Enjoy The New Additions To Our Blog

So happy to announce that our blog has finally gone truly GLOBAL! Thanks to Google Website Translator, you can pick any language and enjoy our blog in your native tongue. 

Now you can SEARCH our blog including all posts AND all "Helpful Links" to find exactly what you need. If you are listed in the "Helpful Links", your blog and all your posts are automatically searched anytime someone does a search on Pain Sufferers Speak's Main Blog. This will mean more traffic for you on your blog or website.

PLUS Now you can follow our blog through EMAIL for the first time! AND You can still subscribe to our RSS and many other feed options, and join through Google, and Networked Blogs as well.

All 3 NEW Additions are available right now! Come check them out!!

Have a wonderful weekend Everyone!! Sending you all love, hugs and many blessings for happiness and peace during this Holiday Season--no matter where you are and what you celebrate!! Liz : )

"No Pain, No Gain" from A New Perspective

"No Pain, No Gain" used to be my motto back in Jr high in my teens. I played all sports very competitively and never considered the long term effects on my body. Understand that sports is not the reason I have degenerative disc disease, but I will always wonder how much my "No Pain No Gain" attitude from back then still affects me today. I wish I had been encouraged to take care and love my body instead of abusing it. At least I can say with pride that I have encouraged both of my kids to think long term always and love their bodies that they were blessed with. I miss sports but not the body abuse side of it. Loving yourself and encouraging your own healthy self esteem is essential to everyone. Give yourself a hug today and love your body for all the things it does right. Living with illness and pain tends to give us all a reason for self loathing and hatred. FIGHT IT!! Because if you change your perspective, and decide to love your self and find the good in yourself then you will bolster not only your body image and self esteem, but you bonus better health, too. "Keep an optimistic outlook--its proven to prevent a host of heart problems. According to a roundup of Harvard researchers a perennially sunny disposition will help you lower your blood pressure, ward off heart disease, heal faster and live longer. Its not just your heart: multiple studies show that a cheerful outlook can ward off other health problems and add years to your life." (quoted from an article in Prevention Magazine, page 124, of the October 2008 edition) For more see prevention.com

Written By:
Liz Hall
Creator and Administrator for Pain Sufferers Speak's Global Community

