Who else lives with chronic pain? Tell me about it please. And how do you handle it?

Hope you don't mind long answers...

Mine probably isn't as bad as yours, but I usually have some pain, and it ranges in intensity. I have multiple sclerosis, and I usually have a headache, and body aches too. The headaches are not always terrible, but sometimes they are really awful.

I try to strike a balance between resting a lot to keep it in check, and living/experiencing life as much as I'm able, in order to keep me from noticing the discomfort. I drown the pain out in hobbies and interests.

When the pain is extra bad, I've learned that I'm the only one who knows what helps me personally, no one else gets it. In my experience, relaxing and stretching my tense muscles helps ease it. Meanwhile I try to do something soothing and I try to nurture myself. I've learned to care for myself well. I've found things that help, and for everyone those are going to be different. I like binge-watching my favorite shows on netflix, drinking a big mug of hot herbal tea (it feels like love in a cup), and maybe even watching asmr videos on you-tube (extra soothing!). This is my BAD pain go-to routine.

But, when the pain is still manageable, when it's not horrible, I drown it in a flurry of creative activity. I'm a creative type, so that's my thing. But each person has to do what they're good at, or simply what brings them fulfillment.

I only do advil & tylenol for medication, because I'm afraid of addiction to prescription pain pills. But my pain isn't unbearable, it's slightly manageable. I'm able to do that, and I don't judge others who need the real pills.

I also think pot is a great way to go for those who do well with it, but it makes me paranoid, so it's not ideal for me, personally.

We all learn what works on an individual level.

not sure sorry:(