Hi everyone, I just wanted to post this link to a website that I was given at my orientation at the Calgary Alberta Chronic Pain Center. http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/2790.asp
It was great and I have since gone to a lecture called "Explaining Pain", this was so inspiring, filled with hope of reducing pain. They say that if pain is chronic and doesn't have a medical reason for the pain that we can retrain our brains to lessen the pain. They do not minimize the pain that the patient is undergoing but this has worked for many. Something that they taught to say to yourself when pain hits is to first recognize that it hurts and second to know that you have checked out other reasons for the pain, for example your teeth and they are fine. So you would say:
I HURT AND I AM SAFE
It has worked for me quite a few times and has helped me to breathe and relax.
Now if only the arthritis in my shoulders and arms would listen, can't type too much these days, it's getting better since I lifted a few things that I shouldn't have lifted but it's not quite there yet. Soon I hope.........
Hope everyone is doing better! I miss all the chit chat and exchange of helpful hints.
Take care,
Cheryl