This is a story I often hear when I first meet a patient.
“Everything hurts, doc. My back hurts, my knees hurt, and my hips hurt. My neck is stiff. My fingers ache, especially my left thumb. It is hard for me to lay on the left side. So I am tossing and turning all night. Then I turn onto the right side, and that hurts as well. I often find myself moving into the recliner. I have a hard time getting things done around the house, and work just keeps piling up.
Getting food and groceries is an uphill battle and takes a lot out of me. The easiest thing for me to do is sit. It does not hurt as bad when I sit. But, the less I move, the more weight I put on. Spending time with family and friends or doing hobbies I used to love, like cooking or gardening, is becoming tough to enjoy. I am always in pain. I want to feel like I used to. “
If you experience chronic pain, you may be able to relate. However, if you do not have chronic pain, then I am grateful.
I often tell patients, ‘pain is all-consuming.’ It is a black hole that sucks all the oxygen from its surroundings. So when you are in pain, pain is all you see.
Pain makes you wonder how long it will take you to walk from the car to your doctor’s appointment. Or how your low back and hips will hurt if you get up too fast or break from routine.
Pain starts making decisions for you. “I don’t want to go there. That is going to hurt. Maybe next week, when I am in less pain. Right now, everything hurts.”
There is good news. You don’t have to live in pain.
As a pain management specialist, I focus on what is most important to you. Our comprehensive approach to pain management at HealthyU Clinics will help your chronic pain. We focus on improving your function, improving your quality of life, and getting you up on your feet. It is getting you back to being the old you, a healthier U.
At HealthyU Clinics, we’re here for U. To schedule an appointment, contact us at 602-491-0703 or schedule online here.
By: Alexander Dydyk, DO
Director of Pain Medicine
