It is normal to talk about side effects that everyone can see, but what about side effects that are not seen? Those whom no one dares to ask because they are afraid of the answer (and wish then not to have asked the question).
Chronic pain is an invisible disease that causes hidden side effects.
First, and sometimes obviously, gain and weight loss. I have not met or talked to a person with a chronic illness who is happy with his weight. Let’s face it, few people are really happy with their weight, but having all these medications just to survive one day has a negative impact on your weight. Whether steroids, painkillers, or even opioids, prolonged use can have a significant effect. But because of our illness, exercise can barely exist, because, let’s face it, if you can get up from bed one morning, you have just climbed Everest. Enough said. But it’s a constant fight against drugs and exercise, and it’s certainly not a fight we choose to lead.
Atmosphere. Mood swings are a given, for every human being, that’s what we do as a human being, but we add pain and serious and debilitating drugs, and it’s like a time bomb. Everyone has days off, but when you are in pain, the slightest thing can blow you up, and for no apparent reason. Some medications I’ve taken in the past have raged from time to time, and not having control over your mood is scary. You can almost see it coming – this switch inside you clicks and boom, look! But in the next breath, you can be so deliciously happy, almost delusional, that you forget the bad mood, until the switch goes to “click”.
Patience. Since you spend most of your time waiting for doctors, surgeons and all the others, you would think that patience was obvious. No, I have less patience than ever before, but not in everything I do. I have less patience to go around, be just rude, BS and stress. As stress is the main pain factor in my body, I try to avoid it at all costs – which in itself can be stressful (go figure!). Of course, it does not always work, and I will get excited, which then causes a massive crash, but I learn to handle things a lot better. But if we all had a little more patience with someone we know who has an illness, the benefit to that person is better than any gift.
Mental Health. Of course, this is an important side effect that is very easily concealed. Do not forget that this person, who was in good health, changed his life in an instant. It’s not an easy process, it never will be, you cry every day for the person you once were, but how do you manage the fact that this person is already gone and probably forever? Is it surprising that depression is a major side effect? There is also concern here because not knowing how to handle this “new” life is an extremely new and terrifying territory. Is it any wonder people can be anxious?
Way of life. What may have been a carefree life where you have acted as you please has now resulted in a carefully managed routine that is such a shock to the system. Imagine having a successful career and a happy / comfortable life (as comfortable as possible!) And suddenly, you get sick, can no longer work or support your family, not to mention yourself. Unable to function without help, or to do the things you used to do. All this removed in the blink of an eye. Your lifestyle has been replaced by something that you struggle to control, let alone get used to.
Skin / hair, etc. Now, of course, you can see the skin (not all the skin of course) and hair, nails, etc., but thanks to medication, fatigue and other factors, our skin and hair can also to be beaten. My skin has gone from relatively normal to extremely sensitive. If something touches my skin, I have a reaction. My face is now full of spots, which come for a few weeks of vacation, then disappear, then come back like never before. Reactions to medications can cause terrible skin problems. Hair can also fall faster than it grows.
Privacy. It’s not all about sex if you’re in a relationship. There are of course many other ways to be affectionate and affectionate with your partner. But what happens if having sex is painful and hurts you? Should people with chronic pain / illness never have sex again? I do not think it’s not because we hurt that we do not have the same needs as any other person. It’s about adapting and finding what works and what does not worsen the level of pain. Have fun experimenting!
Finance. I’m broke, like all the time. Endless medications, lotions and potions, treatments, round trips, everything comes down. And if you can not work, it’s even harder. It’s a gift that will relieve the pressure. It is very difficult for me to admit that I need help financially. I do not like to ask anyone for help or money, but it’s something I have to work on – my own pride. Worrying about money only adds to stress, and stress makes things worse.
There are so many side effects – side effects that seem taboo. But why? None of the above points need to be hidden or not to talk about it! For those who have a loved one with a chronic illness, just a careful and attentive ear is needed to be there for someone and to have some understanding of what they are facing.
Look beyond what you can see and look for what you can not.
