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.
Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional: A meditation on mindfulness
By Mia Maysack A loved one recently used the word “suffering” while expressing their thoughts on my situation. Yes, it does feel like agony at times, but I no longer embrace that word as a part of my personal terminology, therefore, I affirm that by making it known to others. How can anyone know...
Making peace with a rollercoaster of emotions
By Michaela O'Connor I’m experiencing every emotion in the wake of COVID-19. I live with three autoimmune diseases, am currently taking immunosuppressants, and have a restricted lung capacity. I’m a high-risk patient, and have been for the last 13 years of my life. I began self-quarantining over...
Stuck at home because of quarantine? Advice from the chronically ill
By U.S. Pain Foundation staff COVID-19 cases are increasing, and so are the number of individuals stuck at home—whether by choice or because of quarantine. Staying at home for the recommended two weeks can seem daunting, but for people with serious chronic illnesses, being homebound (at least...
But I need that appointment!
By Ellen Lenox Smith Lately, I feel like we are all living in the twilight zone. These changes to our daily lives are major and, at times, confusing and overwhelming to cope with. Those of us living with chronic, painful medical conditions are already living a life that is complicated and on the...
How chronic health issues prepared me for a pandemic
By Emily Lemiska According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, I could be at higher risk of contracting serious illness from COVID-19. I live with rare neck and spinal cord defects, known as Klippel-Feil syndrome, which cause serious, debilitating pain. The condition affects my...
Important information about COVID-19
Some of our community members, because of underlying health conditions, fall into the higher-risk category for developing serious coronavirus or COVID-19. In addition, as the illness spreads, so does misinformation. With that in mind, we wanted to highlight some current facts about COVID-19,...
Lions and tigers and pain, oh my!
By Michele Rice My sisters and I pulled the large round rug our grandma had crocheted for us as close to the TV as we could get away with. It was winter and cold in our family room, but we didn't notice as we huddled together, fidgeting with excitement waiting for the commercials to end and our...
How I manage EDS, part three: ER and inpatient tips
By Ellen Lenox Smith People living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) are often afraid to go to the hospital, due to a lack of understanding amongst the staff on how to safely care for them. Last year, I had a negative experience in the emergency room (ER), one that almost killed me. In the process...
How I manage EDS, part two: Safety tips
By Ellen Lenox Smith In this second part of my series on living with EDS, I wanted to share these safety tips that I have learned to follow that I hope will help others, like myself. (You can read the first part here.) Please note the information in this post should not be considered as...
How I manage EDS, part one: Body, mind, and spirit
By Ellen Lenox Smith Everyone’s journey living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is different, making it difficult for the medical community to learn how to help us. There are 13 different subtypes, with various levels of severity and impact. While some are able to live a decent life with little...
Are you getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
By: Ellen Lenox Smith I think we have almost lost count of how long we have had to keep our distance, wear masks, and try to remain isolated from others. And then after almost 11 months since learning about COVID-19, the news comes that our amazing scientists have created not one but a few...
How to talk about pain so your doctor will listen
By Diane Cleverly, PhD, Founder of Concierge Conversations Did you know that by 2020, there will be a shortage of about 46,000 primary care doctors in the U.S.? Not only that, but Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements per patient have dropped. That means physicians are increasingly pressured to see...