I'm Fine. -- A Practical Guide to Life with Chronic Pain

Chronic pain sucks. It can hijack your life and leave you feeling scared, depressed, and lonely. Pain that rarely goes away impacts your relationships, your work, and your mental health. Yet doctors frequently neglect to mention these critical aspects of pain, leaving you to navigate them alone. But you don't have to. I'm FINE. is a practical guide for living a rewarding life in the midst of chronic pain. With unsuccessful spinal fusion surgeries in her early thirties bringing years of emotional and physical pain, author Toni Woodard shares her invaluable, hard-learned lessons and insights including: Frank talk about depression, denial, fear, and the wisdom of grieving what you've lost The fallout from hiding your pain from the people around you What to expect when going in for surgery What it means – including emotionally – to be on disability How counting silverware is vital to your well-being Practical ways to manage your pain including simply going outside Why pain scales lie How other people can help ease your pain without even knowing it Why embracing the cycle of pain is liberating Actually finding reasons to be grateful for a life with pain Commiseration with someone who has been there is powerful and healing. If you live with chronic pain, I'm FINE. will help you truly know you are not alone.