Thursday, January 1, 2009

Welcome Pain Sufferers! Let's Blog Away...

ThePainStore.com's Blog - For Pain Sufferers, By A Pain Sufferer!

by Heather Grace

I'm happy to welcome you to the very first blog, brought to you by ThePainStore.com! As someone who has been dealing with serious pain since late 1999, I know what you're going through. What's more, I want to help!

This site is open to everyone who has dealt with pain, or is currently suffering through it, trying to find the bright spots in some very difficult days. If you're dealing with pain, you know... finding something, ANYTHING that helps relieve the pain is vital!

Having been in pain since 1999, relief has been a crapshoot. I've dealt with 'the system' of doctors who are too busy to care, who are suspicious, who think there's no reason to still be in pain, who ignore the signs of suffering, including MRIs and X-Rays, and offer little more than aspirin to treat severe pain. It's truly exasperating!

And, over the years, I have tried a zillion different products. Most of them were garbage! But finally, in January 2007, I started working with an excellent pain doctor, someone who knows what he's doing. I got my diagnosis and from there, everything was very organized. We experimented with various options, both prescription and over-the-counter products. It's been over a year since I found a treatment plan that works for me!!! Yippee! (Read More on My Story)

I cannot tell you what it's like to have a serious reduction in my pain! The only word that comes to mind is "MIRACLE." Yes, I am still in pain. But, it's no longer pain that's a "10" on a 10-point scale.

I am able to think, to write, to smile. I have bad days as well as good, just like anyone else. But, when I am having a bad day, I have many options to reduce my pain -- options I never would've known about until recently!

Ever since I've experienced 'pain management,' I've been thinking: What can I do with this little piece of success in treating my pain? It seems so obvious! Share the answers with others.

It shouldn't be a mystery -- should it? While not all treatments work for every person who tries them, by providing access to all of the tools I've had access to, and giving the 'why' behind them, I think pain management is possible for everyone who visits this blog as well as ThePainStore.com. I truly do.

And, in addition to offering these products, I will be available to answer questions (as a layperson, of course!) who has been where you most likely are. If I can give any advice that applies to everyone dealing with pain, it's this: NEVER give up. You must be your own advocate and keep going, no matter what. Even if a treatment option seems outlandish, it can't hurt to try it. If you find something that works well, see what similar options may work even better. Can you take more of that particular product? Would adding another ingredient to augment that product possibly help it work better? This is called a 'potentiator,' by the way!

Because I suffered from late 1999 until early 2007 without a diagnosis, I was a basket case. No one else should have to suffer this fate. Having answers makes me want to help as many people as I can. So, that's why I'm here. Together, we can find some answers to your pain management questions. Stay tuned for useful information on products, and why they work.

Feel free to contribute your experiences with various over-the-counter products, as well as prescription medications. In the coming months, this site will be filled with my experiences, and hopefully, yours as well. Thanks for visiting, and please, come back soon!

Remember, pain management is possible -- and the more you are your own advocate, the better equipped you are to find real answers and REAL RELIEF! (Read Articles and Information on ThePainStore.com)