Strategies to Immediately Reduce Persistent Discomfort
In a world where chronic pain can often feel like an insurmountable obstacle, one individual shares their journey of hope and resilience living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
Diagnosed with EDS in an unspecified year, the individual's life took a dramatic turn. The discouraging and terrifying information found online made the diagnosis feel like a death sentence. By 2018, the individual found themselves trapped in a 'pain prison,' unable to escape the debilitating symptoms of their condition.
However, the individual refused to give up. They started their journey to recovery with a simple act: walking around the block. By January, they were averaging over three miles a day by May. Exercise, despite being the hardest tool to start due to severe pain, proved to be a game-changer. Regular exercise significantly reduced chronic pain, increased nerve function, decreased neuropathy symptoms, and even helped manage depression and anxiety.
The individual also discovered the importance of self-care and self-administered myofascial release techniques. These techniques, which can be performed at home using tools like lacrosse balls, foam rollers, and theracanes, help relieve muscle pain by applying direct or indirect pressure to trigger points.
Stress and anxiety, common companions of chronic pain, can have detrimental effects on the immune system, adrenals, and blood pressure, further amplifying and increasing pain. Closing eyes and focusing on breathing for 10 minutes can help calm down the nervous system and regulate blood pressure.
Hydration plays a crucial role in managing chronic pain as well. When hydrated, individuals may experience less perception of pain and improved blood flow to the brain. Baths, which dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the area, are also great for pain relief, helping muscles and joints relax.
Heat is indicated for muscle pain, while ice is recommended for reducing swelling or temporarily numbing pain from acute injuries.
The individual's journey was not without challenges. Many doctors they encountered had never treated someone with EDS, often offering contradictory, outdated, or unhelpful advice. However, the individual found solace in the online community of others living with chronic pain. Through obsessive internet research, conversations with others, Facebook groups, and trying various pain relief methods, the individual found relief in the 16 months following their diagnosis.
Ash Fisher, a writer and comedian living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, believes there is hope and help for those living with the condition. Despite not being a medical professional, the individual lives with daily chronic pain from an incurable disorder that's poorly understood and under-researched. Their journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of self-care in managing chronic pain.
In a world where chronic pain can feel overwhelming, the individual's story offers a glimmer of hope. Their journey serves as a reminder that with the right mindset, determination, and self-care, it is possible to live a fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by chronic pain.
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