Examining Chronic Pain Series: #1 Daily Patients

                                     
                                           WE ARE PATIENTS-- DAILY

 
 Deep, in the bones of my Thoracic spine, pain is hitting me hard today.  I know that many other pain sufferers will understand this type of pain.  For caretakers, family, and friends of a person in pain most of the time; this post may give you a glimpse into a world of our pain.   It is not simply to hope that we can explain the actual pain.  Being a patient on a daily basis brings many other issues to the front in our lives.  

Patient***#1) One who is sick with, or being treated for, an illness or injury. 2.) One who is receiving medical care.***

So, we who have daily pain, are patients ALL the time.  If you do not suffer from Chronic Pain, think of the last time that you were a patient.  Saw the doctor for that earache and were on antibiotics that made you ill, or the rash on your arm that will not go away, to a hospitalization for a medical issue that was serious- or possibly life-threatening.  You probably received a lot of attention from your support system, and were 'cheered on', brought food to, had visitors, and got calls from those that care about you; flowers and get well cards.

I've been in that type of position medically; during and after back surgeries.  I saw the people that really cared for me in those situations.  When there is something acute happening to someone we love, we are usually feeling a bit of worry, concern, care, and these manifest in acts of kindness.  This is normal human behavior.

The patient then goes through a phase of rehabilitation, and eventually, (hopefully) returns to a good state of health, and move on with their lives.  (I am obviously looking at the best of outcomes here for example only.) 

The calls come less often, the cards stop, you have recovered and no one needs to go out of their way for you now.  The illness, surgery or other medical issue is gone, and often forgotten by some.  An ACUTE medical problem has been addressed, and you are no longer a patient.   

What happens to the CHRONIC patient?  I write in pure truths here and I believe that most people would rather turn their head than become involved in that patients life.  (Of course save for our partners that are involved with us on a deeper level.)  It is not a terminal diagnosis.  It is a diagnosis that simply make us patients every day of our lives.  Another deep belief of mine:  Most people that shy away from Chronic Pain/Illness patients, have deeply-rooted fears that they too, may someday have the same problem.  That scares them.  It is easier to pretend that it is not happening, than it is to make a concerted effort to connect with the patient.

There is a lot to cover on this subject.  I'm going to break this up in upcoming posts.

Also, I have been looking into Medical Coding and Billing as a possible option for me to work from my home.  I found a great .org site with tons of information on this medical profession.  Having a thorough knowledge of medical terminology would help, and I found out that there is the ability to focus on a certain specialty!  Hmm wonder what I would focus on.....they told me that “Students learn about acute and chronic patients during medical coding certification.”  Well well....I may be discovering the perfect job for my given situation.

The Only Constant In Life....Is Change!   


Gentle Hugs ------<3


Next post--Top Ways To Easily Help The Chronic Pain Patients In Your Life

     

  






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