NO PAIN . . . NO GAIN

EARLY MEMORIES

My first real memory of pain was when I was 5 and had my tonsils out. That pain

didn’t last long and I was awarded with ice cream. I could handle that.

CHRONIC PAIN TO LAST A LIFETIME

Although I had had bumps, bruises and some minor injuries along the way, my next episode of pain was when I was in my 20’s. I had received a shot for my allergies, but in a couple days I had severe pain in my hip and could hardly walk. Diagnosis: Juvenile Rhuematoid Arthritis. This was the beginning of many years of suffering from various stages of Arthritis and the results of treatment.

The first doctor put me on crutches. This was the worst thing you can do for Arthritis. Thankfully, my wise father gave me a choice: “Throw away the crutches and walk or accept being a cripple the rest of your life.” My response, “But it hurts”. . His response “No pain, no gain, girl”.

Then I became a Guinea pig for a group of doctors and their treatment was 2 aspirin every 4 hours around the clock along with the great news that by the time I was 50 I would be in a wheelchair. The result of that treatment was reduced pain, but I developed an ulcer from the aspirin.

Under my Dad’s guidance, I pulled myself up and down the stairs of our tri level house, walked grabbing on to furniture to get around. Gradually got better and went out with

friends and went dancing. I would come home in excruciating pain. My Mom would try to discourage me from going out as she didn’t like seeing me in that much pain. But no, Dad said to leave me alone, that exercise was the best thing. And he was right.

DID I HAVE TO LOSE MY EYESIGHT TOO?

I have endured that pain most of my life with side effects of an ulcer and iritis, (an inflamation of the iris of the eye that was caused by the Rheumatoid Arthritis which caused temporary blindness.) The treatment for that, because it was so severe, was a shot of cortizone in the eye. (That is another kind of pain).

BENEFITS OF CHRONIC PAIN

Although I would rather not to have suffered from this pain, but as my father said, "No Pain, No Gain", I feel that I have gained an endurance for pain and an empathy for others who are suffering. I have had periods of severe pain and periods of remission. So during the remissions, I try to accomplish as much as I can. I thank God for the support and strength He has given me during these trying times and feel like this has been preparing me the ability to help others.