I've been in Oakland for six years, the last five mark serious change. Year to year, my life was up, down and sideways during my attempts to build some form of stability that included persistent happiness.
It hasn't been easy — I could simply say, "I have a chronic pain problem and a disability," but that would be grossly inadequate. There are so many other facets and factors —from family and friends, to doctors and meds.
Side effects, withdrawal, depression, isolation, confusion, anger, denial... it's cyclic. I know through experience that I'm not the only one suffering — I know that I have it better than most. Though I have trouble doing a lot of simple things, I'm not confined to my bed or restricted by a wheelchair.
I want to be a voice for the unheard disabled, and add mine to the chorus of chronic pain sufferers whom are far too often misunderstood and treated as heroin junkies because they're currently dependent on narcotics (opioid analgesics; vicodin, percocet, oxycodone, OxyContin, methadone).
Often it is those closest to the one in pain with the misconceptions. They've heard about overdose deaths and by the hype, and mix in their loved ones with the drug users whom abuse the medical system to score a fix and get high.
I've kept quiet for long enough, sharing only the fluffed up positive junk. It's time to expose some grit; I think it'll do some good, maybe even open some eyes and ears. Further, I'm not going to hide behind anonymity — I don't need my voice altered or my face obscured. Why should I feel ashamed? Certainly not just because society willtry to look down upon me.
I want to share my struggles, my thoughts, encounters — things good and bad. I want to discuss pain killers — the pros and cons — and the side-effects. I want to enlighten others, deal in facts about health risks and alternative treatments.
I'm planning on getting a service animal. I have a disabled parking placard. I use the electric easy-cart at the supermarket. I overheat easily. I'm in pain, and sometimes, I'm miserable.
I feel especially bad for the elderly with disabilities; sometimes cars won't stop at a crosswalk, or the drivers get impatient with slower walkers. Average people might poke fun at anything abnormal — sometimes they'll make their disgust and ignorance overtly apparent, evident for all to see (and hear).
Life is hard enough without a disability. This is for the crippled and the broken still trying to make life better, improve themselves, and make our planet a nicer place for everyone.
This is for hope and catharsis, light and darkness.
This is for me, for them, and for you.
Change starts with a belief, followed by action.
[Posted from my iPad using BlogPress.]
Note: Please Americans, treat our veterans with dignity and respect. Give them your time and appreciation — care for them. They've fought for you in hellish conditions. Whether you support war or not doesn't matter; the simple fact is that they would've died to protect your freedoms, choices and way of life, and survived. If you know or meet a disabled veteran, help him or her... please.
It hasn't been easy — I could simply say, "I have a chronic pain problem and a disability," but that would be grossly inadequate. There are so many other facets and factors —from family and friends, to doctors and meds.
Side effects, withdrawal, depression, isolation, confusion, anger, denial... it's cyclic. I know through experience that I'm not the only one suffering — I know that I have it better than most. Though I have trouble doing a lot of simple things, I'm not confined to my bed or restricted by a wheelchair.
I want to be a voice for the unheard disabled, and add mine to the chorus of chronic pain sufferers whom are far too often misunderstood and treated as heroin junkies because they're currently dependent on narcotics (opioid analgesics; vicodin, percocet, oxycodone, OxyContin, methadone).
Often it is those closest to the one in pain with the misconceptions. They've heard about overdose deaths and by the hype, and mix in their loved ones with the drug users whom abuse the medical system to score a fix and get high.
I've dealt with all of it.
I've kept quiet for long enough, sharing only the fluffed up positive junk. It's time to expose some grit; I think it'll do some good, maybe even open some eyes and ears. Further, I'm not going to hide behind anonymity — I don't need my voice altered or my face obscured. Why should I feel ashamed? Certainly not just because society will
I want to share my struggles, my thoughts, encounters — things good and bad. I want to discuss pain killers — the pros and cons — and the side-effects. I want to enlighten others, deal in facts about health risks and alternative treatments.
I'm planning on getting a service animal. I have a disabled parking placard. I use the electric easy-cart at the supermarket. I overheat easily. I'm in pain, and sometimes, I'm miserable.
Unfortunately, I'm not the only one.
I feel especially bad for the elderly with disabilities; sometimes cars won't stop at a crosswalk, or the drivers get impatient with slower walkers. Average people might poke fun at anything abnormal — sometimes they'll make their disgust and ignorance overtly apparent, evident for all to see (and hear).
Life is hard enough without a disability. This is for the crippled and the broken still trying to make life better, improve themselves, and make our planet a nicer place for everyone.
This is for hope and catharsis, light and darkness.
This is for me, for them, and for you.
Change starts with a belief, followed by action.
[Posted from my iPad using BlogPress.]
Note: Please Americans, treat our veterans with dignity and respect. Give them your time and appreciation — care for them. They've fought for you in hellish conditions. Whether you support war or not doesn't matter; the simple fact is that they would've died to protect your freedoms, choices and way of life, and survived. If you know or meet a disabled veteran, help him or her... please.
Location:Oakland, CA
Um...like the style of your writing.
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I think everyone has his own way of relaxing. Perhaps the most popular way is to participate in sports!
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When life is overwhelming, And your spirit has grown tired, Know they'll be there for you, To uplift and to inspire.
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I plan to "donate" because I like the program very much for getting the down and dirty ideas going.
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