Information and opinions on Chronic Pain from Denise Coleman 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/21749 http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/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/21749 http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/89365/individuals Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:40:39 -0400 Denise Coleman The National Center for Health Statistics reports that over 76 million people live with pain.  I was reminded recently that we must not just think of this huge number but of the individuals that comprise it. I met a woman who is living with disabling pain, trying to cope and support herself, even though the Social Security Administration has informed her that she does not qualify for disability insurance; she isn’t in enough... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/89365/individuals http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/87294/pain-impacted Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:45:13 -0400 Denise Coleman September has been designated Pain Awareness Month as part of the Decade of Pain Research and Treatment, established by Congress and effective as of January 2001.  According to the National Center for Medical Statistics over 70 million Americans report that they experience pain, many living with severe chronic pain, for which effective treatment is limited.  I believe that unless we have lived with chronic pain we cannot understand... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/87294/pain-impacted http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/85963/peeve-part-2 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:08:27 -0400 Denise Coleman My last Post was about the lack of curb cuts in Manhattan and the inconvenience that can cause a person who relies on a motorized scooter or wheelchair to get around the city.  I hope you found it interesting, and perhaps even a little enjoyable.  Today I want to pick up where I left off and tell you what happened when I got to my destination, the brand new New York Times building.  I was meeting a friend for lunch in a lovely... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/85963/peeve-part-2 http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/85814/pet-peeve Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:02:57 -0400 Denise Coleman I have a new pet peeve!  Don’t go running, I think you may find this interesting. Those of you who have read my previous emails know that I travel around Manhattan using a motorized scooter and am thrilled that I can maintain a good deal of my independence by doing this.  I moved to Manhattan 11 years ago when I could no longer drive because of my deteriorating eyesight and seizure activity; I couldn’t picture living in... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/85814/pet-peeve http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/84114/changing-life Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:24:22 -0400 Denise Coleman Imagine overcoming many challenges in life to obtain your college degree and begin and build your career to a level of success, only to have to give it all up at an early age because your body won’t work.  Many of you reading this have done just this, as have I.  And the changes in my life that followed have been difficult and at times depressing, but as with everything, we find a way to keep on going and when possible continue... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/84114/changing-life http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/82953/strike Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:12:22 -0400 Denise Coleman I’ve decided I need a break. I’m going on strike.  I can only take so much and then I need to have some space and time of my own. I am tired of going from one appointment to another, draining the last bit of energy I have left in me.  I used to love having busy days at work and dashing from one interesting meeting to another, and I probably would still love that.  What I am talking about, however, is something very... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/82953/strike http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/81441/conditions Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:39:06 -0400 Denise Coleman     I have lived with chronic pain for over 40 years with varying levels of disability.  I had no choice but to accept it, adapt to it as best as possible, and between 5 spine surgeries and pain medication, among other treatments, I managed to live a full life with a career in higher education until 1998.  Too bad that wasn't the only condition I had to deal with,  I think I would still be working if it was.... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/81441/conditions http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/80341/forward-steps Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:57:00 -0400 Denise Coleman One step forward and two steps back. That’s how I feel every time I go to a doctor lately.  And I see a lot of doctors; primary care doctor, neurologist, pain specialist, urologist, pulmonologist, neuro-opthamologist, cardiologist, and every few months a podiatrist.  All of these specialists are necessary because of the multiple chronic conditions I live with.  Some, like Multiple Sclerosis, include a variety of symptoms... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/80341/forward-steps http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/76969/annual-summit Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:38:46 -0400 Denise Coleman NOTE: I am attempting to link websites to my Post. Please bear with me if this doesn't work, I will keep trying until I get it right. Thanks for your patience.   I haven’t been doing much writing lately as I haven’t been feeling too well. I have, however, read and enjoyed many of the other interesting Share Posts during this time. Thank to all of you who continue to write such stimulating and in formative... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/76969/annual-summit http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/73717/health-reform Sat, 06 Jun 2009 12:02:02 -0400 Denise Coleman Much is being said about the current move toward “Health Care Reform,” although I question how much relating to actual health care is being reviewed for possible reform.  Everything I hear or read about has to do with how to pay for the high costs of health care.  The goal of such reform is to have an insurance program, private and/or public, available to everyone so that the high costs are not prohibiting anyone from... http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/21749/73717/health-reform