Sunday, July 21, 2013

pain, pain, goes away...

This past year, my need for pain meds has gone down slowly, but it hit a point a few months ago
where we tried to cut it too quickly.  I was calling in requests for refills a week before they were really due.  I just realized today that I am past my refill date by four days, and I have some to spare.  I am confident that this trend will continue from here out.

A while back I asked my doctor what dosage I would go to when I was ready to be done and ween off the meds.  The first thing I was reminded of was that what I now take is the step-down medication the pain specialists use to ween people off of the real pain medications.  And I was already on the lowest dosage.

So I now bite the pills in half, and then as the month passes, I bite those halves in half, etc.  It's nice to know I have what I need if I get a nasty migraine, and that they will work better due to the fact that my body is no longer used to large (or even medium) doses of the pain blockers.

If you are looking to rob someone for their pain meds, I suggest you pass right on by this house, because I no longer have (nor need) enough to have even one "fun" party.  =-)  This means I am able to have my own fun, unassisted, parties, and I love it!

There are some who have for many years behaved as though I have been a drug addict.  Either overtly, or by your actions, you actually exasterbated any underlying self-esteem issues that would cause me to seek self-medication.  This has not been helpful, but I am getting better in spite of those, often well-meaning, people.  Even at my worst, I am confident that my mental abilities and judgements have been above average.  I know this smacks of vanity or self-delusion, but it's important that I stand up for myself and emphatically say to those who have judged without knowing the truth, that they have been very wrong. 

If still in doubt, I encourage you to look up information on addicts.  I have been on pain medication for over 8 years.  After that amount of time, a true addict, looking for a high, would need much harder medications in huge doses to achieve any change in mood or feeling.  I have actively sought doctors who work to solve my problems with the minimum medications possible, decreasing those meds, as we work toward wellness.  I am on the cusp of a new stage, and I could use all the support I can get.

True support will include trust and encouragement.  Sometimes it's the things not said that speak the loudest.  What is craziest is to see people who have gone through similar situations treat someone else (or me) the exact way they had been treated and hurt.  Right now, very few people make sense to me.  I must have a very simple take on life and people.  What happened to treat others the way you would like to be treated?  Does nobody really believe in speaking the truth in love and not judging?  I'm always amused by those who judge people for judging other people. 

I encourage us all to take anything said at face-value, assumed to be sent with the best intentions.  I
need to remember this, even as I re-read what I have just written.  Empathy, putting yourself in the other person's shoes, changing perspective, can all be powerful tools in building better relationships.  I hope to keep moving forward in this endevor.

I am still fragile... probably not in the ways most who think they know me would suggest.  I am vulnerable to feeling left out, not needed.  It hurts to be told I can't do something, or have it assumed that I will not be able to do what I have said I would do.  On my part, I am working to only promise to do what I know I can do.  I am learning to set my own limits.

Pride is a funny word; it is both good and bad.  Pride goes before a fall, and yet I am proud of the work I have done with my family, my art, saving the core of who I am through physical and emotional pains and obstacles.  Does it help that I credit God with giving me the background, ability, and strength to do what I do.  I am used to being seen as a very public, performance oriented leader.  What I have experienced lately has put me in the back ground, possibly even in a questionable light, rather than the bright spotlight.  I guess I still feel the need to have it known that I am doing well... in weakness, I am strong.

Want to help me?  Ask me to do something with you, and be okay if I can't.  Reschedule, don't just cancel.  Visit my home and don't offer to do my dishes.  Move a pile of laundry from the couch and watch a movie with me.  Do you have a concern or heard something odd about me; ask me about it.  Be honest and kind, patient and gentle, assuming the best.  (read 1 cor. 13 for the rest.)

Let me help you.  Bring me back to the place I am most comfortable.  I am not motivated by negative, in your face, aggressiveness.  Sometimes I succeed in spite of this, but I flourish when surrounded my high expectations, positive encouragement, and faith.  Sometimes I wish I did not need people... life would be so simple, but I care about you, honestly and fully.  Therefore, our relationship is important to me.  I hope it is to you as well.

Well, this has been more self-involved than usual... thnx for bearing with me.

xo!
-jay-

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