Today I realized that I live in two worlds. Sometimes I live in a world where I dismiss and ignore my symptoms and pain. In another I accept my diagnosis and myself. 
 
Here are things that have helped me stay in the second world:

-being honest with others about my pain (to the extent that I can)
-meditation
-medication
-self-care
- this forum (many thanks to you all!)
- therapy

Family is the main barrier I face. My family doesn’t accept my diagnosis ( at least fully) and prefers the “bootstrap method” of dealing with pain. It makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong because their method obviously doesn’t work for me (or anyone in reality). 

Just wanted to chat. Take care 🙂