Living With An Invisible Illness

While from the outside I may seem normal,
It’s the part that you can’t see,
The constant pain and struggles within,
Are ever so apparent to me.
~
Although I may wear a smile,
Often times it's covering the tears,
Yet not tears because of sadness,
As it often may appear.
~
Don’t be too quick to judge though,
Because there is so much more than is known,
What may seem to look like one thing,
Just might turn to prove so wrong.
~
I may sometimes seem unfriendly,
Or too centered around self,
Because sometimes standing takes all I’ve got,
And there is just no energy left.
~
Sometimes my words may sound awkward,
My communication may not always convey,
My true inner thoughts and feelings,
Aren’t always expressed by what I say.
~
You may think that I’m not really listening,
Sometimes my face or speech may not show,
But I do hear every word you say,
I really want you to know.
~
The information doesn’t always process,
As quickly and as clear,
And sometimes it takes me longer,
To interpret what I hear.
~
I possibly miss many opportunities,
To offer needed love or support,
Because sometimes it just takes to long,
For my thoughts and words to sort.
~
So if my actions seem inappropriate,
In the things I say or do,
I hope that you can understand,
That it is not because of you.
~
There are times I get discouraged,
When forced to accept my inability--
It’s hard to admit my limitations,
And it leaves me feeling so guilty.
~
Yet every moment is a reminder
As I look all around,
The effort it takes just to get through the day,
Just picking my feet up off the ground.
~
I am not looking to find pity,
I am just attempting to explain,
That the person that you may often see,
And the real me aren’t exactly the same.
~
You may not see the peace and joy,
When you look upon my face,
But I know that each day I live,
Is because of God’s amazing grace.
~
It is hard to always be cheerful,
When the pain is so very real,
And not everyone can comprehend,
The extend of how I feel.
~
I don’t see it as all bad though,
Although I’d much rather it not be so,
But I know that if I must endure,
God will strengthen me as I go.
~
It may seem as if I take no pride
In the way that I look or dress,
However, there might be much more going on,
Inside of the big mess.
~
My home may not be nice and neat,
My bed not always made,
The laundry may not all be done,
And often it makes me ashamed.
~
But I must only do what I am able,
Each day I have to choose,
What is most important right then,
And the tasks I am able to lose.
~
All the plans and dreams I once held,
Now don’t seem quite so clear,
Yet I feel a peace within,
As my Lord keeps drawing me near.
~
To have a chronic illness,
Or a disability that one must bear,
Somehow puts life into perspective,
And helps to make us more aware.
~
I realize now that each day I live,
Is a gift from God above,
It is hard not to lean on Him,
Or to look to His great love.
~
I now can fully understand,
On my own, there is nothing I can do,
It is only be faith and prayer,
That I can make it through.
~
It may seem an exaggeration,
No one can always feel so bad,
But only those who have walked in these shoes,
Can appreciate the battles that I have had.
~
I see so many people less fortunate than me,
Don’t have to look very far,
There are so many suffering all around,
It doesn’t matter who you are.
~
Circumstances and illnesses can hit unexpectedly,
And you can never really be prepared,
It may be difficult to understand,
Leaving you vulnerable and feeling scared.
~
I must constantly guard my thoughts and mind,
As Satan always tries to bring me down,
He wants me to feel hopeless and unworthy,
And turn my smile into a frown.
~
It is hard not to get depressed,
When I see the burden my family must bare,
The fact I cannot always meet their needs,
No one could be more aware.
~
There are times I feel like giving up,
When I look too far ahead,
But I know if my loved ones were given the choice,
They would just choose to have me here instead.
~
There are so many ups and downs,
New challenges each day,
I must strive to keep my eyes on God,
So that I be not led astray.
~
It would be so difficult to cope,
Without God, my hope would all be gone,
Because through submitting to Him in prayer,
Is when my weaknesses are made strong.
~
So when you see the way I look,
When my insecurities are in view,
Base who I am on what’s inside,
Not by the things that I can do.
~
The greatest lesson that I have ever learned,
Is the reason that I am here on earth,
Is not to live for self and gain,
For in these things are not my worth.
~
God has a purpose for my life,
Although the details I may not see,
He still has it under control,
And is continually watching over me.
~
Maybe one day I will be well,
And my health He will restore,
But if that is not in God’s will,
I will still praise Him ever more.
~
If this suffering can bring honor to Him,
I will gladly accept the call,
Because of His great love for me,
He suffered and gave His all.
~
I have to believe that what I am going through now,
Will somehow work together for good,
And one day it will be revealed,
And all things will be understood.
~
While I still worry about what you think,
More the example that I may show,
I am learning so much more each day,
And this has really helped me to grow.
~
By: Mary Hastings, Written May 2003
******
Remember: Pain Sufferers Speak's Global Community respects all religions, faiths, and beliefs. 

This was shared on Pain Sufferers Speak's Support Family Group on Facebook by Auntie Stacey Bryce . We have 345 members in our private community and if you wish to join, just send a request to my email or facebook. 

 http://www.facebook.com/painsufferersspeak

painsufferersspeak@hotmail.com

Love to all my Pain Brothers & Pain Sisters All over the world!!
Liz : )

On Letting Go

To "let go" does not mean to stop caring.
It means I can't do it for someone else.
**
To "let go" is not to cut myself off.
It's the realization that I can't control another.
**
To "let go" is to admit powerlessness,
which means the outcome is not in my hands.
**
To "let go" is not to try to change or blame another.
It's to make the most of myself.
**
To "let go" is not to care for, but to care about.
**
To "let go" is not to fix, but to be supportive.
**
To "let go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.
**
To "let go" is not to be in the middle, arranging all the outcomes,
but to allow others to affect their own destinies.
**
To "let go" is not to deny, but to accept.
**
To "let go" is not to nag, scold, or argue,
but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.
**
To "let go" is not to adjust everything to my desires,
but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.
**
To "let go" is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future.
**
To "let go" is to fear less and to love more.

