the tramadol diaries | laughter used to be the best medicine, but for chronic pain, those little white pills kick laughter's ass …

The Kerala “Cure”: Do We Have to Travel to India to Feel Better?

March 31, 2010

Read this and tell me you don’t want to go. Right. NOW: The monsoon expends the last of its energy in the Indian state of Kerala, leaving plump raindrops on hibiscus flowers and puddles in the red mud roads. The air is thick but not oppressive, and I begin to understand the words of the [...]

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Dependence Is Not Addiction

March 30, 2010

It’s no secret I’m a fan of tramadol. Hell, it’s the name of my site. Those little white pills saved my life. So it should be no surprise that I’m all for prescription pain medication when it’s used appropriately. And it should be no surprise that one of my pet peeves is the fear-mongering that [...]

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Why Meditation Works to Relieve Chronic Pain

March 29, 2010

In order to understand the process by which meditation works to improve our experiences with chronic pain, we should examine the evidence supporting the premise itself. In short: how do we know that meditation works at all? Studies Establish Meditation’s Effectiveness in Chronic Pain Management Numerous studies have consistently found the same thing: meditation works [...]

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Meet Sue Ingebretson in the NFA’s “Science of Fibromyalgia” PSA

March 27, 2010

Check out this short (1 minute or so) public service announcement on the science behind fibromyalgia from the National Fibromyalgia Association, starring my new fibro-buddy, Sue Ingebretson! Happily, I can report that Sue will be a featured guest here at the Diaries within the next week or so (depending on how long it takes us [...]

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Six Secrets of the Empowered Chronic Pain Patient

March 26, 2010

Empowered chronic pain patients know six secrets to getting better medical care and consistent pain relief from conditions like fibromyalgia. Read on to find out what they are, and how to implement their lessons for your own well-being.

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The Tramadol Diaries excerpt: Pregnant Pauses, Pain, and Penguins

March 25, 2010

The next installment of The Tramadol Diaries, the narrative of Sherrie’s experience with chronic pain, finds her pregnant, in pain, and chasing penguins out of the house – or so says the husband. Will she ever get to sleep?

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Tramadol Diaries Reader Survey Now Open!

March 24, 2010

Here’s your chance to direct the future of The Tramadol Diaries! Take a super-short survey, and help develop the content focus over the coming months.

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What Does Health Care Reform Mean For Fibromyalgia & Other Chronic Pain Patients?

March 24, 2010

What does the new US health care legislation mean for those with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions? A closer look at some of the main features of the health care reform bill.

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