I'm just curious :) I've got a chronic illness, and I've noticed that when it gets bad it's hard to feel much - emotionally, I mean. I quit caring about boys and sex completely, but I also can't hold on to things like anger, and that's nice. I think maybe all I can still feel is low-level love for friends and family. A nice thing to be left with, I guess :]
Do any of you feeled "dulled" like this when you're in pain? Anyone up for sharing?
2007-07-09 17:51:57 · 14 answers · asked by Cedar 5 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I'm a Registered Nurse, worked as an EMT/Firefighter and suffered for many years with chronic pain myself. In my profession, I have heard (from numerous clients) a very similar description re what they go through. Personally, I can tell you that my chronic pain effected every aspect of my life. I was often sleep deprived and drained of energy (due to constantly having to cope with pain) even when I slept well at night. I lost my appetite, my sex drive and had "a short fuse"/little patience. I found myself irritable, depressed and frustrated. I attacked those I loved and my perception of the world and myself became negative. I isolated myself from most people and most activities. Then...the apathy ("dulled") came in to play... I absolutely empathize with you! I'd love to share what has helped myself as well as some of my patients rgs to chronic pain and what you have described. Please feel free to visit my profile and email me if you are so inclined. I will share this one thing now: I found that making friends with my pain - - "holding hands" with it -- helped at times (more than attempting to distract myself from it). I began to see my pain as an indicator of what needed to be healed and then "took myself" to the pain - ultimately to the place in my body that needed to be "loved" and healed. I've done something similar with my anger. One of the gifts I received from my chronic pain was learning how to sit with myself, know myself = inside and out -- my limits, my strengths, my fears, my deepest needs and desires. You seem to me like a woman of strength not just because of the pain you endure but because of the choice you are making to "be real" and share with all of us. Thanks:) I wish you less pain; I know you will find your way through this.
2007-07-09 18:47:00 · answer #1 · answered by laisha 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how sick I am and with what. Like...if I have the flu or I'm throwing up or something, I prefer to be left alone. Now if I just have a headache or a little cold, I'll totally whine about it. Today I'm at work and not feeling well and trust me...everyone knows it.
2016-04-01 06:27:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, I am 45 and have had chronic pain since I was 13, so that's 32 years of pain. When it gets to be harder than usual I tend to think - like you - about my family and friends. I've learned that emotional support from people you love and who love you is more important than any medication. Hope things get better for you.
2007-07-09 18:00:01 · answer #3 · answered by storytllr1961 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I am in pain from my own health problems, I still care about my children. But mostly I am overcome with guilt when I am sick, for not being 100 percent there for my children.
The guilt is when I feel like a burden and not an asset.
2007-07-09 18:06:40 · answer #4 · answered by myoctoberblues 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When I'm in severe pain with fibromyalgia and lupus, I get very sad and into myself. I guess I worry about how long I can continue to care for myself and pets. I love them so much and feel totally responsible for them so they are a worry but also a comfort. I usually just want to sleep and not think at all.
2007-07-09 17:58:44 · answer #5 · answered by moonrose777 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've been there and felt the same and I know it is natural, don't feel bad. It is nature's way as a form of self-protection. When you are in pain, self-preservation kicks in and your mind is focused mostly on protecting the body so that you will survive. It is similar to the shock that effects the zebra being attacked by the lion who is only focused on itself at that point. It is shocked as it's mind withdraws into itself.
2007-07-09 17:59:51 · answer #6 · answered by rich e rich 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel alot of gratitude for what I have. It might sound corny but all the crap i sometimes cling to go away. Like resentments anger blah,blah,blah... It always reminds me to have as much fun as possible and love my family and a few freinds i have. LIFE IS TO SHORT FOR ALL THAT PETTY ****. I get like that when i got sick real bad not to long ago. I dont' feel like I get numb just aware more i guess. C-ya.
2007-07-09 18:22:38 · answer #7 · answered by sunburned 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel exactly the same way sometimes! All i end up caring about were friends and family. talking to my friends and gossiping always made put me in a good mood.
you should talk on the phone and look through old pictures (:
one thing that always puts me in a good mood are watching reruns of old tv shows i used to love.
hope you feel better ! !
2007-07-09 17:57:26 · answer #8 · answered by hellogoodbye 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know I felt terrible this morning. I was going to throw up, and I had to sit down. And I was very tired.
When I went outside I still managed to think how pretty it was. The sky so blue, and the bright yellow sun, and the vibrant green plants.
That all went through my head in about a second, it was almost unconscious, but I noticed it, and I'm glad I did.
2007-07-09 17:55:53 · answer #9 · answered by A 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pain is your body's way of telling you to get it fixed before it dies. It's natural and normal to be dulled to other things while the body is injured. Just remember to keep things in perspective, it's still your choice to care...
2007-07-09 17:55:19 · answer #10 · answered by Jaydub 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