**

Author Unknown

_____________________

Shared by Sharon Johnson on Pain Sufferers Speak's Support Family Group on Facebook. Let me know if you want to join and I will happily add you to our private community.

Wishing all of you a productive week filled with happiness and love!!

Liz : )

LIFE

Life will throw many negatives your way.
Sometimes you'll laugh.
Sometimes you'll cry.
That's the very essence of you being alive!
**
You'll have good days and you'll have bad.
Sometimes you'll feel you're riding high,
While others you'll feel you're in a pit.
Both feelings and all in between, are part of life, my friend.
**
You will have sickness from time to time,
Or even perhaps have a loved one die.
Sometimes you will have plenty,
While others just barely getting by.
**
But in the midst of all the tears and pain,
How you react will make the difference in life.
Remember to smile and wave until the grave!
May not be easy, but it's the only way.
**
Written By: Rogelio Gomez
**

Monster Inside Of Me

I have been ill now for sixteen long years,
Every time I'm up, my illness reappears.
It is like a monster's just eating at me,
...Oh help me God, I just want to be free.
***
When I get this way I just want to flee,
Free of the pain that is inside of me.
I ask myself if God is even listening,
Because this pain I have is so piercing.
***
Physically, I can do nothing, except for sitting all day,
I have guilt and sadness, and my world is painted grey.
These feelings I have never seem to stray,
They make me feel like I want to hide away.
***
The depression I get is truly the worst,
It makes me feel as though I've been cursed.
Everyday I pray on bended knee,
Why is God not listening to me?
***
Most days I just want it to mend,
The pain is so great, maybe it'll end.
My kids think this monster is such a crime,
They have helped me through my worst of times.
***
I don't understand the reason why,
God makes me feel like I want to die.
One day I will know the answer from our Lord,
And maybe I'll get my just reward.
***
All I can do is continue to pray,
For God to stand by me and not go away.
To protect and guide me through this ghastly ordeal,
To mask and to conceal this pain that's surreal.
~Author Unknown
***

Happiness, Peace and Joy You Will Find

The law of attraction does not care
What ever you’re thinking will take you there
It does not matter who you are
Or what ever state you’re in
You have the power in you,
And this is where you begin
Think of a memory that makes you feel great
Now hold it right there till you’re fixed in that state
This blocks out any negative woe
You do have the power to just let it go
Feeling grateful is a great place to be
It’s that sparkling feeling inside of thee
When you’re grateful you’re thinking in a positive way
It keeps you on track of your habit per say
When you can conquer your state of mind
Happiness, peace, and joy you will find!!!
****************
Love Simone
From the group "Great People"
****************
Shared by Jacqueline Lamoureux on
Pain Sufferers Speak's Support Family
Group on Facebook

I Am An African

I am an African
Not because I was born there
But because my heart beats with Africa’s
I am an African
Not because my skin is black
But because my mind is engaged by Africa
I am an African
Not because I live on its soil
But because my soul is at home in Africa
***
When Africa weeps for her children
My cheeks are stained with tears
When Africa honours her elders
My head is bowed in respect
When Africa mourns for her victims
My hands are joined in prayer
When Africa celebrates her triumphs
My feet are alive with dancing
***
I am an African
For her blue skies take my breath away
And my hope for the future is bright
I am an African
For her people greet me as family
And teach me the meaning of community
I am an African
For her wildness quenches my spirit
And brings me closer to the source of life
***
When the music of Africa beats in the wind
My blood pulses to its rhythm
And I become the essence of sound
When the colours of Africa dazzle in the sun
My senses drink in its rainbow
And I become the palette of nature
When the stories of Africa echo round the fire
My feet walk in its pathways
And I become the footprints of history
***
I am an African
Because she is the cradle of our birth
And nurtures an ancient wisdom
I am an African
Because she lives in the world’s shadow
And bursts with a radiant luminosity
I am an African
Because she is the land of tomorrow
And I recognise her gifts as sacred
***By: Wayne Visser

