Isolation and Chronic Pain go hand in hand, there's no sugar coating it. Anyone with CP knows that we make deliberate choices about our schedules every day that all revolve around our pain and energy levels.
For me, work takes up the majority of my spoons for the week. That means when the weekend comes, it's time to rest, period. This is when a secret side effect of Chronic Pain creeps in: isolation.
Social Life Reality
Over the years, many of our close friends have moved either out of state or out of the city. If we are going to see them, more planning has to take place which means something else has to give. For example, if we are going to visit with our friends on Saturday night, Friday night, Saturday leading up to the event and even Sunday is spent in rest mode.
This type of planning quickly takes a toll. Many times is just not worth it for me to go through weekend planning in addition to my carefully managed weekly schedule. So we pay the price. I say "we" because my husband is isolated too.
I do everything I can to encourage my husband to go out and be social but understandably, it's hard for him. He sees his wife in so much pain and all he wants to do is sit with me and cheer me up. Who wants to go out with that guilt? Who wants to go out by themselves and constantly get asked the question, "Where is Puja?"
In the summer, I look outside and see people biking, walking with their dogs, just enjoying life, and there we are, in our house AGAIN as another weekend of rest goes by. Us spoonies know that the weather has to be perfect too. It's 19 degrees in Chicago right now, way too cold for me to go out and the same thing applies for super hot days too.
To fight feelings of isolation and loneliness, I rely a few key lifesavers:
- Writing. It was during a flare that I had the idea to start writing this blog. I was supposed to be at a conference but was in so much pain that I couldn't get out of bed. So, I had a brainstorming session instead! I find that as I write, I'm distracted from my pain- I consider it an alternative form of therapy. And, writing this blog has connected me to so many incredible people, that the last thing I feel is alone. Would you consider writing a blog? What would you write about? If that's not your style, try to reawaken the poet in you for a poem to your partner or a fill the pages with a story with you as the superhero!
What do you do to stay connected? I'd love to hear your ideas in the conversation below!
"Me vs. Fibromyalgia" is a biweekly, one-of-a-kind series designed to give readers and warriors affected by Fibromyalgia a comprehensive look into the facts of the disease and the story of a driven, high-achieving business woman who wouldn't take no for an answer. I've chronicled eight years of experience with Fibro including chronic pain and fatigue, low energy, doctors, relationships and more, and hope to offer answers and support to those who seek them.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. All information presented should be regarded as friendly advice and opinions based on my own experience and research. I am not making an attempt to prescribe any medical treatment and the information contained in this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a doctor or qualified health practitioner.
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