Pass the Frozen Peas...and Outsmart Your Aches and Pains

What do you do when little aches and pains act up? You might take a mild pain reliever, soak in a nice warm bath, or elevate your sore feet? You can try quick fixes, like placing a bag of frozen peas on an achy knee. These are helpful remedies when a little relief is all you need. What happens, though, when you need more?

For some people, pain is an everyday occurrence, yet many try to live full lives despite it. They've learned how to gain the upper hand over pain.

Such a person is Penney Cowan. She has successfully managed pain for 28 years, and she helps others manage it too. To begin with, she doesn't view herself as a sufferer. I call myself a person with pain, She says. "For six years, She did not deal with the pain. She was at the point that holding a cup of coffee was hard. Now, She is completely functional. She learned how to manage it."

For Penney, relief came from a pain management program. "I went in as a patient and came out seven weeks later as a person." She says. Penney eventually founded the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA). This organization, like others of its kind, helps people reclaim their lives when pain starts to get the best of them. All seem to agree that there are many creative ways we can help ourselves when pain keeps us from doing the things we love.

Know When To Get Help

You may think it's normal to feel achy as you grow older, but it's really not. "Pain is our body's way of saying, "Pay attention, something's wrong." "If you have to ask yourself the question, "Should I call my doctor." You probably should...especially if the pain lasts longer than a couple of days or if it interferes with your normal functioning."

If you do see a healthcare provider, Penney advises that you prepare by keeping a log before your visit. "Your doctor can only go by your description." she says. "Write down the important things: the level of pain, your stress, the amount of exercise and other activities you do, how often you sleep, and any changes in appetite or mood." Penney adds that if your doctor dismisses your pain, you should see another one.

Focus on the Positive

Experts agree that the more you dwell on your pain, the worse it seems to feel. That's because your mind often controls how your body feels, and it can be hard to tell which one is pulling the strings. For instance, whether we're feeling pain or stress and anxiety, our muscles will tighten in the same way.

With this in mind, there are steps you can take to outsmart the pain. It might not go away, but you can focus your attention on something much more pleasant. Here are some simple tactics the experts advise:

Think Positive Thoughts: When you think positively, you act positively, too. Your mental attitude has much to do with your physical well-being, so focus on your abilities instead of your disabilities. Or, give yourself a treat to anticipate.

Learn To Relax:

To show the importance of relaxation, Penney explains, "I ask people if they can count from one to 25 in their minds and say the alphabet at exactly the same time, It can't be done, because we all have a one-track mind. So, if, instead of focusing on your pain, you think about lying on a bright sunny beach, imagining how warm it feels, You can reduce your sense of suffering. That's a skill you can learn, She says.

Pace yourself: "Listen to your body." Penney says. "Does it tell you you're uncomfortable? Then stop for five minutes rather than trying to work through the pain. One of the basic rights we discuss in our group is the right to do less than humanly possible." In other words stop before you increase your pain.

If It Hurts, don't do it. Do you remember the joke about the patient who told his doctor. "It hurts when I do this..." And the doctor replies, "Then don't do that." This is really very sound advice. Avoid activities that will cause pain, Instead, ask for help.

Sleep On It. Sleep has restortative powers, so try to get a good night's sleep. If possible, or talk to your healthcare provider about ways to improve your sleep. Remember, pain can disrupt sleep, but sleep can disrupt pain, too.

Treat yourself to a massage. A massage can relax your muscles and increase the flow of blood to the area. Be sure to stop if it becomes painful.

Exercise Regularly: Light exercise ... as recommended by your healthcare provier.. can loosen your joints, increase your general state of well-being, and lift your spirits. Once again, remember to stop if the exercise becomes painful. our healthcare provider can help you set the right limits.

The bottom line, Penney says, is to use the resources available to help yourself. In addition to the care your healthcare provider prescribes. "Take an active role in yhour recovery process, she says. "When you have a problem with your pain, you can't be a passive patient, Be an active participant."

*For more information, visit the American Pain Association website at www.theacpa.org

I rec'd the above information yesterday and found it so helpful, therefore, I thought I would share it here in my Blog for others. Hope it was helpful for you as well.

I am using this Blog as a forum to leave my thoughts, items I find interesting and helpful, When I receive an e-mail that I feel is special, I will post it here, This is my safe haven where I can do just that, BLOG, Blog my inner most thoughts, feelings, anything I want to share. There is a time and place for such items... the Message Board is not the appropriate avenue to share my feelings about God. Here, however, this is my safe domain, I feel I can do that. I invite others to read my Blog, however, if they choose not to do so, that's fine with me. I do have freedom of speech.... I will be respectful of others. I keep my feelings on such thoughts in the proper arena.

I never discuss politics. That is a pretty touchy subject. I will not go there.

So, I hope you enjoy and learn something from this Blog.

I have been to Pain Management but for me, it didn't help. I find massage a good source of help. I like this statement:

For some people, pain is an everyday occurrence, yet many try to live full lives despite it. They've learned how to gain the upper hand over pain.

The important thing is:

Don't view myself as a sufferer. Call myself a person with pain, not deal with the pain.

It's sorta like: The difference of being a Stroke Victim versus A Stroke Survivor, I choose the Stroke Survivor. Don't own the negative words, Be a Warrior of the Positive Words. I try to always remember The Stroke doesn't own me, I had the Stroke, it didn't have me.

Words can be wonderful and they can also do much damage. Choose our words wisely.

Thanks for stopping by.

Pay It Forward.

Take care and enjoy your day.

Hugs,

Jan

Believe In Miracles And SOAR