I’m so sorry that you’re in pain. It can make it hard to think about anything else.

Until a recent diagnosis, I was pretty stoic about a chronic pain problem that I had. I mentioned it to T in passing and minimized the extent to which it was debilitating.

Now I have a new kind of pain which is intermittent. Since I’m only on the phone with T, I’ve been saying things like, “I don’t feel well. I’m lying on the couch with a heating pad today” because otherwise she’d have no idea.

It’s really changed therapy. It’s allowed me to be a lot more vulnerable (and irritable, OMG!) with her. I wouldn’t say I like it, but it’s really interesting to me how much new and different work can be done after so long with the same therapist. Some discussed what was happening and ideas on ways to help. She is also in physical therapy so we discussed things our therapists have said that are helpful (ie why wanted more rest while recovering from an injury etc). We discussed my husband's medical issues and she followed up on a couple of minor issues I am dealing with. She didn't want to initiate any potential emotional painful topics. Then we finished my appointment right on time something that has never happened before.

I hope your shoulder heals soon.