marinesargeant

Before being diagnosed with multiple autoimmune disorders and conditions, explaining my pain levels to a healthcare provider was easy. If I had a sprained wrist or a broken bone, they could see the injury. Using the 0 (no pain) to 10 ( the worst imagined) pain scale worked well most of the time.

All of that changed when living with daily pain…[Read more]

April is a month known for growth and rebirth, making it the perfect host for Occupational Therapy Awareness Month! So often our clients come to us after an illness, injury, or condition has disrupted their life. Whether they expect to get back to their prior level of functioning or are working to adapt to a “new normal,” the transition can be…[Read more]

As a twenty-something university student, I told my doctor I was having difficulty writing with pens and pencils. The pain had become so bad that I had difficulty holding forks and spoons, so I was always choosing foods in the cafeteria that were socially acceptable to be eaten with my hands. Yay for pizza and burritos! I was down to only one…[Read more]

In our world today the term caregiver comes to mind when someone mentions dementia, Alzheimer’s, cancer, ALS, stroke and other serious medical conditions. Many people are familiar with the story of a son or daughter who takes over the care of their aged parent(s). People see them as caregivers for their family members. This is one type of c…[Read more]

Are you prepared for an emergency? Download this, Travel Document: Medical Summary and always carry it with you. Print extra copies so you update as needed.

If you are traveling, place a copy in your luggage and another on your person with your important documents (passport, etc.)

Travel Document: Medical Summary

Pain 101
“There is no one who loves pain itself, who seeks after it and wants to have it, simply because it is pain.”
Fact or Fiction:

Pain is just a symptom: False
Pain is meant to “build character”: False
Pain is complex and a subjective experience: True
The experience of pain is unique to every individual: True
Pain is common to most people:…[Read more]

Advocacy 101
What is an Advocate?
Advocates are people, paid or unpaid, who speak up for and support the wishes of themselves and/or others. Advocacy is about helping to:

State clearly about what is wanted or needed
Seek and obtain basic human rights
Represent the views, impressions or position regarding a situation in order to influence…[Read more]

Do you feel the need to talk (not type!) and share with others who really understand what it’s like living with chronic pain? If so, The Pain Community invites you to participate in our “TPC Outreach Support Conference Calls,“ that are held every Tuesday evening.

How and when to participate in the calls:
Call in number: 267-807-9601 Passc…[Read more]

People who experience chronic pain often feel that they are judged on their level of pain by their appearance. Do you feel you’re treated differently at a health care appointment if you are dressed well with makeup and hair done, or if you’re clean-shaven versus not wearing any makeup, or not shaving, and wearing more comfortable clothing?