Michelle’s Story: Finding Strength and Purpose with Chronic Pain
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My name is Shell and I have been living with chronic pain and fatigue since November 2012. I’m a mother of two beautiful children, wife, and the proud owner of three happy doggies. My family’s support has been invaluable as I navigated the guilt of not being who I once was or doing all I once could. Our lives changed drastically from one incident, and they have been altered forever.
My journey in learning to manage my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health has been enlightening.
I discovered inner strength and resilience buried beneath the suffering. I educated myself and participated in courses and workshops offered by Chronic Pain Ireland, Arthritis Ireland, FibroIreland/WCI, and others.
“Managing appointments with doctors, consultants, salary protection, and the Department of Education was stressful.â€
Letting Go
My career as a teacher in a special school weighed heavily on me. Fatigue was debilitating, pain constant, and medications often left me foggy and unable to concentrate. Letting go of my beloved job was difficult, but the fight for my salary protection was even harder, a very long and distressing process. I am grateful to say it was worth it as I eventually was reinstated my claim, which allowed me to explore alternative therapies.
Over the years, I have benefited from reflexology, physical therapy massage, dry needling, acupuncture, psychotherapy, EFT/Tapping, and reiki. I now attend reflexology and physical therapy appointments every two weeks and have monthly psychotherapy sessions over the phone. These therapies helped me reduce my reliance on oral medications, and today I only take medication at night to aid sleep and prevent headaches. I also receive an annual infusion for pain and undergo a rhizotomy procedure for my back and neck as needed, under the care of a pain specialist.
“Today, I am in a place of acceptance and calm.â€
My true, authentic self
I carry my pain and fatigue as part of me, but I am also Shell – my true, authentic self. I practice daily meditation and mindfulness, exercise at my own pace with yoga, Qigong, and gentle walks, and engage in activities I love. I enjoy channeling distance reiki, practicing EFT with others, talking to my angels, using angel cards, writing, and connecting with a supportive WhatsApp community. I have found like-minded friends, support, and much to be grateful for.
I would recommend that people avail of the services, courses, and workshops offered by organisations like Chronic Pain Ireland and others. They can help you find your own inner strength, connect with others navigating their own journeys, and become more knowledgeable about your health and conditions.
My life has purpose and is worthwhile. I am happy.
“Chronic pain is part of my journey, but it does not define me.”
