During the earlier years after my diagnosis of severe rheumatoid arthritis, I learned about pain. Not headache pain, toothache pain or stub-your-toe pain, but continuous, indescribable, out-of-your-mind pain! The kind that hurts so bad it messes with your head and causes others to think you’re crazy.
Since my doctors had predicted my condition would be bad (and they seemed to be better prepared for the severity of my disease than I), they offered numerous drugs to aid in the battles I faced.
Being somewhat inexperienced with pain medications, I quickly learned I was unable to take high doses and still function. The amount of painkillers needed to numb my pain to make a difference was more than I could take and still be responsible. My son was too young to care for himself and driving while medicated was too dangerous.
Yes, that’s right … another obstacle in the world of arthritis!
As I researched pain medications and narcotics, I learned the only real way to be treated with them is to increase the dosage periodically. When a person reaches the maximum dose, they are often prescribed another drug that is more effective and stronger. And the increase cycle continues.
With this knowledge, I realized I had to find another way to deal with the pain. I was in my 20s when I was first diagnosed, and I was afraid if I started taking pain medication on a daily basis (especially the amount necessary to dull my pain), I’d miss out on activities with my son. I also had many concerns about my overall health and future.
Over time I created a method in my mind that allowed me to overcome the daily pain caused by my arthritis and to function without the use of pain medication. For a while, I experimented with this method and didn’t share it with anyone. Quite frankly, I wasn’t convinced it really worked. I actually thought if I told anyone, they’d think I was nuts.
One day, I visited a doctor friend and asked if he believed in mind over matter. His response was, “Yes, I do believe in it to a certain degree. But I also believe a person has to understand there are limitations and they need to know when to ask for help.”
As we discussed the subject, I explained my newly created method for dealing with pain and how I based it on the concept of mind over matter. We talked about how powerful our minds can be and how it is possible to block out pain. I concluded, this method might sound crazy to most, but as long as it worked for me that was all that mattered.
Before ending our conversation, my doctor issued a warning and made me promise to abide by it. He reminded me that pain is our body’s way of letting us know there’s something wrong. He asked me to periodically evaluate my pain, especially anything new or if it worsened and to understand there are limits. When pain reaches a certain level, supervised medication is necessary.
I continue to use my method because it works for me and my medical-care providers are aware of it. There have been a few times when I’ve taken my friend’s advice and used pain medication. He was right – it is important to know my limits. And sometimes I have to give my mind a break. As many of you know, this disease can be exhausting.
Do you believe in mind over matter as a means to cope with pain?
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