Monthly
News Letter



Vol 1 -- Issue 1 -- January 1999 -- Page 1


    Welcome to the first ever monthly news letter of the Chronic Pain Support (CPS) Group! This letter will be coming your way each month. Old issues will be accessible from the CPS web site. The goal of this monthly news letter is to keep us all informed of what is going on within our group. Each month there will be a feature article on chronic pain, conditions that cause chronic pain, or on new treatments/medications. Additionally, this newsletter will provide a monthly schedule of events, to help us all stay abreast of the goings on in our little group. An ongoing monthly feature will introduce one of our members. This month's feature is Swanky. Swanky, was one of the first members of our group to join us. We hope by featuring a member each month it will help us all to get to know and understand each others struggles. In this first issue we will be introducing our groups ideals and guidelines. These are not meant to be seen as rules, but only to put into words what we already have going for us. This month will also bring you the results of our vote on the CPS logo.



    Chronic Pain Support Group Guidelines

    There is only one principle:
    Never Give Up!

    The following are ideals we as a group aspire to.

    Realize that you are not alone.

    The Realization that there are many types of pain. Physical, and Psychological Pain. These pains are just as real as any other and should not be belittled by anyone in our forum. This one might help us all to understand and learn that others might suffer differently than our selves.

    The realizations that by sharing, listening, and empathizing with each other we are entering a special relationship. This just gives words to the fact that we all have developed special feelings and understandings with each other by our shared experiences. We owe each other our attention, empathy, and understanding.

    We should all be brave enough to ask for help. We should all be brave enough to tell another to seek help when one is concerned about another.

    Each of us should look inside ourselves with honesty, and compassion for ourselves to cope with our own pain.

    That we should share our individual experiences with each other openly so an other might avoid or enjoy a treatment or medication that has helped or hurt in our lives.

    That as a group we should give praise to each other. Our spouses, kids, family, friends, Dr.'s, therapist, and others for understanding our bad moods, whining, complaining, nastiness, as well as our good times so we don't forget.

    As individuals we must try to keep the dialog open, friendly, and noncondescending. The fact that we are all human; means that on occasion words that hurt will be written and we should apologize as soon as possible.

    The hardest topic to deal with among Chronic Pain Suffers is suicidal thoughts brought on by depression from enduring severe pain. Let us not deny its existence. Posting messages of "please help" in the message board, or ask for a private chat so you can privately discuss this tender but serious issue with someone who cares. Send an e-mail to someone and ask them to listen. Don't give in; get help.

    Contributed by Rich93


News Letter Editor: SunE1
Contributors: Rich38 & Sam

GuestBook
    What's inside?


    CPS Group Guidelines
    Chat Schedule
    In the News
    Logo Results
    Monthly Stats
    'Our Stories' Highlight


Pain Poem

Author Unknown

Pain stayed so long I said to him today
"I will not have you with me anymore"
I stamped my foot and said "be on your way",
And paused, startled by the look he wore.
"I, who have been your friend" he said to me,

"I who have been your teacher--
All you know of understanding, love,
of sympathy and patience, I have taught you.
Shall I go?"

He spoke the truth, this strange, unwelcome guest;
I watched him leave and knew that he was wise.
He left a heart grown tender in my breast,
He left a far, clear vision in my eyes.
I dried my tears, and lifted up a song--

Even for one who'd tortured me so long.

Contributed by Sam93


    News

    Chung Moo Does It
    PREVENTION Magazine

    August 1997

    This martial art can help you fight back (pain)

    About 14 years ago, a young man learned a martial arts style called chung moo doe. After a few months of practice his severe back pain, which doctors told him could be eased only through surgery, began to disappear. And it hasn’t returned since.

    That might be the end of the story, except that the young man became a doctor himself...and created a therapy program for back pain based on the same techniques that helped him. It’s called Alt-Med, and founder Patrick Massey, MD, PhD, says his treatment center has been phenomenally successful since it opened three years ago at Alexian Brother’s Medical Center in Elk Grove IL. "Ninety-three percent of people who walk in the doors of our clinic walk out pain-free," he says.

    No breaking bricks or chopping boards in half here: Dr. Massey’s patients learn flowing, comfortable motions that are performed for about 20 minutes a day. "The body’s own movement stimulates circulation and flexibility, accelerating its own healing process," he explains.

    A recent study of 43 sciatica patients, all of whom failed to get relief from standard therapies, found that 91% were pain-free after three months in the program (Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, August 1996). Whether that’s the result of increased blood flow to the beleaguered back, increased muscle strength that comes with exercise, or some other reason, the results are impressive.

    For now, people interested in the Alt-Med program need to travel to the Chicago area. But Dr. Massey and his team are planning a clinic in Boston in the near future, as well as national seminars. To find out more, call Alt-Med at 1-847-981-3505.

    Editor's note: Before beginning any new physical program, check with your physician.


GuestBook
Guest Book -------- To pg 2




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