Part 2: Meet the Pain Family (They Moved In and Never Left)

This touches on when yet another dignoses happens the other pain welcomes in the new.

6 PART BLOG SERIES

M. Pederson

1/5/20261 min read

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp

So you may wonder why I have pain.

Here’s the list. And yes, it’s as obnoxious as it sounds.

I have:

  • fibromyalgia

  • facet joint arthritis throughout my back

  • chronic pain (like… obviously)

  • peripheral neuropathy

  • trigeminal neuralgia (TN)

  • chronic migraines

  • cluster headaches

  • tension headaches

  • silent migraines

  • SI joint dysfunction

Talk about pain.

And most of my life I’ve lived with it.

But TN is the newest to the family of pain. I swear all my other pain welcomed it in like, “Omg hey bestie, come ruin her life with us.”

That’s what makes it different. It’s not just pain. It’s pain that feels personal. Pain that shows up like it knows your schedule.

And if you’re reading this thinking, “how are you even upright?” — trust me, I ask myself that too.

This series isn’t about being inspiring. It’s about telling the truth. Because if you live like this, you already know: some days your biggest accomplishment is getting out of bed and not losing your mind.

Next: Part 3 — Winter, Rain, Car Rides: My Body’s Favorite Enemies

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist, counselor, psychologist, or medical professional. Everything shared on this site is based on my personal lived experience and is for education, reflection, and inspiration only. It is not medical or mental health advice and is not a substitute for professional care.