Month / December 2020

by Jana Rawling

A Death Sentence

Photo by Vincent Ledvina on Unsplash

Feeling Desperate & Alone

When I was first diagnosed with CRPS in 2013, after 12-years of pain without answers, I wished it was a death sentence. Why? Because it was more horrific knowing that I would live. I was told by my doctor that CRPS is an incurable, degenerative and rare chronic pain disease, and he was not wrong. The pain I was experiencing would never go away. It was unbearable to know that I would never again be pain free.

I became suicidal. I didn’t think I had the strength to live in that much pain the rest of my life.

But I was wrong.

I am strong enough. I’ve walked out this pain one day at a time. Through bad days and really bad days. Through okay days and wonderful days.

I keep pushing forward as medicine and technology gets better and better. More and more help is available and I’m grateful. Today I can manage this pain, this exhaustion, and this complex condition fairly well. I have to rest every day. I can’t stress. And I have to find joy and peace wherever they hide.

The thing is, I’ve found hope and I believe you can too.

With Deep Sincerity,

Jana

P.S.: Cherish your smiles.

“With my whole heart, with my whole life, and with my innermost being, I bow in wonder and love before you, the holy God! Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me?“

Psalm 103:1-2 (The Passion Translation)

by Jana Rawling

CRPS & Shopping Don’t Mix

Making 2020 Ornaments

Shopping Can Suck

I shopped for a couple of hours with some friends yesterday and the pain afterward was nuts. I was quickly reminded that walking around a couple of large stores is not a good idea.

We took the normal Covid-19 precautions and started off looking for some clothes for a friend. About five-minutes in I was regretting my decision to go. But I did find a few last-minute gifts for my family.

CRPS makes shopping more of an online experience. I shopped online and actually handmade most of my gifts. I customized some books and journals for family and friends and made some Christmas tree ornaments. The ornaments are not only reflective of 2020, but are also shouting about CRaPS (Remember, the “a” stands for angry.).

Humor is a must for we CRPSers. We have to laugh everyday to keep our spirits high — laughter is the best medicine, after all. So, laugh at shopping, I will, because CRPS isn’t going to stop me. The breakthrough pain is always temporary, and I can handle that to bless my family with a few gifts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Still recovering,

Jana

P.S.: Stay safe out there and find something to laugh about today.