Faith During Chronic Pain is not always easy. Healing is not always a straight path. Some days brought small victories, while others were filled with pain, exhaustion, sleepless nights, and more questions than answers.
As I look back on these journal entries from January 9 and 10, I am reminded that even in the hardest moments, God was still present—providing encouragement through family and friends, meeting needs in unexpected ways, and giving me small glimpses of His grace in the middle of the struggle.
January 9
2:00 woken by burning itching pain in both arms. After of half hour of torture, I got up, went to kitchen, and applied double layer of aloe vera. Deep breathing exercises. Fell back asleep sometime after 3am while I was praying for whomever came to mind.
Song: …peace of mind..thought possible… can’t remember anymore words
5:30 when I did get to sleep had strange dream (accidentally met a strange character team that taught Christian character traits in their story lines. They we’re supposedly famous by the crowds cheering, but I had never met them before. They found it strange that I didn’t know who they were. Had good discussion.)
Alarm went off. Feels like I just fell asleep. My arms are itching fiercely again. Heart feels like it’s racing. I’m so tired. Something’s gotta give. I need good night sleep and not wake Joe.
Scripture: Isaiah 51:10; Matthew 6:19-21; Genesis 27-29; Proverbs 8-9
Have a headache prominent on left side. Sniffles. Exhausted. I hurt all over.
Need to take van to shop this morning.
Tips for managing insomnia
Jordon helped me drop car off at mechanics. I’m praying it will be an easy fix for the a/c and that it won’t cost too much. I’m not sure how much LBC will be willing to help. God knows the need. Lord, please continue to provide.
Jordon treated me to breakfast at McDonald’s on way home.
9:00 Joe texted and suggested I try to get some sleep. Told him it won’t happen right now because my arms are itching fiercely!!!! He suggested trying cornstarch paste. I did. I’m about willing to try anything at this point to get relief. I’m so tired. It’s messy. Relieved itch for about 10 minutes. Now trying stress relief tea. Feel a crash oncoming soon.
Crashed for half hour.
Wash load of clothes. Pay bills. Mom had plumber come by. Faucet froze up. Need a new one.
Dinner is Egg Roll in a Bowl. Tasted pretty good.
Guys take Dezirae to piano lesson.
I crash a second time for half hour except I’m woken by severe pain. Tears leaking from eyes. I’ve done too much. Arms are starting to itch again. Tummy feels bloated and hurts. Bad headache. Need to check BP.
BP 128/90 hr 89. Took 1/2 tab Edarbyclor.
Not sure how I’m to prepare for the appointment on Wednesday.
Sebaceous Cysts
https://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/sebaceous-cyst-removal-what-to-expect-from-the-excision-of-sebaceous-epidermal-and-pilar-cysts
Took 4 ibuprofen for headache and pain. Drinking chamomile tea to help me sleep. I don’t feel well. I need to get better soon.
Van still in shop. Mechanic said he had to buy some parts. I hope it doesn’t take too long because I have three appointments later this week.
Symptoms:
Headache, whole body stiff and throbbing, arms ache, hands throb to the bones, fingers throbbing, neck and shoulders hurt, back hurts, muscles spasming randomly in legs and lower torso, feet throbbing and periodically cold throughout day, stomach hurts and feels bloated, gassy, couple bms today, itchy skin, suture sites tender and hurt especially if applying pressure, left arm aches, but feels numb on backside, sometimes my left arm feels like a knife is stabbing it, feel yucky all over, cyst area on top of head hurts. Applied frankincense oil to head. I smell funky body odor still, but family doesn’t smell it. Intense hot flashes to where head feels like it’s sweating, but it’s not. Shoulders keep popping and causing sharp stabbing pain.
Praise:
Received hugs from heaven today.
*PJ sent me essiac tea. I’ll get to start drinking the tea after surgery on Wednesday.
*Another friend (preacher wife friend, NC) sent me a Firestone gift card.
*Thankful that Egg Roll in a Bowl tasted good tonight
*Able to take van to mechanics
*Jordon treated me to McDonald’s for breakfast
January 10
6:30 finally slept five hours straight. I’m having trouble waking. I’m so sleepy.
Still have headache. Body doesn’t hurt as bad.
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Proverbs 11:26-27
Liver detox
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/cleanse-your-liver-naturally
Initially had a rough time falling asleep last night due to pain in my left arm. I don’t usually pay attention to it during the day, but when I lay down the pressure causes intense pain. Last night I decided to use arnica gel on my left arm then on itchy spots. The arnica gel along with wholetones music helped ease the pain enough for me to get a decent amount of sleep finally. Thank you, Lord!
Scripture: Genesis 30-31; Proverbs 10
Drowsy this morning. Having difficulty waking. Studied with Dezirae in bed. Shared Scripture and prayed before she left for school. Dozed off a little longer.
A friend messaged me to finish conversation we started y’day and checked on how I was doing.
10:00 went over to parents house to sit with Dad for a while to make sure he was okay. Walked their dog. Dad was excited I came for visit and practically talked my ear off. I brought uno cards with me just in case but I had a headache and wasn’t up to trying to remember how the game went. Maybe next time. Played with the dog a bit until my left shoulder popped causing sever pain in shoulder. Ugh. Mom brought home subs for lunch per Dad’s request.
Rec’d several phone calls or texts today from people checking on me. Sent encouraging texts to a few people earlier. I actually had a few respond. Made my day.
You know if someone texts you to encourage you you might just want to take a moment to respond because they might need the encouragement too. I know I did.
Able to come home and do a few chores. A friend called to let me know she sent a box of clothes for me.
Laid on couch to rest and conked out for a couple hours. Up to make dinner – Shepherd’s pie. Made a small container to send dinner to our neighbor as we told her we would.
Arms beginning to itch fiercely again. Taking Epsom salt bath.
Exhausted. Hurting. Left shoulder has sharp stabbing pain. Under the arm is sore. Wound drainage site closed and no seepage so I no longer need band-aid. Has slight reaction to adhesive from bandage. It itches. Neck and face itches.
Drinking chamomile tea before bed. Hoping to sleep well again tonight.
Thankful for
1. Good visit with Dad and lunch provided
2. Rec’d phone calls or texts of encouragement
3. Slept good last night
4. Pain in left side is easing.
New Here?
If you’re just joining my journey, you can read how it all began — from the lightning strike to breast cancer and the faith lessons God carried me through along the way.
👉 Start at the beginning here:
Hello world! – Charitymaeprosper