.
Many of the tips, treatments, herbs and supplements mentioned in this newsletter are not from medical sources. Check with your doctor and use your own discretion before trying any of the suggestions to ensure they are suitable for your condition and to avoid interaction with any medication you are taking. Always have any undiagnosed pain checked out by a doctor. PainSupport is not responsible for the content of any other website mentioned. PainSupport NEVER passes on your email address to anyone else without your prior permission. 
© Jan Sadler 2015 |
