“I Never Cry” Pain


All I could do was stand and cry. I never cry. Or at least I try the hardest not to, especially in public. But this time it was in public, and I was crying, hard. Because I was hurting.

The pain had been coming off and on for days, but this day in particular was different. On this day it started a little stronger and earlier than normal. On this day, the pain was incredible and more intense. On this day, the pain was unbearable as it flowed around my body. It felt like waves rolling up and down my arms, leaving me totally unable and unwilling to move. I couldn’t concentrate on my work, I couldn’t make sense of any thoughts in my mind. I walked from my office up and down the hallway, trying to get the pain out of my body. Nothing made it go away.

 

Pain in Multiple Sclerosis is real. At one point in time, “medical professionals” thought that pain didn’t impact people with MS. That couldn’t be more wrong. It is estimated that 30-50% of individuals with MS will experience pain at some point during the course of their illness. However, I believe the rate of pain to be much higher than just 50%, I think it can be as high as 80%.

Pain is classified as either primary or secondary pain. Primary pain is caused by disease progression and demyelinization. Primary pain is usually the intense feelings of burning, shooting or gnawing pain. Secondary pain is usually musculoskeletal pain either caused by poor balance and posture, spasticity, unbalanced use of muscles or joints because of weakness etc. Pain in MS can also be classified as acute or chronic pain.

There are many different types of pain in MS. Often times pain and sensory symptoms can go hand-in-hand (as I mentioned last week) and sensory symptoms can sometimes increase and turn painful.

Acute pain:

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia. This is a real pain in the..face. This is often experienced as a stabbing or shooting pain usually felt on one side of the face in the jaw area or cheek. It can be very severe, and last only a few seconds. I can be triggered by a breeze going across your face, touching your face or even chewing. It can be confused with dental pain, but is caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve. Treatment usually includes medication to alter a nerve function, and sometimes surgical procedures if medication does not prove to be useful.
  • Lhermitte’s sign. This is a type of pain that if the neck is moved enough, pain will start at the neck and move quickly down the spine, feeling like an electric shock. This is caused by damage nerves that no longer transmit proper signals. There are several medications available to treat this, also several lifestyle treatments as well. There are postural adjustments that can be done and relaxation techniques that could improve Lhermitte’s sign too.
  • Burning, aching, girdling pain. I discussed these feeling last week when I was talking about sensory symptoms, but there is a large overlap between these feelings on a sensory level then pain level. Burning can quickly become painful, and usually starts out that way. Burning usually affect the legs but can affect the arms as well. Most of these feelings are often worse at night. Sometimes The affected limb is sensitive to touch and can often feel cold. The “MS Hug” is a feeling of constriction felt around the abdomen or chest, and can become quite painful as well. These types of feelings are caused by demyelination and there are medications available to treat them.

Chronic pain:

  • Burning, aching, pins and needles. This type of pain can be both acute and chronic, unfortunately. The treatment for this type of pain when it’s chronic is the same as acute pain.
  • Pain from spasticity. Spasticity can cause many types of issues and pain. Muscle spasms, cramps, tightness in joints are all manifestations of spasticity and can create significant musculoskeletal pain. Medications are available to treat this type of pain and the cause, often anti-inflammatory in nature. Regular stretching and exercise can also be very helpful with managing musculoskeletal pain.
  • Other muscle pain. General muscle pain can occur for various reasons. Whether it is altered gate, compensation for lack of mobility/weakness/pain or any other reason, pain can present itself at any time. Common treatments are medications, massage, acupuncture, ultrasound, physical therapy or heat.

Emotional stress

One of the most under appreciated aspects of pain in MS is the emotional toll it takes. Being in constant pain can hurt physically, but it can also hurt emotionally. Individuals who are in pain are at risk of depression, are more likely to isolate and have difficulty coping.

 

I’ve been in pain in numerous ways with MS. I’ve had Lhermitte’s sign (technically my first symptom), burning pain in my legs, severe pain in my arms and I believe I have had Trigeminal Neuralgia several times recently. I think pain has been one of my most prominent symptoms, unfortunately. I have been on Neurontin and am currently on Cymbalta to manage my pain. AIP has also helped my pain levels immensely as well.

Getting creative with treatments can be helpful when managing pain. Regular exercise and stretching can be helpful when managing musculoskeletal pain, also making sure to maintain a balance of sodium and potassium to deter cramps. Alternative therapies can be helpful as well, acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback, relaxation training and hypnosis can be useful.

 

I found myself in the conference room, staring out the window when my best friend noticed I was there as she walked by. I didn’t realize at first I had been silently crying, but once she inquired about what was wrong, the flood gates opened.

I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

follow along on Instagram:

This is what came through during my meditation this morning.

I’ve been feeling so BEHIND lately..
That I’m not doing enough..
That progress isn’t happening fast enough..

But that’s a lie.
I’m right where I should be.

I needed this message today… maybe you do too?

This is what came through during my meditation this morning.

I’ve been feeling so BEHIND lately..
That I’m not doing enough..
That progress isn’t happening fast enough..

But that’s a lie.
I’m right where I should be.

I needed this message today… maybe you do too?
...

14 4
This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself 
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are. 

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!

This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!
...

21 5
You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.

You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.
...

27 4
“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year. 
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: 

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here:

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!
...

14 0
Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!

Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!
...

31 3
It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/ 

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!

It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!
...

33 15
If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!

If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!
...

32 2
This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!

This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!
...

22 0
This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!

This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!
...

38 2
We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!

We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!
...

16 1
There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️

There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️
...

32 9

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