In March of 2010, my daughter was involved in a serious car accident that left her battling the chronic neurological pain disorder Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS/RSD) and changed our lives forever. Follow us along on our journey. Our suitcases have no room for negativity.

20th May 2012

Photo reblogged from Project3x5 with 7 notes

project3x5: “Whatever Happens, Happens…” Lauren (you met her yesterday) and I just before entering the hospital yesterday to find out my not such great news. So close we almost look like the same person, huh? I was in an extreme amount of pain the moment that the above photo was taken, but you know what - here’s how I choose to look at it (Hint: it really helps!): My Complex Regional Pain Syndrome/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (CRPS/RSD) may be hurtful, but my friendships bring me joy, hope, love, faith, and strength. A wicked combination that nothing - no disease, chronic illness, sickness, pain, etc. - nothing, is stronger than.  Living in and out of hospitals, being cut into every other month (with no cure to be found) - there is at times so little that brings us laughter, so little that brings us hope, and, even in the best of us, there may be at times a fading or flickering faith that things might not get any better. Chronic illnesses, ugh. I had no idea before I got one, but boy do they take it out of you.  If there’s one thing I’ve learned though it would be this - chronic illnesses put stuff back in to you as well. And it’s damn good stuff too!  Living in and out of hospitals, being cut into every other month (with ‘seemingly’ no cure to be found) there’s so little time for drama that your friendships just become true. There’s so little extra strength for pettiness that your experiences just become pure. When dealing with hope, let’s hope it has nothing to do with worrying that some minor inconsequential action of yours has lead to the petty argument between your flatmates.  And as for love & joy… well I think there’s always enough of those to go around - chronically ill or not. :) Be well, Danielle. xx

project3x5:

“Whatever Happens, Happens…”

Lauren (you met her yesterday) and I just before entering the hospital yesterday to find out my not such great news. So close we almost look like the same person, huh?

I was in an extreme amount of pain the moment that the above photo was taken, but you know what - here’s how I choose to look at it (Hint: it really helps!): My Complex Regional Pain Syndrome/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (CRPS/RSD) may be hurtful, but my friendships bring me joy, hope, love, faith, and strength. A wicked combination that nothing - no disease, chronic illness, sickness, pain, etc. - nothing, is stronger than. 

Living in and out of hospitals, being cut into every other month (with no cure to be found) - there is at times so little that brings us laughter, so little that brings us hope, and, even in the best of us, there may be at times a fading or flickering faith that things might not get any better. Chronic illnesses, ugh. I had no idea before I got one, but boy do they take it out of you. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned though it would be this - chronic illnesses put stuff back in to you as well. And it’s damn good stuff too! 

Living in and out of hospitals, being cut into every other month (with ‘seemingly’ no cure to be found) there’s so little time for drama that your friendships just become true. There’s so little extra strength for pettiness that your experiences just become pure. When dealing with hope, let’s hope it has nothing to do with worrying that some minor inconsequential action of yours has lead to the petty argument between your flatmates. 

And as for love & joy… well I think there’s always enough of those to go around - chronically ill or not. :)

Be well,

Danielle. xx

Tagged: Complex Regional Pain SyndromeRSDCRPSReflex Sympathetic DystrophyPainIllnessStrengthFaithLoveInvisible Illness

  1. chronicure reblogged this from project3x5
  2. confessions-of-a-redhead said: Such a gorgeous picture and an inspiration piece! Thank you for sharing. Dealing with chronic migraines/illness, I know what you mean about time and friendships.
  3. project3x5 posted this