Absolutely nothing great about having to live by these rules but it certainly saves me alot of extra pain, I have more up time and, above all, I decided this is just temporary. I’ll do what it takes to get by most comfortably (if I can dare to use such a word for a chronic pain site!):

  • Write in my journal, release frustration there
  • I found relaxation techniques (from foot rubs to breathing, showers, smelling flowers, etc)
  • I learned and practice Alexander technique
  • I have regular massages with the same practitioner (cupping included)
  • I accept help
  • I lean/rest everywhere, even on traffic lights, I use my elbows on the table (who says its rude?)
  • I have a walking stick for a more difficult outing (like travel or gallery visits)
  • I sleep in, rest, nap or all at different intervals throughout the day
  • I have insoles gallore! I insert a heel gel under my shoe’s sole and then insert a full length Crock sole ontop of my shoe’s sole
  • Limit transportation as much as possible
  • I’ve made home super comfy and as happy as possible, things within easy reach and as light weight as possible (plastic fantastic!)
  • I’m totally setup on the internet so I can communicate to all my friends and family and stay in the loop with my great loves, design and art
  • I accepted more help
  • I shop online
  • I bought a smart phone (allows me to travel much lighter, play mind strengthening games, use resourceful apps, stay creative with photography, social networking, keeps you in touch with the world etc etc),
  • Sadly, packed away the g-strings for now and replaced them with nice full and firm underwear. Nothing synthetic or too tight
  • Keep the ice pack and heat pack handy at all times
  • I’m strictly keeping my weight down (the cruelest of all, as if being in pain isn’t bad enough I have to diet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
  • Do my own research at all times, keep up with my condition’s progress
  • Listen to my body
  • I write, read, draw, learn, whatever, I find some short, light, flexible duties
  • I take part in my community as much as I can (gallery openings, have a coffee with a friend, simply bump into neighbours while walking, post a letter, even though it hurts I still go out for dinner, a drink, anything I can manage)
  • I accept even more help
  • When I feel like I can handle the pain, I move, do a little dance, whatever I just do it!
  • I understand that everything I do counts, even a sneeze (ok they count alot!) so I make sure I pick and choose what I do
  • I learned and practice the word pace
  • I’m more selfish
  • I say “I can’t” and recently I’ve even stopped apologising because “I can’t”!
  • I let go of obligation (actually I need to work on that one)
  • Keep any visit short, close, soft (not too many parties unless you can walk away)
  • I email my WorkSafe case manager to eliminate hearing all unnecessary hogwash
  • I have a daybed and made a ‘dayspace’ no where near a television or my bedroom
  • I have a dog, he’s one of my biggest aids