College is tough. Chronic pain and illness are overwhelming. Combine the two and you are faced with a seemingly insurmountable cliff.
Even though life as a young adult with chronic pain and illness is heavy, you can still thrive.
I’m Elyse, a college student who was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after slipping on the ice during my freshman year.
In the months following my injury and diagnosis, I struggled to show my friends and family what chronic pain did to me under the surface. I didn’t know anyone my age with chronic pain. I exhausted myself trying to live my old normal while putting together a new normal.
You don’t need to try to live your old life to live a fulfilling life. Your new normal may look different but you can still thrive.
Note: After 22 months of doctor visits, medicine, physical therapy, nerve blocks, EMDR therapy, and a miracle (story coming soon), my CRPS has gone into remission. While I no longer experience unbearable pain around the clock, I still have a heart to encourage teens and young adults with chronic illness. These blog posts are about my experience with chronic illnesses. I hope you are encouraged!
