Pain and others

I spend nearly every day in pain due to chronic migraines. Sometimes the people around me have no clue that the simple things they do or don't do make the pain significantly worse. It can be the volume of the television, having a light on, using the flash on a camera, walking a distance, etc. You might be surprised at the reaction others have to needed accomodations.

If I don't want to walk somewhere or do something because I know it will make the pain worse I am being "lazy."

If I ask to turn down the volume or ask people to speak quietly I am ignored or called a "spoilsport."

If I try to block the light from my eyes people suggest I move away from the light, or they tell me why they must have it on.

If I suddenly have a severe migraine I must take medicine for it that also makes me sleepy. When I get sleepy I am called "rude" or "lazy" again for not doing whatever other people think I should be doing.

It can be exhausting, physically and emotionally, to deal with all the situations that occur when you are in pain. When people aggravate the situation it is like they are stomping on your foot after you have broken it. It hurts.

It is very hard to maintain calmness in these situations, especially when physical pain is being experienced. And it is almost impossible to pray while in pain too. So I rely on the kindness and prayers of others to keep me going.

If others would realize the enormous effect they can have on my pain would things change? I would like to think yes. That is one of the hopes I cling to right now.