Thread by @Tinu

It hasn't been that bad since I lived alone. #MySpoons are in low key agony. But sharing is distraction.

& Hopefully this helps someone.

This morning when I woke up, things were already off.

✅I had MENSTRUAL cramps.

✅I still have some flu thing.

✅I overdid it yesterday helping with the kids.

✅My food schedule was off, so

✅My pill schedule was off.

Incoming nightmare amirite?

I thought I was prepared by the amount of pain I'd be in. So I

➡️did the system check,
➡️got up to visit my poreclean throne,
➡️checked the kids were on schedule,
➡️had one warm me a bagel and
➡️got back in bed.

By the time I got back in bed, I know my body was off.

I should have taken it as a sign that there was no butter for my bagel.

When I was almost done with the bagel, then pain started to rise.

Expecting a wave, I got in my lowest-stress body position & set up a show for distraction.

I reached for my medicine and that's when the pain tsunami hit.

Breathless and frozen, for however long I just sat there, frozen, while the lower half of my body went berserk.

The flu body ache went wide.
The cramps went nuclear.
The nerves in my legs lit up to 9.
Even my back pain ratcheted up & it hasn't been over 5 in a year.

Wordlessly I waited for the pain to go down an inch so I could shift my body weight or find a new position.

After what felt like ten minutes, I realized that it hurt the least when I lay on my stomach, shifting my body weight to my arms.

Butt in the air like a toddler, I couldn't help but laugh at how confused someone would be if they found me unconscious in that position.

The position plus the laughter toothed pain down to 8. I was able to reach for my medicine and take the max safe dose.

At this point, I didn't want to call for help anymore. I needed protein but I couldn't eat in this position. So I don't call my sister.

And my mother would be late for work, worrying about something that was almost fixed.

I was able to reach my heated throw, use it as a heating pad, and fall asleep around 10.

In hindsight I realize how bad it was. Because I woke up at 3 pm & instead of my usual harsh thoughts to myself?

All I have the energy for is "wow. It's late."

In case of another episode, I'm moving to where everyone is. But before I go, tips for new #spoonies who experience this type of thing.

Stay calm. Panic clouds your thinking. Deep breaths or thinking of a vacation spot really helps.

Think of the things that normally help and try them all in super slow motion.

My short list:
👉🏾 Heat
👉🏾 Cold
👉🏾 Change in position
👉🏾 Distraction
👉🏾 Extra med dose
👉🏾 Laughing at how absurd my life is now
👉🏾 Ointment/gel
👉🏾 portable massagers

Not all these things will be available. I try to keep things near my bed even though my space gets a little junky.

I've also learned that calling for help isn't always the best move. I don't always articulate well how I like to be helped. Quite frankly folks also tend not to listen.

But if you NEED help, there's no shame in that. I keep my cell close. I will tell 911 or fire I'm out alone. It's embarrassing but the alternative is often worse.

So anyway. That's today's #ChronicPain story, all of which could have been prevented by the lowest possible dose of Tramadol.

Tell me your stories. I need more distraction.