Many Blessings From All Over the World

*********************
Posted by: Mimi Glover

"Mother, Father, God, Goddess, Universal Power.
Remind us daily of the sanctity of all life.
Touch our hearts with the glorious oneness of all creation.
As we strive to respect all the living beings on this planet.
Penetrate our souls with the beauty of this earth,
as we attune ourselves to the rhythm and flow of the seasons.
Awaken our minds, with the knowledge to achieve
a world in perfect harmony. Grant us the wisdom to realize
that we can have heaven on earth." - Jo Poore
*********************

**********************
Posted By: Estee Wesley

 

 LORD,
I INVITE YOU TO LIVE IN MY LIFE TODAY. HERE IS MY FACE - SMILE THROUGH IT. HERE IS MY MOUTH - SPEAK TO SOMEONE WITH IT. HERE ARE MY EARS - LISTEN TO SOMEONE WITH THEM. HERE IS MY HEART - LOVE SOMEONE WITH IT. HERE ARE MY HANDS - TOUCH SOMEONE WITH THEM. HERE ARE MY ARMS - HUG SOMEONE WITH THEM. HERE ARE MY FEET - WALK WITH THEM THIS DAY.
AMEN

********************
Posted By: LouAnn Wilmoth

******************* Posted By: Sharon Johnson ‎ "Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away." --Robert Fulghum ******************** Posted by: Jacqueline Lamoureux  ******************* Posted By: Auntie Stacey Bryce ****************** Posted By: Julie Bame *************** Posted By: Deborah Clemmons ************** Posted By: Patricia Gonzalez Guerra-Lara Seek God, Be FREE from all that Binds U. Love and pray for those who persecute you.. Remember that God loved u first..... Amen.... Thank u Jesus ♥♥ ****************** ******************** ******************** ******************* ************** ************* ************** ****************** ********************** *********************** *************** **************** Posted By: Carolina Breunesse ******************** Posted By: Monique Millender ********************* *************** Posted By: Cindy Blevins **************** These are posts from many Pain Sisters from all over the world!  I got permission from all of them to share these with all of you. I would love to have you send me your favorite blessing, quote, picture, poem, bible verse, anything that has a special meaning for you and your family, your culture, your religion or set of beliefs! Love to include stuff from all of you on Pain Sufferers Speak's Blog! Next post will be from the Pain Brothers! Get those entries to me as soon as possible! Send them to my email: painsufferersspeak@hotmail.com Or my facebook: www.facebook.com/painsufferersspeak Sending you love, hugs and showers of blessings always! Liz : )

If You Could Walk In My Shoes

*******This was posted on "Pain Sufferers Speak's Support Family" secret facebook group by both Pain Sisters, Sheila Wall and Cindy Blevins! Sometimes I wish for a LOVE IT button and this is definitely one of those times. Its perfect for our global community!*********



If You Could Walk In My Shoes

If you could walk in my shoes,

You would see, I paid my dues,

I worked hard my whole life through,

Even though, I no longer do.

You would see how hard I tried.

You would see how hard I cried.

Can't you see my condition is real,

Even though you can't see what I feel.

Your support could lift me up.

That would be amazing luck.

My disability; you can't see,

But I need you to believe in me.

Trust me when I say,

A friend could make my day. 

Please lend a helping hand,

With your support, I can stand.

A little goes along way.

A good friend won't turn away.

A little kind word can lift my soul.

A little kind word can make me whole.

Written By: Manuela McPhee on May 23, 2009

 ********No matter whether you wore work boots or high heels, I know you get it! Wishing a Fantastic Friday to all my Pain Brothers and Pain Sisters all over the world!! Plus, sending you supportive gentle hugs and many blessings for an awesome weekend with your family and friends! Liz : )



So Many Of You Are Curious

I have had so many questions about why my blog has other blogs listed for FREE, why I NEVER plan to charge for advertising, and why I feature lists of "Top Blogs" always on my blog.  So here is my explanation:

My deep desire is for everyone to express their pain in a healthy way. I want to provide each person on the planet not just Pain Sufferers Speak's Community resources, but loads of other resources and locations for you to find "Safe Havens" to communicate all types of pain for all age groups.

