Welcome! My name is Michele Burns.
I am on a quest to heal chronic pain.
I believe that Conventional Medicine exceedingly fails to help patients manage and cure their pain, as it usually consists of pills, therapies, and surgeries that do not always address underlying causes nor eliminate pain. Complimentary and Alternative medicine (my preferences) are often immensely beneficial, gaining traction in recent years. However, some treatments and therapies are dismissed as pseudoscience, not suggested by traditional providers as options, nor covered by health insurance plans.
Thus creating a “healing paradox” for patients.
Chronic pain is generally worsened with obesity, but it’s nearly impossible to lose weight taking multiple prescription medications nor without healing root causes of weight gain. Pain interferes with daily living, frequently increasing both anxiety and depression, leading to social isolation with feelings of despair. Obesity gets in the way of managing pain and anxiety, and then pain and anxiety make it difficult to lose weight. You become the hamster in the wheel!
Thus creating a “healing paradox” for patients.
My chronic pain began in 2009 with unexplained neck pain, but significantly worsened in 2011 when I received a MRI and official diagnosis.
Overall picture prior to 2011:
- A healthy weight (BMI 21.9)
- A full time job
- Mostly controlled stress/anxiety
- Several friends and social events
- Completed household chores with ease
- Enjoyed being physically active
- No daily prescription medication
My life since has been a rollercoaster, but at my worst mid 2017- mid 2018:
- Obese (BMI 35 )
- Unemployed (then started a full time position)
- Uncontrolled stress/anxiety
- Few friends or social events
- Struggled to manage household chores
- Sedentary lifestyle, my main goal was to survive the workday
- 3 (eventually 4) daily prescription medications
Are YOU struggling with pain?
While I have improved since mid 2018, I am still on this rocky path. My health is not yet restored nor am I fully pain free. I created this space to share my experience in hopes to support others. I have felt utterly alone and wish that on no one. As much as I hate to think of others struggling with pain, I know there are others out there.
Is that YOU?
I will share what I am trying in hopes that
I can help YOU on your healing journey.
I am not a healthcare practitioner or clinician, I share what I try as a conversation starter for you and your healthcare provider. It is my goal that you can learn from my experimenting. I do have a Masters degree in Health Care Informatics and Information Management (MSHIIM), and have managed and analyzed health data. I have strong research skills and am adamant about
“Do your own research.”
I will share my experiences and experiments through my weekly blog, and give you a safe space to find others who are on a similar path. I plan on creating a monthly newsletter to provide tips and resources.
Thanks for stopping by,
let’s connect!
