While these affirmations are all beautifully expressed and proven through experience, I can think of none of them which replaces (or could) my pain med. I understand that to some that’s a copout or a crutch, but for me it’s as essential as my antidepressant is. They are, however, helpful in terms of augmenting the medication’s effectiveness; thanks for reminding me of them.

Margaret – Only those who have never experienced the hardship of constant suffering and pain could be self-righteous enough to declare that taking your pain medication is a copout or crutch.
Ignorance hurts. Before the medical community understood multiple sclerosis, it was concluded that those who were symptomatic were experiencing “hysterical paralysis”. Hard to believe, but true.
The ego of the medical community and on an individual basis of many lay people, want to dismiss what they don’t understand. It’s a way of soothing their own fragile (or pompous) intellects. If they can’t explain it, cure it, fix it – well, it must not exist, no? I could write a book on the crap that I have heard over the past 5 plus years with regard to my own illnesses.
Because ME/CFS was initially coined in this Country as “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” rather than the term used by the rest of the world “Myalgic Encephelopathy” – it was automatically thought of as “Oh, you’re tired – well I am too”. First things first, “Fatigue” which is one of approximately 7 markers of this illness is not a word to correctly express what my body goes through.
When I was reading one of the other posts and a comment by “WiseSteve” on “fatigue”, I wanted to puke. But I had to remember not to personalize it. It wasn’t about me and my illness. Truth be told, “fatigue” is low energy, and that is not what I have. I have bone-crushing weakness and exhaustion where, at times, I can barely raise my arms to wash my hair or to rise from chair or to walk a flight of stairs without succombing to tears.
Needless to say there has been a great deal of money, time and effort to have the CDC rename the illness in accurate terms. Having said that, I do also practice (when my brain can take it) listening to CD’s with meditative qualities and read things to help myself where I can.
So, Margaret, don’t ever feel you need to apologize or explain what you need to do to live in your body. Let them walk (or not) a mile in your shoes.
Nancy L.

Nancy L.:
What’s worse, as you well know, is that there was once a time (when some of us weren’t quite the courageous stigma-busters we are now …) when those of us with depression were encouraged to call it “CFS.”
Ugh.

And Margaret …
There is an appropriate place for pain medicine. You are in it. (Heck, I’m in it, I guess, since I take benzodiazapenes.)
I just see so many doctors (let alone people!) use them inappropriately. And the damage that causes to people.
That was and is ALWAYS my only concern.

Whatever it takes to get you by is no way a sign of weakness. I am so inspired and frankly in awe of people like you Margaret. You have such a mountain to climb and yet you take the time to be so considerate of others. Pain does indeed lead to compassion as you have so well demonstrated. The world is a better place with you in it .

I have just briefly read through and I am sad that you are suffering. I suggest a book “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hayes…You CAN heal yourself without the meds… It’s all in the mind.