As part of the NERVEmber project created by Barby Ingle in 2009, this article delves into the daily realities of living with nerve pain, osteoarthritis, and facet arthritis. I live every day in all three of these conditions and have had to learn to educate, advocate, and use my voice to improve my care and the care of others going through similar diseases. These conditions, often unseen but deeply felt, shape the lives of millions worldwide, not just me. My journey through these conditions has been a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the importance of community support, which I share to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Understanding the Conditions
Nerve Pain: Often described as shooting, stabbing, or burning, various factors, including compression, injury, or underlying health issues like diabetes or fibromyalgia, can trigger nerve pain. For me, it manifests as an intense, unpredictable sensation that disrupts normal activities through a disease known as algoneurodystrophy.
Osteoarthritis: is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. The result is bone grinding directly on the bone, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. My knees, hands, and jaw bear the brunt of this condition.
Facet Arthritis:
This arthritis specifically affects the facet joints in the spine and causes inflammation and pain, often localized in the neck or lower back. It limits movement and can lead to chronic back pain, which is a daily companion in my life.
Daily Life and Challenges
Living with these conditions is akin to navigating a minefield. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, walking, or even sitting too long can become monumental challenges. The pain flares unpredictably, which complicates planning any activity. Living with chronic nerve pain impacts my daily life with physical limitations, sleep disruptions, and social. It affects every aspect of my life, and I spend most of my days trying to manage the symptoms to live a more productive and meaningful life.
Physical Limitations:
Activities like climbing stairs, lifting objects, opening a can, or even turning my head can become painful or impossible. This limitation affects physical activity and emotional well-being, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration.
Sleep Disruptions: Pain often peaks at night, making sleep elusive. Lack of restful sleep exacerbates fatigue and pain, creating a vicious cycle.
Emotional Health:
Chronic pain is invisible, which can lead to misunderstandings and isolation.
Social Life: Pain's unpredictability can make holding a job or maintaining social engagements challenging. Adaptations like remote work, gig work, flexible hours, or part-time employment become necessary.
Coping Strategies
Despite the challenges, some strategies and tools help manage these conditions medication, physical therapy, acupressure, oral orthotic, stem cell therapy, infusion therapy and more.
In addition to medication, I participate in regular physical therapy, where tailored exercises designed by physical therapists help me maintain mobility and reduce pain. Warm water therapy, in particular, has been especially beneficial, providing a soothing environment for my exercises and promoting joint flexibility.
I also explore alternative therapies, such as acupressure, massage, and meditation, which have provided temporary relief and significantly improved my overall well-being. These techniques not only help alleviate pain but also contribute to a greater sense of relaxation and balance in my life.
Engaging with support systems has been invaluable for me. I connect with support groups, both locally and online, where I can share experiences and tips with others who understand the struggles of living with pain. This exchange has proven to be therapeutic, as it fosters a sense of community and understanding.
To further aid in my daily activities, I utilize various assistive devices, including canes, braces, and ergonomic furniture. These tools help reduce strain on affected joints and enhance my comfort throughout the day.
Lastly, I have found that mindfulness and psychological tools are crucial to my pain management strategy. Overall, these combined approaches contribute significantly to my quality of life.
Conclusion
Living with nerve pain, osteoarthritis, and facet arthritis is a complex journey filled with both despair and discovery. Through NERVEmber, sharing these experiences raises awareness and builds a community of support and understanding. For those walking this path, remember you are not alone. Each day is a new opportunity to find small victories, whether managing pain effectively or simply enjoying a moment of peace. The journey is challenging, but it is manageable with the proper support, treatment, and mindset. Cheers to hoping for more understanding, better treatments, and a hopeful future for all those living with chronic pain.
NERVEmber runs throughout the month of November. Watch for information on a wide variety of topics relating to nerve pain conditions shared, information on treatments, access care and more! Days of action include Nov 4, 11, 18, and 25. Watch social media for our #NERVEmber Champions and their posts,
share and join in and find out more on the NERVEmber project at www.nervember.org.
About the Author:
Barby Ingle, creator of NERVEmber is a reality personality with multiple rare and chronic diseases. Barby is a chronic pain educator, patient advocate, motivational speaker, and best-selling author on pain topics. Her books, articles, modeling, and media appearances are used as a platform to help chronic and rare disease communities. She presents healthcare from the patient's perspective, speaking publicly, sharing her story, and educating and advocating for patients across the globe. Over the past few years, she has received over 40 accolades for her advocacy efforts. You can follow her at www.barbyingle.com.
