A computer screen is a cruel mirror but then, I already knew the truth about what it was showing. The bags under my eyes are dire. No makeup will hide them: we’re talking prosthetic construction, here. I love that I can appreciate moderately funny when I’m full of battle fatigue and rage a fair bit of the time. Luckily, they’re hard to access when severely sleep-deprived.

I don’t know how to get help. Chronic is not for the ER and my doctor is a little off-the-cuff. It’s the COVID problem. They can’t see you. Plus, doctors tend to assume women can’t handle even the most minor pain. It’s a generalization: it’s also true. This isn’t a minor thing but once again, I’m being sidelined because of genetics. I’m tired. I don’t want to fight the good fight again. There is little satisfaction in proving yourself right when “winning” means you’re ill.

The saving grace is I’m not alone. I hated letting go of my special snowflake designation when I learned that my eating disorder didn’t make me unique. With this, there’s comfort in knowing that other people struggle with not letting pain make them feral.

The attached essay has some great tips.

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What Chronic Pain Management Techniques Are There? – When Women Inspire

Whatever the cause, it’s important to have methods to treat and cope with the pain daily. Find chronic pain management techniques here.

What chronic pain management techniques are there? — When Women Inspire