Instead of rapid, and often emotional instead of logical pendulum swings like we are experiencing now with pain as the 5th Vital Sign, we need a return of nuance. We need the return of policy-based nerds. We need drug companies who work towards better science first and shareholder profit second. We need doctors who understand that hope belongs on Hallmark cards because the real comfort to patients is medical options. Finally, and most importantly, we need more chronic and acute pain stories from patients based on vulnerability and life, not ideological entertainment. This nuance will finally help us bridge the gap between healthcare poetry and prose which will ultimately lead to a higher quality of life for all I have to believe.

When dealing with pain, my quality of life and lately, what living in near constant pain would do to my atrial fibrillation (there is some new research indicating chronic pain is a top cause for Afib) were at the top of my mind when considering treatment options like steroid shots. My thought process was, how might we lower my pain levels quickly so I could have more fun than tears in my eyes?