REMEDY
Welcome to Remedy, a blog by U.S. Pain Foundation. Remedy features information about promising treatments, tips and strategies for self-management, unique perspectives from patients, clinicians, and caregivers–and much more. To submit an article idea, email us.
Please note: U.S. Pain Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment options; blog posts are educational only. Views expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.
My pain relief with cannabis
By: Ellen Lenox Smith When it was first suggested I try medical marijuana to see if it would relieve the pain being experienced, I thought the doctor was nuts. Back in 2007, I had never once even thought about that as an option. I had tried marijuana recreationally in college and hated the feeling...
Perseverance over pain: How a clinical trial changed one patient’s life
According to Tufts University, 37 percent of research sites do not meet their enrollment goals for scientific studies. But enrollment is critical to clinical research and uncovering potential treatment advances. Jennie Latson, a 39-year-old from Houston, TX, has battled the pain and burden of...
“Catastrophizing”: A form of pain shaming
How the buzzword “catastrophizing” stigmatizes people with chronic pain By Gwenn Herman, LCSW, DCSW The first time I heard the word "catastrophizing" being used to describe the pain experience on a national level was at a chronic pain lecture at the National Institutes of Health. It sent shivers...
Mind you
By: Mia Maysack I have never said that mindfulness fixes or cures, that it is easy, looks the same for everyone, or that it should even be referred to by that term. It would be incorrect of me to make the claim that anything erases discomfort and all symptoms attached to them. Yet instead of...
The importance of role models
By Angelica "Heidi" Brehm Before my migraine disease caused me daily pain and disability, I was an elementary school teacher. I intentionally taught my students about people who shared their backgrounds, challenges, and differences who managed to dream big and accomplish amazing things. I...
Tips: medical marijuana during the pandemic
By: Ellen Lenox Smith It is tough enough to be able to afford medical marijuana because it is not reimbursed by insurance. And now, we add the horror of this pandemic, leaving so many financially compromised. However you obtain your medication, you should do what you can to protect yourself and...
The picture of perfection
By: Michaela O'Connor So many people with chronic illness look back at their lives prior to their illnesses with such nostalgia, pride, and infallibility. It is as if their lives were the picture of perfection with nothing and no one to hold them back. They forget the embarrassments, shortcomings,...
Shelter in place? I’m used to staying at home
By Melinda Sandor Being stuck at home is new to many people. But I started sheltering in place in 2013 when I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I spent three years on IV therapy, seven days a week, and walked only to the bathroom and back. The years after IV therapy were just as rough. I required...
Letter of hope to parents of medically compromised children
By: Ellen Lenox Smith As I celebrated Mother’s Day, I received an email from our youngest of four sons that brought me to tears. He thanked me for always being there when he confronted a number of very serious medical issues during his childhood and early adulthood. He also shared that now as a...
Poor weather = tough emotions
By Ellen Lenox Smith It sure would be easier to be home isolating with the consistent sun shining down. Instead, here we go again with another day of mist, rain, or clouds. Here on the East Coast, the weather we have had to cope with has included only a few sunny days since the pandemic. When the...
Mindfull
By: Mia Maysack How are we able to go about pursuing or even simply believing in the concept of wellness, while attempting to cope with the opposite of being well? At a physical therapy appointment a few years back, I met with a provider who used to experience debilitating pain himself after an...
Four ways to get the most out of your telemedicine appointment
By: Janet Jay With the explosion of COVID-19 and widespread social isolating, many people are using telemedicine appointments for the first time. “Telemedicine” may sound intimidating, but really, it simply means conducting your appointment over the phone or an online videoconferencing service....