Other blogs, websites, and other random resources I choose will ALWAYS be listed and promoted which equals FREE advertising for businesses, companies, organizations, associations, etc. I provide this service in order to encourage everyone to find their favorite place. If you don't choose to join Pain Sufferers Speak's community, I'm not upset at all as long as you find another way to make the healthiest choice for your overall health--Communicate your pain!! Get the negativity of pain out of you through spoken words, poetry, journaling, join a support group, and find others who share your pain so you don't feel alone. For me, the #1 message I want to get across is SHARE YOUR PAIN!

I support ALL worthy causes worldwide not through funds I can't afford to pay, but instead through promoting awareness and advocacy to everyone.

There will NEVER be a charge to join any part of Pain Sufferers Speak's Community, because I believe all this information, awareness, advocacy and all these resources NEED to be available to everyone all the time.

I Want Your Story

Thanks friends and family for your neverending support! Every single one of you are so important to me--each Pain Brother and Pain Sister I have met has made me feel less alone in my pain no matter what their diagnosis. I really mean it when I ask y'all to tell me your story to be added to my book, "Pain Sufferers Speak". Your DEADLINE is January 30, 2012 to get your final submission to me. No holds barred--tell as much or as little as you want. If you wish to include how Pain Sufferers Speak's global community has changed or effected your life that's great, too--NOT required. Your real name does NOT have to be used. You can use initials, anonymous, or your actual name--anyway you choose to receive credit in my book, "Pain Sufferers Speak". Your submissions will make up a whole chapter or section of the book. This means I would love to have as many submissions as possible!! I will ONLY EDIT FOR SPELLING, NOT content or grammer. Your Words, Your Way even cuss words are fine. Just tell it like it is with no sensorship.

Send ALL SUBMISSIONS to my email
www.painsufferersspeak@hotmail.com
with BOOK SUBMISSION in all CAPS
OR send your submission as a private message on Facebook to Liz Hall.

MANY THANKS for your time and consideration!!

Can't wait to read and publish them all!! ♥ Liz

No High School Reunion For Me

Being disabled has meant missing out on my kids’ activities, and many other "Cool" things in life. I have not wanted to attend any of my high school reunions.  The main reason is the simple fact that my leaving home and many other factors, led to me dropping out and getting my GED at age 16 and starting college that same year.  Plus, I never really enjoyed being judged for how much money I never made, the clothes I choose to wear, the weight I have gained, and anything else that might be considered.  So you can see why avoidance was my simple answer to all previous high school reunions.  With Pain Sufferers Speak’s success and my renewed self esteem, I was a little excited, but still hesitant, about attending my 20^th HS reunion set for July 30, 2011. Initially, only a headcount was gathered so costs and other details could be figured out. Then it was released that they were considering two different hotels here in Austin, TX for the party. Since I live in Austin, I added me and my hubby to their headcount. Today, I just finished reading the update for the reunion which included the fact that now the location is a “Party Boat Cruise” on Lake Austin from 7:30-10pm (boarding the boat starts at 7:15pm).  I’m not sure if you can imagine how this leaves me out of this event completely. With my nerve damage in both legs and both arms, I would be scared to death to agree to get on some unstable boat and be trapped for 3 hours. Falling would be my biggest fear, but it certainly doesn’t stop there.  It all goes back to the same problem—If you don’t live with disability, If disability does not affect your family, then it’s not even considered.  Instead of hosting an event that tries to include as many people as possible, the event has been planned to exclude many. Consider that the cost is $43 per person without beer and wine or $55 with alcohol. That means $86 minimum for a couple for one “fajita meal with all the trimmings” and being trapped on a boat for less than 3 hours in Texas heat!!  As you can see, the economic hardship of this economy was also not considered at all. All I can add is that for the 30^th reunion, those that plan the event better consider ALL factors since, statistically, many more of us will be disabled by then.  

