TO MY JAMAICA HIGH FRIENDS:

FOR SEVERAL YEARS I RAN A CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP HERE ON THE W. COAST.

IT WAS A MIXTURE OF CONCERNS ABOUT THE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL.

MANY OF OUR GROUP MEMBERS HAD EITHER AUTO OR WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS.

IN MOST CASES, THE NEW DISABILITY WAS NOT MET WITH COMPASSION.

HERE WERE THE KEY FINDINGS:

1. SOME DOCTORS ARE DOUBTERS: If x-rays fail to offer evidence of some fracture or abnormal blockage, the MD may be dismissive.  They made scoff at your credibility.

2. FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE SHRINKS:  Those buddies who saw you as a full-blooded person involved in athletics and movement may soon depart the scen, leaving you in a state of isolation.  They are reluctance to include you in major social activities.

3. FAMILY TURNS IRATE: When the newky disabled person shows deficits which may inhibit househod chores, family members casn turn nasty and widen the communicxations gap.

BEST ADVICE IS TO GET AHOLD OF A PHYSIATRIST WHO CAN RUN TESTS.  AFTER THAT, YOU ARE GIVEN OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT.  GET A SECOND OPINION AND DO USE THE INTERNET TO BETTER UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS.

FINALLY, PEASE DO NOT GO INTO RETREAT.  FIND OTHERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES.

WHY PERISH WHEN YOU CAN FLOURISH?  LET NOT YOUR PEERS DRIVE YOU TO TEARS.

~~B. LEE COYNE