As someone who spends a lot of time dealing with pain, I’ve found that laughter can be a rare commodity. But this week, I managed to crack a joke during the 8am news bulletin on BBC Radio 4, and it was about me – literally. My deputy editor asked if all was well after I mentioned having to take some painkillers before presenting an item on breakthroughs in chronic pain, which is just darkly funny.
The breakthrough itself is epic: researchers at the University of Oxford have identified a new genetic link to pain, determined the structure of the molecular transporter that this gene encodes, and linked its function to pain. This could lead to the development of a new, highly effective drug for chronic pain sufferers.
Chronic pain is a harsh reality that can make you feel like a stranger to yourself. It’s isolating and can leave you feeling hollow. I know this firsthand from my own experiences with endometriosis and adenomyosis. But it’s also important to acknowledge the shame that often comes with living with chronic pain, especially when society expects us to be strong and independent.
However, I’m learning to resist that shame and focus on self-kindness instead. As someone who has struggled with pain, I want to remind others that there’s no shame in being in pain. We’re doing our best, and tomorrow is always another day.
In between dealing with pain, I’ve been enjoying some great shows. “A Sound So Very Loud” is a fascinating look at the life of Oasis, my childhood favorite band. “Good Night, Oscar” is a masterful play that explores the tensions between performance and exploitation. And finally, “Inter Alia” is a loud and soft masterpiece that will leave you breathless – literally.
Laughter may be rare when it comes to pain, but it’s still there. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of levity to remind us that we’re not alone in this journey.
Source: https://inews.co.uk/opinion/isolating-chronic-pain-great-word-3873993