Information and opinions on Chronic Pain from Stacy Stone at ChronicPainConnection.com. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109 http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109 http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/16087/guilt-pain Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:41:00 -0500 Stacy Stone One year at Christmas, I unwrapped two beautiful blouses from my Grandmother. I loved both of them, so I ran upstairs to try one of them on. As I excitedly ran down the stairs to show my Grandmother what the new shirt looked like on, she exclaimed "What, you don't like the other one?" Of course I couldn't wear two at a time... but, this is a perfect example of unintentional guilt and what we do to each other without even... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/16087/guilt-pain http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/17409/paws-thought Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:27:00 -0500 Stacy Stone In 1860, Florence Nightingale commented on the positive impact of small animals on those with chronic illness. Over 100 years later, the health benefits of interacting with animals have been well documented. Surprsingly, it does not matter what type of pet you get - it could be a dog, cat, parakeet, or fish. The only thing that matters is that the pet is of interest to you.Pets provide unconditional, non-judgemental love and affection. We... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/17409/paws-thought http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/16876/illness Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:02:00 -0500 Stacy Stone The holiday season can be difficult for everyone. It's no surprise that those of us with chronic illnesses may find the demands of shopping for gifts, spending large amounts of money, attending parties and family gatherings, and entertaining house guests stressful. There is good news, though. With a chronic illness, your holiday season can be great. Just take it easy on yourself, and follow these tips.Gift Giving & Money... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/16876/illness http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/16315/10-pain Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:26:00 -0500 Stacy Stone 1. Do what you love -- a lot.If you don't have something, get something. Try new things, you never know, you might find a hidden talent. Take a class, volunteer. Like children? Find a school and read to the kids. Like animals? Volunteer at the Humane Society. Find something that makes you happy and makes you feel useful and wanted. It helps to take the focus off of yourself.2. Make sure you keep those you love close.Relationships... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/16315/10-pain http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/16091/past-year Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:58:00 -0500 Stacy Stone About a year ago, I had TMJ total joint replacements. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this past year and what my life has been like since they were implanted, especially since one of the questions I get asked often is "Would you do it again?"When I first visited the surgeon to discuss having the implants, he suggested that I visit a psychologist. Not because he felt that this was "all in my head," but because he... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/16091/past-year http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/10895/room-guide Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:28:00 -0400 Stacy Stone I have lived and traveled all over the United States.  Being a chronic pain patient, this also means that I have needed to visit an emergency room in pretty much every city I've lived in, and many that I've traveled to.                                 ... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/10895/room-guide http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/10524/fda-device Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:34:01 -0400 Stacy Stone Today, Medtronic announced that it has received pre-market approval (PMA) for a new neurostimulation device called "Specify," which features 16 electrodes in 3 columns on a curved paddle.  The curved paddle is supposed to conform to the anatomy of the epidural space more effectively. This is the first tripolar stimulator that has received pre-market approval from the FDA.Spinal cord stimulators are often used for those who have chronic... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/10524/fda-device http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/10119/approval Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:52:01 -0400 Stacy Stone My father has always been a big figure in my life.  You could say that he is bigger than life.  He has been someone that I have needed acceptance from, but I've never gotten it. He has never validated or accepted what has happened to me, because he does not believe that my illness is "real." I've always been "Daddy's Little Girl" but for some reason, I've never felt good enough, smart enough, or successful enough to... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/10119/approval http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/10059/chronic Sat, 02 Jun 2007 21:43:01 -0400 Stacy Stone Chances are, if you have a chronic illness, you have dealt with its impact on your relationships.  Whether it be with your significant other, family, or colleagues, chronic illness has a profound impact on your life and those around you.  Relationships and sex are important parts of life, and having both of them can help someone with chronic pain feel more "normal," when many other things in their life have been stripped away.For the... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/10059/chronic http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/9391/Have-I-Bee Thu, 10 May 2007 17:07:01 -0400 Stacy Stone I'm sorry for my absence over the past couple weeks.  I have something really exciting to share, though!  I am now living in San Francisco, CA!  If you have read my "About Me" you would know that San Francisco is my favorite place in the U.S.. and I am absolutely thrilled to be back. As some of you probably know, moving with chronic pain is quite an adventure.  I finally made it out here, but not before missing my... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/109/9391/Have-I-Bee