About Me
Helping Others with Chronic Pain
My name is Kristin and I am a 50-year-old female who has been suffering with chronic pain for 9 years.
I know how devastating it can be for the person suffering and those
around him/her. I have had different pain syndromes and have
learned a lot about them in that time, but I know there is always
more to learn especially from
others who also have these diseases.
It is very hard to not be able to do the things you used to, such as
hold down a job and know where your next pay
check is coming from. It is really hard to have a doctor tell you
that it is all in your head, or a spouse who thinks that you're
lazy, or friends who just don't want to be friends any more.
I am fortunate, though; my family and friends have been very understanding and as helpful
as they can. My husband is a very concerned, loving and
compassionate man and hopes that there will be a cure for some of these
diseases soon. I know not everyone who suffers has family helping them. Most of the time, family and friends are not
there for them.
Before I had these pain diseases, I had a more normal and active life. I am now
unable to make plans with friends or family because of pain. It is a
hard thing for them to understand and that is one of the things I am
hoping to change one day.
The diseases I suffer with are RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy),
a.k.a. CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome); FM (Fibromyalgia); Degenerative Disc Disease in my neck and back with
Stenosis and Arthritis, Raynauds and Hyperthyroid.
I am still able to get around even though I walk a little funny. I am able to do light
house-work and keep up with the cooking and shopping. Some days I
am just too tired or sore to do things, so I don’t. I just do as
much as I can and then stop. I am unable to work or hold down a
job at present, but am hoping to change that one day through treatment.