What I've Learned After Being in Pain
Jul 09, 2020
If you've tuned in to The Dr. Cloud Show this week, you've heard me talk about the knee replacement surgery I had last Thursday, and during my recovery, I've learned that all of the stuff we talk about on the show is so true, especially in a handful of areas.
I had surgery in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and visitors aren't allowed in the hospital at this time, so I was alone for a few days, kind of in isolation. There were nurses who were there to administer pain medication and whatnot, but other than that, I wasn't allowed to have my wife with me, and I couldn't have visitors.
Generally, I'm the best "alone" person. Believe it or not, I'm an introvert! I love my alone time. I never thought that being alone would actually be a problem for me, and I honestly thought I'd be just fine in the hospital. But here's what I learned.
When you're in pain, what happens is, it goes into this subjective experience. It sits in the present with you. It doesn't really have a clock or schedule to it. When you're in the midst of it, and you're alone, what I discovered is that the pain takes over, and it feels like it's all that exists in your life. I was surprised at the depth of loneliness I felt.
So, here's a takeaway for you: I don't know what your "surgery" is right now, what you're going through in this moment of your life, but what I mean is, the knife of pain has to cut into your heart somewhere. That subjective experience can become all-encompassing, and you start to believe that's what all of life is like. That subjective experience becomes your whole experience.
But that's not what the overall reality is. When you start to add people back into the mix, and they're there for you, the entire system starts to transform. So, don't let your pain get you into a subjective, isolated bubble. Make sure what whatever it is you're going through that you're connected and have ways to get pulled out of it.
Let's dive into this further. I have a few conversations I think you'll appreciate.
My NEW Conversation on Loneliness
How to Process Pain
How to Find Safe People to Connect With
