A very wise man once told me that doctors are not always men/women of science, they are men/women of adventure. That’s why they call it “practicing” medicine.
Several years ago I had an accident that left me injured and unable to walk. I went through the traditional medical tests and treatments such as MRI, Epidural blocks, X-rays, Nerve conduction studies, etc. In the end, the practitioner proclaimed that my injury was permanent and prescribed a very powerful and addictive pain medication for me. I was told the nerve damage was permanent and that I would likely have to be on pain medication the remainder of my life.
I spent six months in a wheel chair, crutches, and eventually a cane to help me get around. It seemed as though the doctors had been right and that this was the best outcome I could expect.
Roughly eighteen months of pain medication later, I realized something startling. My cue that it was time to take my medication was not the onset of pain, but rather the onset of withdrawals from the pain medication. What and epiphany! It was at that moment I decided to do a little research. Pain medications have been known to produce a brain response that actually induces pain, simply because it expects that pain to persist. Once the body rids itself from the effects of the pain medication, this brain response ceases. I realized that it would be difficult dealing with the symptoms of withdrawal, but I was determined to rid my body of all residual effects of this medication. I spent a week feeling terribly ill; flu like symptoms. Once that hell week had passed, not only did I not feel the pangs of withdrawal, but the pain never returned. I was finally free. No pain, no need for medication, and certainly no need for a cane or crutches. It was like a miracle.
So, what’s my point for sharing my story? Challenge the ideal that anything has to be permanent. Don’t be afraid to consider the possibility that the mind and body have the power to heal, even when medical science dictates otherwise. Believe in the power of mind over body and open your mind to infinite possibilities. Most importantly, believe in the power of self.
Debbie
