My Chronic Pain Story

My name is Dr. Renée LLewellyn. This is my chronic pain story. I want to start by saying that although I live with chronic pain I try not to let it define me. My pain story starts before I have any real memories, as I was only three. I had a large benign tumor removed from the base of my skull. It was so large, in fact, that doctors said I might only have days to live. I don’t remember the surgery, but I cannot remember a day of my life without a nagging headache at the back of my skull.  Migraines are a way of life too.  I was about thirteen when my knees went bad.

What’s my Pain

I have been disabled since 2016. I hated giving up my position as a chair in the business department of a university. Now, my diagnosis include migraines, Fibromyalgia, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, neuropathy (most of my body), osteoarthritis, TMJ, cervical and lumbar radiculopathy and stenosis. I have had a ridiculous number of surgeries, numbering somewhere in the upper thirties. 

About this Chronic Pain Blog

As I said, I try not to let the pain define me, but having to give up working in a career I loved was rough. These days between COVID-19 and my physical issues, most my social life is doctor appointments, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. I decided to start this blog not only to share my story but also to try to reach out to others who live with chronic pain.  I want this blog to let others know they are not alone and share helpful tips and education.  A great place to start looking for help is the U.S. Pain Foundation. They have great information.

https://uspainfoundation.org/

I look forward to sharing more with you. Please feel free to contact me.