I will be honest, not sure I have come to terms with my pain. I may not ever. I am not used to it by any stretch of the imagination but rather I have learned to adjust my life around the pain. I do less, yes. But I, have done what I can to make things easier on myself. I moved all my pots and pans to waist level so I do not have to bend over. I use a seat to wash dishes or chop and prep. I use my crockpot a lot. I implement rest days after a more active day. I avoid stairs by asking for help from my family to do things like laundry. I take naps when my body needs to. I say no a lot more. It is hard living with pain but I am managing. Slow and steady wins the race!🐢

Frankie and others, there are so many terrific suggestions above. Meditation, prayer, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques may help. Cymbalta, an antidepressant, is also very effective for chronic pain and is worth discussing with your doctor.

Frankie, I have dealt with chronic pain for many years so I get where you are coming from. I try to distract myself from pain by doing things that keep my mind busy- reading, writing, creating gemstone jewelry, getting outdoors. When distraction doesn't work, I give myself permission to complain. I have found that expressing pain verbally can sometimes help. I have read that if you get hurt, using strong language actually makes it seem less painful. I think complaining loudly works the same way. My husband listens, but i will do it when I'm alone as well. After my rant, I go back to distraction, rest, heating pad and pain meds if I really need it. My husband is my rock. He does so many things around the house that I used to do and I am letting him, even when he isn't doing it "my way". 🤣 Rest, destress, give yourself permission to let chores go, accept help. You are getting lots of great suggestions from others. Take what works for you. This is a great place to find support.

Frankie, I think Calli’s suggestions are right on. I had my husband cut the onions last night. Just a little assist to save my aching hands and dry eyes. Made me smile 😃.
I know it is hard to be positive with pain, but some momentary comic relief can be helpful . I’ve been hurting all day today and watching some football with my husband. We saw this incredibly hard head to head hit and the one guy went up in air and then flat on his back. My good decision for the day is not to play football!🏈 I hope you have a great neuro ortho doctor as you deal with your compression fracture. Some things family and friends without Lupus but great back pain have tried with success: 1. Ablation. 2. Fusion. 3. Some type of permanent device insertion . Less long term I had deep needle insertion. This is like acupuncture, only different type of needles in my neck & shoulders. I try to maintain hope that tomorrow will be better. I write this as I finish off every Reese’s peanut butter treat in my give away Halloween candy. Plans to move onto rich chocolate ice cream. Please don’t give up that there are not answers. I have realized that my shoulder may not need surgery but that the real issue is all tissue inflammation from the Lupus flare. Working on the flare with new med regime. Not a big difference yet, but I have hope! May God bless you with hope and healing. Fondly, Chris

@A MyLupusTeam Member, I gave into my depression for a long time. Started pulling myself out about 6 years ago and haven’t stopped yet! Yes, I have bad days and lately a few flares which doctors increased some medications and added a new one. So adjusting to that one. I keep telling myself that I’m not giving up on my life and and want to enjoy on days I can and rest on days I can’t. Of course life had other plans this year so now doing everything on my own. Updating my house and plan on moving east to be closer to grandchildren and some of my children.
When I have bad day I try to get outside in the sun for a little walk while listening to upbeat music. I always smile even when I just want to cry but someone else might need that smile more than I do. You need to find small things that relaxes you. But sunshine helps a lot! Even though I have to now coverup. Lupus rash 🤨

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