Get a Grip

Dealing with Phantom Pains, Part 2 As a continuation to last week’s podcast on Phantom Pain, and how my faith has helped me through, I thought I would add in other ways you can try to deal with these inevitable pains we go through, as amputees. If you experience phantom pains you know how unpleasant and downright horrible they can be. They can mess with your head, bring you down, and keep you from sleep. They don’t discriminate, and if you’ve never had them, be forewarned, you could still have them rear up even years down the road. My prosthetist, who is also an above knee amputee, has been an amputee for 20+ years, and just last week experienced them for the first time, and the full blown kind. It amazes me that no one is safe from experiencing them, in one form or another, and at any given time in their amputee life. Which brings me to the point I tried to make in the last podcast, and will, again, reiterate it here: You need to learn to deal with these pains, realizing that they come and go, no one is safe from them, and your mindset about them will ultimately determine how you push through (or not), to rise up and continue on with your life. They may knock you down, but they don’t have to destroy you. In this podcast I discuss many different ways you can help yourself deal with them, but ultimately, I believe you need to become really strong, mentally and emotionally, to win each battle, when they come. Listen in to this week’s podcast and see what might be able help you the next time phantom pains strike. And they will….. will you be ready to take on the battle? Do some research. Understand your options. Research neurotransmitters. Understand that what works for one person may not work for you so be open to that possibility and don’t be afraid to keep trying different options. And remember, the more you understand that phantom pains are a part of your journey, the more capable you will be with overcoming them, and not being defeated by them, when they do arise. Put on your big girl boots and push through! I’m a “Mind over Matter” kinda girl. I believe being outside and staying active helps me push through bouts of phantom pain. How about you? Remember, you are not alone. and you CAN and WILL make it through it. As always: Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!!! Much love, Angie