The difference between chronic and acute is just a matter of ‘time’ really. An acute attack of pain is something new that arrived and (hopefully) went. A chronic attack of pain is something that has been there for a long time, constant, like a toothache gnawing away at you come rain or shine.
If someone falls over and breaks a leg they are in immediate acute pain, and by the time they have been looked after in hospital, they usually leave with their pain in control. If someone is in chronic pain due to a toothache or back pain, there is usually nothing that you can actually ‘see’ that is causing it. Treatment for this type of pain can be a combination of things with the help of your GP and Pain clinic.
The average person will cope with some type of acute pain in their lifetime but most won’t have to suffer from chronic pain, so unless they have been in this sort of pain they have no idea what it is like.
Time and time again I get told how ‘well’ I look as if I must be making up how I am actually feeling. Many a day I’ve felt despair, rage and profound disappointment that I could not do certain jobs. My life has changed so much over the years that I can hardly believe it.
But staying positive, which I think I do, helps you through the dark days when the only people who know how much you are suffering are your loved ones. At this time of year everyone, in particular, women (sorry fellas) just don’t seem to stop so there will be many of us suffering in silence.
Soooooo, if you know someone who is in pain just remember to give them a helping hand at this busy time of year.
I had this only last night, Barbara! We had gone to watch a school play and I dosed myself up, had my spinal cord stimulator on (I know this can’t be seen), was sitting in the wheelchair with my arm in a sling……but it is true that my hair had been done and I was wearing lippie. So the general consensus was that I looked really well, hurray makeup doing its job – but can you really not see my arm hanging out of the socket. As you say this time of year is tough for us ladies, and something I really struggle with is getting things in and out of my range oven – my back screams and invariably a joint pops out (neck, shoulder, wrist, thumb). So yes please folks, help would be lovely!
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You take care Claire – thanks for your comment, may everyone help you this Christmas 🙂
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Really sorry to hear you are suffering so much at the moment Claire. I hope you get all the help you need when you in so much pain. Take care 🙂
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Chronic pain is silent suffering, and most people don’t know how to deal with sufferers. You’re an inspiration, Bar xx
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Thanks, Gill, I did the radio interview last week, I will let you know when it goes live 🙂 xx
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So sorry to hear. Is Kratom legal there? If not look into longvida turmeric. I have chronic pain from MS and it takes the edge off.
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Hi, Never heard of Kratom so I guess it isn’t here and yes I am a big advocate of Tumeric – thanks 🙂
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It’s legal in UK and England. Smells like green tea and works amazing! Worth a try 😉
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I’ve included your great post on my regular feature on Pain Pals “Monday Magic – (this week) Christmas blogs for You!” Claire
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Ah, thanks, Claire – Happy Christmas to you too – hope it’s as pain-free as it can be at Christmas 🙂
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