Chronic pain with a smile

I have always prescribed to the philosophy of suck it up and keep on moving. That was a philosophy that seemed to work until recently when I was diagnosed with central spinal stenosis in my early forties. For the past year I have struggled with numbness in my lower extremities and waves of pain in my low back ranging from burning to searing with the occasional dose of sciatica. Through all this time I have been reluctant to discuss this with my physician. As a health care professional I know first hand the stigma associated with chronic pain. Labels and assumptions abound. I have pasted on a smile and said I was okay even when I had used heat treatments to the point of developing blisters on my back. The 2 times that I worked up the courage to ask what I could do to help manage I was greeted to an open door, a suggestion to take acetaminophen and ibuprofen and end of conversation. The second time I stood my ground and finally received a prescription for something that at least made the experience of going to the bathroom or getting dressed manageable. It was my chiropractor who finally ordered an MRI that led to the diagnosis and my physiotherapist that referred me to a specialist for further investigation which has led to a recent cortisone injection. I strongly believe that an interdisciplinary team has made all the difference and although my pain levels have not reduced I have faith that the team of professionals working together and listening to my concerns and goals will make all the difference.