Tag: positivity

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Adventures Pain Stories

Experience camping despite chronic low back pain

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It is possible to camp, hike, and observe a serene scene with chronic low back pain.

There’s often a deep void in those left with chronic low back pain after an accident, injury, or illness—a long-term struggle with your identity once beloved hobbies and interests appear to be out of reach.

Through the years of heartwarming progress and disappointing mistakes during my own chronic pain journey, I’ve discovered successful ways to continue camping despite the pain. Motivated by our stunning local landscape, I’m constantly seeking out modifications and adaptations so that I, too, can experience the brilliance of nature—in my own way.

My story

The onset of my chronic low back pain was 2010. Prior to the diagnosis, I was a healthy woman in her early 20s with a passion for the outdoors. I studied at Montana State University in Bozeman, and spent more time exploring, hiking, snowboarding and camping than I did in class. I moved back to my home state of North Dakota one year before my diagnosis, and lived a busy, active life.

My chronic low back pain began with a lifting injury, and at first, my doctors and I didn’t expect a long-term problem. I pursued physical therapy and other treatments vigorously, and continued to live my life with minor adjustments as I waited for the pain to vanish.

That time never came.

For years, I struggled with that loss of identity. The activities I enjoyed, the energy I once had, the positivity I was known for—I thought all was gone.

When my husband George and I moved to the North Shore of Lake Superior from Fargo about four years ago, we sought peace and fulfillment from a life lived in the northwoods. We moved here to be close to the lake and become part of a more active, outdoor community. Since my pain was limiting, George often explored our region solo.

A mindset shift

Shortly after we moved here, my doctors and I switched my pain management to focus on chronic care rather than acute pain relief.

Our campsite in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay, Ontario.

I learned techniques and tricks to help me become stronger, more positive, and happier. I picked up new hobbies. I became an avid birdwatcher, and began to practice origami and calligraphy from my recliner. As my positivity increased, the desire to test my limits surfaced.

Today, I’m still not able to walk far, sit for extended periods, carry much weight, bend and flex unnaturally, and lay on uncomfortable surfaces. That doesn’t mean I can’t go camping.

Over the years, I’ve carefully and thoroughly developed a comfortable system for enjoying my favorite activities—in small doses. George and I recently went to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, just east of Thunder Bay, for a long weekend together. I may not be able to experience a camping trip like he can, but I can certainly participate, and I absolutely love that.

Learning to camp with chronic low back pain

Whether you suffer personally from chronic pain, or you have a family member who has limitations, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the overwhelming beauty of nature. I can attest to that. It may not be to the same degree as others, but it can be perfect in its own right.

My husband and I manage to make camping with chronic pain work, and here’s how:

Thoroughly Prepare 

We have a detailed spreadsheet to help us prepare for a weekend of camping, which includes all of my go-to tools for pain management. I always assume the worst-case scenario.

To prepare, I gather my medication, including my occasionally-used prescriptions that can help manage pain. I pack a heating pad, TENS unit and an extra pillow to prop underneath my legs as I lie down. At times, I bring Icy Hot or a Theracane for a simple distraction from pain. Thorough preparation helps ease my anxiety heading into the trip.

Get Comfortable
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Thoroughly prepare before camping to ensure you are stocked up on low impact, relaxing activities.

Tent camping is within reach for those with chronic low back pain, if you modify the experience to your comfort. Over the years, George and I have picked up a three-inch-thick sleeping pad, a reclining cot for resting by the campfire, a cheap folding chair to keep my back at a 90-degree angle, and we have a pop-up tent to keep the bugs out. Any tools or relaxing activities you own that increase your comfort, bring them along. It’s worth it.

Take Breaks Often 

Any time we travel or pursue activities, we go slow and take breaks often. If we’re driving, we schedule time to stop and stretch. If we’re on a hike, my husband carries a hammock to serve as my emergency nap spot for when the exhaustion from chronic pain kicks in. We plan our day to include a mixture of standing, sitting and walking to ensure I don’t overdo it.

I sit out when needed and encourage George to continue his more vigorous pursuits. Know your limits and don’t overdo it. It’s easy for that to happen (this is a daily struggle for me), but keep trying. If we’re doing something that may overdo it, I plan for a half-day of rest following. It’s actually become one of my favorite parts of camping—solo napping in the woods while listening to the birds.

Appreciate the Small Things 
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We practice nature photography often as a respite from other, more physically challenging activities

Over the years, I’ve identified low-impact activities that I can enjoy. I’ve become an obsessive birdwatcher and a sucker for slow interpretive hikes, taking time to appreciate the history of the area we’re camping in. George appeases me as I tour cemeteries and other historical sites to study the area’s past. We enjoy walking slow and capturing beautiful photographs, and teach each other how to further develop our artistic eye.

Do I miss intense activity in the woods? Absolutely. But I’ve accepted my limits and find extreme joy in what I can do, not what I can’t.