My Story & Diagnosis

Hello Pain Brothers & Sisters!! I'm already in the process of writing my first book (of course) called Pain Sufferers Speak. Within the last year, I started Pain Sufferers Speak's 4 Elements: our Exclusive "Members Only" Pain Family, Community Fan Page, Blog plus I host Twitter chats every night that pain allows me to at 10pm CST-USA. Its been therapy for me after 15 years living with chronic pain, 2 back surgeries, partial hysterectomy, 2 kids, & hubby of 18.5 years. Life never gives us what we think, but I am super blessed to have gone through everything!! One chapter in the book is planned to have loads of my pain peeps and their stories. (Please message me your story to be considered for the book if you want.) Its a timely topic it seems as pain has invaded every section of the globe's society. However, at first it was to help me come back and talk about my pain after 18 months in hermitville and severe depression after losing 2 careers (8 yrs in healthcare as rehabilitation tech for head injury hospital, Home Health Aide Dispatcher & Home Health Aide for Disabled & Elderly Clients + 9 years as Nationally Certified Paralegal with most of my time in Bankruptcy & Social Security Law plus a little Real Estate Law). Took me 38 months and many trips to food banks and my parents help to finally win Social Security disability. Was turned down 4 times and 3 of those were with my attorney's help!! I refused disability after the first back surgery at age 24, because I just couldn't accept being disabled that young. It was emergency surgery in 1996 (age 24) because my right leg went completely numb. I have degenerative disc disease that effects 4 discs in my back (L5/S1, L4/L5 and 2 cervical discs in my neck), neuropathy (nerve damage and nerve pain) in both legs with balance and falling issues, carpel tunnel in both wrists and arms with nerve damage, occasional panic attacks since age 16, plus chronic fever blisters on my eyes, nose and mouth.... and a partridge and a pear tree. LOL I am so blessed to have such a big supportive real family and now over 200 Pain Brothers & Sisters in my self-created Pain Sufferers Speak "Members Only" Pain family. My hubby has had to take care of me off and on after surgeries, etc. He works out of our home as a mobile mechanic on cars and trucks so that he has time to chauffeur the kids since I have not driven for last 4 years on doctor's recommendation. I am mostly homebound due to falling and the car being so painful. My disabilities DO NOT define me!!! I keep my faith in God, my positive attitude plus I keep HOPE alive by always trying to do new things and test my limits to see what I CAN do. Life is challenging to everyone, and these just happen to be my challenges. I love to network with other bloggers, advocates of all kinds, and fellow chronic pain and chronic illness peeps. My book should be finished by the end of this year and hopefully published next year. I love to read (always have at least 2 books Im busy with), watch movies (Netflix ROCKS!!), host gamenights for friends and family, yoga, swimming when pain allows, cooking when carpel tunnel allows, blogging as often as I can, and I LOVE Twitter and Facebook. I am most proud of my 2 children (Jocelynn-17 and off to college in Aug, and Scott-11 who starts Jr High in Aug), my husband and our marriage of 18 years (loads of consistent work and lots of fighting through issues), and last but not least the repair of my relationship with both of my parents after tumultuous teen years. I practice unconditional love and acceptance of everyone in my life and carry my positive attitude as a shield against depression's pull. My faith sustains me and grounds me and is my ever present joy in life.

Hope you will enjoy Pain Sufferers Speak's Global Pain Community AND Choose to Join ALL "4 Elements" and Share our Global Pain Community with all of your friends and family!

1.) Pain Sufferers Speak's Exclusive "Members Only" Facebook Pain Family

http://www.facebook.com/groups/painsufferersspeak

2.) Pain Sufferers Speak's Facebook Community Fan Page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pain-Sufferers-Speak/112276272164064

3.) Pain Sufferers Speak's Blog **You are here now.** : )

http://painsufferersspeak.blogspot.com/

4.) Follow Pain Sufferers Speak's Founder & Administrator, Liz Hall, for nightly chats on Twitter as @painspeaks at 10pm CST-USA!

http://twitter.com/#!/painspeaks

My Philosophy

Please Remember:

My philosophy is that our community provides FREE INFO to everyone, and each of you decides for yourselves (along with your healthcare providers and family) what is best for you and your unique circumstances. ANY POST on Twitter or Facebook is NEVER strategically placed, nor should it be considered to have my endorsement, approval or implied consent in any way. 

****If you want my opinion, all you have to do is ask for it. Never been shy. : ) 

****Can you tell I was a paralegal for 9 years? Geesh! I know you understand why it had to be said. : )

Love to all my Spoonie and Painsomniac Peeps Everywhere PLUS all the Pain Brothers and Pain Sisters Worldwide!

Liz : )