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.
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....
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...
