It’s Not Just You

Normalizing Phantom Pain No matter what you think, every amputee has issues at some point or another. No one is exempt from phantom pain or phantom sensations even though it appears as they do. Most successful people, meaning those who appear to be living their best life after amputation, do not sit around thinking about phantom pain or wallowing in it, they keep moving, they keep pushing through it, until they make it through…for at least that episode. I was once told that talking about it and harping about the phantom pain only gave it power over me, so I try very hard not to talk about it. Moving through an episode, that is what I call them because they come on quick, last for a brief moment in time and then disappear as quickly as they came on…only to be repeated again in the future. But moving through an episode can be a lonely place and often times hard. Making a decision to keep doing life despite it and not letting it get the best of you takes mental fortitude. Some days I feel like I have it…other days, not so much. This week is one of those weeks. Monday I struggled all day. Tuesday I forced myself to the gym and grocery shopping, only to feel exhausted by the end of it all and only to find it tough to get sleep Tuesday night… BUT, I made life happen for me, not to me! I chose to get active and I felt better that I had, mentally, even though physically I was still struggling. You have to choose your battles. Know when to push through and know when your body and mind need a break. Just don’t give up and never, for a second, think you are the only one that is struggling. You are NOT. Be strong, dear Warrior! You will get through it! I hope you have a blessed week and one filled with positive momentum forward! U ntil next week and as always, Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!! much love,