tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742466602104186637.post8681834612926481409..comments2023-03-25T01:00:29.104-07:00Comments on Fighting the Freeloader: Roses and tribulationsAunt Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799746597313773030noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742466602104186637.post-37691200915206740272012-12-01T02:20:39.072-08:002012-12-01T02:20:39.072-08:00Hmm. True about the drugs I think. And I love the ...Hmm. True about the drugs I think. And I love the spoon metaphor. Just takes a bit of adjusting, I guess...Aunt Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08799746597313773030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742466602104186637.post-76800494205072147852012-12-01T02:07:25.151-08:002012-12-01T02:07:25.151-08:00I wish I could tell you that after a while, physic...I wish I could tell you that after a while, physical disabilities stop chafing you with their constrictions. Well, it's been 14 years for me, and it still hasn't happened. But after a while you *do* get a very good sense of your limits, and eventually, if you're careful and persistent, you can push them. If you haven't read the spoon theory, you really should. It's here: http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/<br /><br />You're never going to be able to take your body, or your health, for granted again. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Remember, pain killers aren't a sign of weakness, that you've given up, that you can't just harden the fuck up already. That's what they are to normals, and you can laugh at their pain tolerances later. For people like us, they're just a tool to use to improve function. Surely you've felt the frustration of not having the right tool for a job? (I'd use some sort of gardening metaphor here, but I know bugger all about gardening. Um... a shovel when you need a rake? A turkey when you need a donkey?) Why on Earth would you feel guilty about using the tool you need? Don't skimp on the drugs because they're 'unnatural' - surely the advice you were given after your first surgery, that inadequate pain management = more likely chronic pain still applies? Is it worth the risk just to have fewer drugs in your bloodstream? You won't be carefree-healthy again, but I'd really rather you didn't join me at the metaphorical chronic pain table.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08803095087621742167noreply@blogger.com