15 Things Chronic Pain Makes Me Do
Though you may not see me do them
Being inhabited by an “invisible” condition is life-altering. Every day, and every decision within it, is colored by this reality. We have no choice but to make room for this unwanted companion, even when our acceptance and resilience waver. Our adaptability is how we survive and relearn to thrive.
Endometriosis — and its delightful baggage of debilitating pain, anxiety, grief and strange immune responses — has shaped my daily life, influencing what I eat, how I think, and absolutely everything in between. It has altered how I show up for myself and for others.
There are things that living with illness makes me do that I never did before — some are stress behaviors, while others are signs of growth and wisdom that have unexpectedly improved my way of living.
I dread unannounced visits
Someone rings the bell unannounced. They ring it excitedly to signal that it’s someone I know and would be happy to see. Except that my happiness is buried under panic; I’m not wearing pants, I have a hot-water bottle plastered to my pelvis, my face is rashy, and I’m lying in sheets that mirror the state of the night I had.
It was a tough week, too, which means there’s nothing in my fridge or pantry that…
