My Chronic Pain and Healing Speech

Hi, Healers! My guest lecture speech was really fun! Many of my readers asked if I taped it. I hadn’t thought about it, but afterward, the professor mentioned she wished she thought of taping, too. Oh well! Instead, here is a rundown of what we discussed:

1. Chronic pain: types of pain, symptoms, treatments, psychosocial implications (mental health and relationship issues), family support, alternative therapies, doctor-patient relationships, etc…

2. RSD/CRPS: Definition, symptoms, types, stages, treatments, etc…

3. My personal story: Background history, age of onset, symptoms, diet/lifestyle, traditional treatments, alternative therapies, prior mental health challenges resulting from RSD/CRPS, recent spiritual awakenings, etc…

The speech was very informal, and I informed the class that they may ask questions as they arise versus waiting until the completion of my speech. They asked some really fabulous, well thought out questions. Here are a few:

Have you ever had trouble getting a license?

No, not yet! Driving is painful but crucial right now while I achieve my goals.

How is it different than something like rheumatoid arthritis?

The main difference is that arthritis mainly affects the joints, and RSD/CRPS affects the entire nervous system. The pain is no longer localized. For example, my pain is in every inch of all four limbs, and I have sensitivity in other areas of the body.

Have your social relationships suffered?

Thankfully, no, because I always had a small group of very close, true friends. What has changed is that I used to be the one to organize runs or physical activities, and now, I am the one asking to meet for a sit down “chat.”

How are your parents handling this?

 It is very difficult for them to watch me suffer and deal with the “helplessness” of not being able to directly remove the disease from my body. They are my biggest supporters. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. **I shed some tears**

Have you had doctors suggest that it isn’t real?

No, not to me directly. In the beginning, I think my status as an athlete and goal-oriented personality allowed them to see my sincerity. There is a double standard there. Some are depressed, hopeless, etc..., and it may be taken as apathy or lack of sincerity. Medical professonals should be aware and need more education on the condition itself to be able to recognize it in its early stage. My only concern for a long time was running again, but I do know that the majority of those with RSD/CRPS deal with non-believing medical professionals.

Do you have difficulty with your hormone cycles as a woman?

YES! My periods were awful, but upon testing, my doctor and I discovered that I was no longer producing healthy amount of testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol, which all aid in the body’s anti-inflammatory responses. Now, my periods are much easier with the hormone replacement therapy.

What does the pain feel like now, and what did it feel like when it first started?

Now, it is mostly intense burning and muscle stiffness. When it first starts, as a runner, it mimics benign, overuse conditions, such as shin splints and tendon inflammation.

When did you know something was truly wrong?

After cutting back my mileage for some time, I decided to go for what we runners call a "long run." Once a week, we run long mileage, typically 20-30 percent of your weekly mileage equals your long run day. After I finished, my feet began to burn as if they were on fire, and then my lower legs went numb. That is when I knew I was in trouble. Needless to say, that was my last long run.

My professor gave me one of the best compliments I have ever received at the end of my speech. She said, “You are so wise but so young.” Beautiful! I nearly cried! I am so thankful for the opportunity!

Let me know if you want me to elaborate on parts 1-3. That is just a quick overview.

Two more weeks, a paper, and a presentation until the end of the semester!

Happy Healing!


P.S. Happy Earth Day!