The Trials And Tribulations of Pain

15 Mar

However you cut it, living with pain is not fun. For those of you who have been dealing with chronic pain for years or even a lifetime, my apologies. If you have never experienced chronic pain, read on, life turns on a dime at any age. At seventy-four I am new to the game and surprised by it.

Life drawing class provides a lovely distraction.

I’ve learned that pain medication is a god-sent but a double edged sword. Even thinking about it makes me want to sleep (or cry.)

Medication handles the pain so I can exercise, walk or be halfway human. I have to be careful however because it can also eats holes in my stomach.

Models choose some interesting props.

So if you are waiting patiently for the doctor’s pronouncement, drum roll please…HIP REPLACEMENT. Yes the old hip is in pieces and barely able to keep me upright. An appointment has been made for yet another opinion and hopefully to schedule surgery, April 23 in Austin. Finally time to take advantage of all that health insurance I worked so hard for.

I added color later.

Until then, the meds keep it tolerable, as does my artwork. Carry on.

DOS TORTAS

My gastroenterologist has declared that my stomach pain is due to anxiety. And now I understand.

5 Responses to “The Trials And Tribulations of Pain”

  1. EmilySmith's avatar
    EmilySmith March 15, 2026 at 9:25 am #

    You are doing the right thing in getting the surgery. My stepmom had both hips replaced when she was 65ish. Now, at 85, she moves like she did in her 50s. It’s truly amazing, really. I hope you have the same outcome. Living with that much pain is not really living.

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25's avatar
      afish25 March 15, 2026 at 9:29 am #

      I pray for that outcome. Since my hip is in pieces it’s a bit more complicated. Fingers crossed

      Like

  2. Karen Hodgens's avatar
    Karen Hodgens March 15, 2026 at 10:54 am #

    Anxiety causing stomach pain . . . well, that explains a lot.

    Wishing you a good surgeon. My surgery was “robot assisted” which worked well for me.

    Hang in there–you got this!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25's avatar
      afish25 March 15, 2026 at 11:55 am #

      Thanks Karen. All that youthful posturing of having it together has flown the coop. The surgeon is a recommendation from my wife-in-law who was very pleased w her outcome.

      Like

  3. LJones's avatar
    LJones March 15, 2026 at 12:07 pm #

    Goodness Alex – now a new hip! I am hoping for the best for you…and am sending caring love ..

    Are these your own drawings ? I LOVE them – they are strong and beautiful – would ever consider selling one…or one in the future?

    I am sending warm greetings to Lisa and Alice as well – and hopes that you are as comfortable as possible…what a year you have had!

    Blessings – Lorrie

    Lorrie Jones
    Simple Serenity
    simpleserenity.comhttp://simpleserenity.com/
    253.312.3117

    Like

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