For most of my 21 years with chronic pain and other symptoms from dystonia, a neurological movement disorder, I viewed it as a curse; an evil intruder that ruined my life. This perspective has changed over the years and it has made a big difference. Please read on and let me explain, in the hopes that it might ease some of your suffering.

For those who don’t know my story, in short, I went from a business owner, graduate school student, athlete, traveler, go getter, fully functioning outgoing person, to a lump of meat on the floor rolling around in pain unlike anything I knew existed. I could barely sit or stand for more than 10-15 minutes. It felt like there was a drill constantly penetrating the base of my skull, neck, and shoulders, while simultaneously being hit with a hammer. Devastating to say the least. Performing everyday activities such as walking, driving, shaving, brushing my teeth, combing my hair, eating, talking on the phone, sleeping, etc., became almost impossible. I lost all of my money, friends, businesses, all independence, and most of my physical abilities. I know many of you can relate.

I was disabled to the point that I had to drop out of graduate school, give up work and social activities, and move in with my parents because I could not function without help. I felt like a total waste of space and lived with great anger, embarrassment, and shame. Going from an active, independent person to a disabled person dependent on others was life changing. It took me years to wrap my head around it. I lost my will to live.

After many treatments that had little benefit, I fell into a pit of depression, became isolated, morbidly obese, suffered from severe medication withdrawal caused by irresponsible doctors, and had constant anxiety and powerful panic attacks. I medicated with alcohol to numb the intense physical and mental pain, and had an awful diet. Within 5 years, I weighed around 340 pounds (all of which I have lost). I didn’t recognize myself. I was a stark contrast to the happy go lucky, 190-pound former athlete. Life was so brutal I almost ended it.

After years living in what seemed like hell, I knew I had to make a change, or I would be sure to die. When I faced my self-destructive lifestyle (which I erroneously thought were good coping mechanisms… my denial was strong!!), as well as my life before and after it got flipped on its axis from dystonia, I realized that I was my worst enemy. I despised every aspect of my life. All I wanted was the life I once had. I was lost in grief for years and it kept making me more and more angry… and more and more sick. I finally realized that I had to stop grieving and change how I viewed my life before and after dystonia. I took some major, painful inventory and realized that I took everything prior to dystonia for granted. I never fully appreciated just how lucky I was to have so much and be able to do so much. This is where the blessing came in and my life began to shift.

With my change in attitude, I realized that life was worth living. Or at least giving it a shot. I decided to fully dedicate myself to losing all the weight I gained and begin seeking anything and everything that provided me with symptom relief from chronic pain and dystonia. I clung to whatever gave me even an ounce of help. After amassing a pretty heavy toolbox full of symptom management protocols, I am doing better on a regular basis, but it is still a struggle. Symptoms of dystonia still plague me, but in different ways and not as severely thanks to my steadfast dedication to the many things I find helpful (please see my books, Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey and Beyond Pain and Suffering: Adapting to Adversity and Life Challenges.

While my life has changed because of dystonia, it wasn’t until I began to appreciate what I still had and could still do (as limited as it was and is) that I could begin to emotionally heal from many wounds I let dystonia and chronic pain inflict upon me and have a life again. It took me a long time, but I have begun to rebuild many aspects of my life, replacing old things I used to do with new things that I enjoy just as much, if not more. The biggest difference is that I now have much greater appreciation for all I can do and all I have, even though in comparison it is far less in many ways than what I once had and could do prior to dystonia. Please don’t take anything I am saying as, “I changed my attitude and things got better.” That is and was only a small piece of the puzzle. I had to put in the work every single day, and still have to.

You make a life out of what you have, not what you’re missing.
~ Kate Morton ~

I have learned so much about so many things while living with chronic pain and dystonia: perseverance, patience, compassion, courage, strength, humility, and a never give up attitude. I have greater acceptance of my vulnerabilities and limitations, my relationships have been enhanced, I value everything and everyone more, I have more compassion for others, increased connection to others who suffer, a greater appreciation for life in general, not at all materialistic, better able to live in the present, and a deepening in spiritual beliefs. I always had these qualities, but now they are more prominent in my life. I hate dystonia and chronic pain, but I try to live in gratitude for what I currently have, no matter how little or how much. This was the missing link for me that makes coping so much easier.

I no longer compare my life before dystonia to my life now. I compare me at my very worst and how far I dug myself from that miserable hole. That is the only realistic focus I can and should have, and the perspective I think would be helpful for all of us to adopt. Otherwise, it remains constant torture. Life before dystonia and chronic pain was easy and I took it for granted. My body worked just fine. Now it is a challenge, so to be able to get up and make the best life I can for myself is something I honor.

Even if I am in pain and something is difficult to do, I take pride in my efforts, knowing I did my best. This is something we all need to honor in ourselves, rather than beating ourselves up for what we can no longer do or how life used to be. That part of our lives is in the past. We have to let it go and take ownership of who we are now and pride in the things we push ourselves to do every day. If we can live every moment to the fullest and value all the people and things in our lives, right now, in this very moment, suffering can be greatly minimized.