Celebrate Victory 

It’s most important that for us, those with chronic low back pain, go easy on ourselves. I celebrate my small victories as much as I can. I’m pleased when I can participate at camp and wash dishes or help start a fire. I take time post-trip to journal, reflect and share the news with my family when I’ve reached a milestone. I celebrate when I take a short hike solo. And I’m still wildly happy about our first successful camping trip of the year.

No chronic pain circumstances are the same, and while these techniques work for me, they may not work for you. However, my hope is that you discover simple steps to help you experience the outdoors in a way that is unique to you. It’s within reach and I’m rooting for you.

Originally published in Northern Wilds Magazine.

Categories
Pain Stories

I’m in chronic pain and I’m thankful for it. Here’s why.

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My husband George and I hiking in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Before we begin, let’s be clear — living with chronic pain means I’m trapped inside a body which unexpectedly turns on me, causing at-times torturous pain throughout my low back and legs. Living with this condition for seven years has robbed me of my youthful twenties and placed some of my dreams far out of reach.

At times, living with chronic pain is hell. Other times, I feel deeply grateful.

Chronic pain challenges and changes me daily, forcing me to explore the depth of my mental, physical and emotional strength.

Here’s what happened:

In 2010 I injured my low back while lifting a table. At the time, I was a career-driven perfectionist in my mid-twenties. I had extremely high energy and, at times, impossible expectations of myself.

Prior to my graduation from Minnesota State University-Moorhead, I was hired as a news anchor and multimedia journalist at Fargo-Moorhead’s highest-rated TV station. My dreams of climbing the ranks — moving from station-to-station, increasing market size until I received a coveted reporting position at a national network — was absolutely within reach. I was ambitious, eager to report news with vigor, and ready to share intimate stories of community members with compassion and understanding.

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Here I’m anchoring the 10:00 p.m. weekend news at WDAY/WDAZ-TV in Fargo, ND back in 2012 — far before cell phone cameras started taking quality photos.

When I injured my back, my physical health quickly deteriorated. Low back pain evolved into nerve pain in my legs — eventually leading to two back surgeries, numerous injections, a dozen rounds of physical therapy, and a chronic pain condition with no apparent cure. I’m no longer able to work 50+ hours in an emotionally and physically challenging job.

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Despite the downsides, I believe my chronic pain is a blessing.
Here’s why:
  • I have no choice but to partake in intense self-reflection — chronic pain forces me to continually make positive changes to my life. My diet is healthier as I indulge in as many anti-inflammatory foods as possible (plant-based foods like you’d eat on the Mediterranean diet). I’m more committed to self-care, taking time to relax and rejuvenate my body. I’m appreciative of the little moments I can enjoy when the pain is masked: dinner with my husband, savasana at the end of a yoga class, or laughing with best friends.
  • Prior to the injury, my self-discipline was focused almost entirely on achieving career success. It was hard for me to take the time to focus on myself. Over time, I’ve developed more self-discipline for personal care than I thought possible — I analyze my body mechanics and posture carefully with a heightened physical awareness, and I’m working on improving my mental health so I’m better equipped to manage pain levels. While I’m certainly no expert, I’m proud for the continued growth in this area.
  • I’m more appreciative than ever of my supportive family and friends. Prior to my injury, I was fiercely independent and often took care of others before myself. And while I still appreciate my independence, I wholeheartedly accept the care and concern from people who love me enough to let me rest on the couch for days during a pain flare, pitching in to help with my responsibilities.
  • I’ve unintentionally learned a lot about healthcare and alternative healing through this experience. I’ve always had an interest in alternative care including yoga, meditation, essential oils and acupuncture, among other things. The pain pushed me to explore these topics with an intensity I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
  • Pain has driven me to help others. I’ll soon launch a website for those suffering from chronic pain — an online resource aimed at helping people in pain become the best version of themselves. The idea came from the frustration, confusion and isolation of attempting to understand the pain on my own. This resource will be a community for people to find morsels of relief. Stay tuned

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Perhaps what’s most important for me is that chronic pain has made me aware of how precious life is, and how important it is to pursue that in life which makes me feel alive —hiking with my husband, writing as much as possible, and exploring our beautiful world. It’s nearly impossible, or at least unbearable, to be in pain and not be doing something you love.

Because of this realization, I’m able to survive as a freelance multimedia journalist and writer, with a supportive husband and family guiding me along my journey as an entrepreneur.

KelseyRoseth, woman in chronicpain attending Outdoor Writers Association of America conference.
Here’s a recent photo of me about to meet up with hundreds of amazing outdoor communicators at the 90th Annual Outdoor Writers Association of America conference.

If you’re suffering from any type of pain — physical or emotional — I urge you to take a moment each day to practice gratefulness. Perhaps journal briefly each night and write three positive things that happened during your day. Or, take time to appreciate the lovely little things in life: soft snowfall in the winter, watching a bird preen in your backyard, or witnessing the excitement of your puppy when you return home.

Gratefulness and positivity cannot be turned on with a switch; it must be practiced with patience and commitment. Even if depression is wearing you down, a simple practice of gratefulness is absolutely within reach.