How To Feel Beautiful and Worthy with Chronic Pain Disorders

I am a 40 year old woman too but I have had multiple sclerosis for over 14 years, and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my neck about 12 or 13 years ago that appears to have spread throughout my body. When I was diagnosed, I had desk jobs (3) yet still managed to keep up working and commuting about 60-70 hours a week. I was tired and weak, even once I cut down to one full time job. I didn't exercise, but I tried to walk as much as I could. As the years have gone on, I've seen my health improve tremendously to deteriorate. I'm still quite ambulatory, but I learned just how slowly I walk compared to others a few weeks ago while attending a class! I have also gained weight, mostly around my midsection but am unable to do any core work due to back problems. What I've done recently is start taking vitamin D and I've noticed I have more energy. Three and a half years ago, I took a job as a personal shopper at a supermarket and my overall health and walking improved tremendously! I then worked as a retail merchandiser last two years to continue to keep my dexterity but in the last couple of months the work became too physically demanding for me to do it every day. I want to try yoga-it's supposed to help keep the body flexible while not putting a lot of physical strain. I'm going to try a seated version since my balance isn't as good as it once was-perhaps it could help you too.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Lupus, and I've been unable to work for 15 years now. However, I feel beautiful and worthy, because I've learned how to manage my condition. You have to forget about what you can't do, and focus on the possible. I can't go to the gym, or run, so I go swimming and do water aerobics to help me stay in shape. I can't work outside the home or do anything physical, so I am a freelance writer. I feel worthy because I am using my skills and contributing to the household budget. Is there an arthritis management course in your area? I attended one when I was first diagnosed, and it really helped me to think more positively about my condition.

I have chronic pain; in my back, hips, legs... and some days all over.. arthris in my knees hips and back.. During phyiscal therapy I was trying to get a routine that would help me stay in shape and not hurt... Strenching was the end result for execrise.. so my main excrise is walking.. I am not going to lie it hurt like a beep beep beep.. but I do it any ways... My uncle who just turned 60 told me that if I didnt keep moving and doing stuff I will stiffen up and wont be able to do nothing later on in life.. Since then which was the beginning of September I move around cleaning the house, and taking care of my boys.. Without help.. It really hurt for the first couple of weeks.. but now that I am in a routine, going up and down stairs. (which can be very hard to do but doing it every day its gotten easier) I am starting to get stronger and lost weight.. I do so much every day.. and rest when I can.. There are still lots of hulders to go through but I have learned to a point how far I can go before I crash.. being 10 for the level of activity.. I do about a 6 or 7 in activites for four days a week and then one 9 or ten.. and one 2 or 3... I have a high tolerance to pain.. but the pain does get extreme.. So the biggest suggest stay active.. I went from staying in bed most of the day and night to doing stuff 4 to 8 hours.. basically the more active you can be the better you do not neccersary have to go to a gym.. Eating health is a key too;-) BTW Asparagus is a good natural type of ibuprofen to eat.. When I was pregnant I couldnt take anything for the pain.. So I ate a pound of asparagus three times a week.. any ??? please ask

Oh yes.I understand completely.I am 50 and feel like I am 90.I have osteo in my hands,ankles,knees and in my back.I also have bursitis in my hip.It has changed me so much.Things I used to take for granted have knocked me down.I have gained weight,it is so hard to just get moving in the mornings with my back pain and after walking about 5 minutes,my hip and back start back hurting.My knees and ankles are all the time giving out from under me.My hands hurt so much.But I take one day at a time,that's all you can do.Good luck.

I understand where you are coming from. The pain which you usually have, your fair share of those excruciating feeling is seemingly unbearable. With all these things, you still find the way to live a normal life and that's what I admire in you. I seldom see people like that. The feeling is controlled by the mind, I believe, we must have a mindset that inspite of all the issues, we have the right to be happy and to live a life with beauty and grace. I'm positive that we can handle things because we are born beautiful. Good luck

HEllo jessielee72 I dont realy know about what rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis could cause,but i met some people got some healthy problem alike,they got same condition had different mood,someone has been positive,others got in silence.I am glad you have such courage to work out what's all around you,walking seems be effective to your health then keep doing it.You will get more and more confident once you find right attitude to face it even it is too hard!good luck to you..