From Pain to Power: A Recovery Story
The following is a recovery story form a client I worked with. We did clinical hypnosis, nervous system regulation and parts work. Hopefully this is as inspiring for you as it was for me!
For years, I lived in a body that no longer felt like my own. What started as subtle signs (muscle spasms, brain fog, and deep fatigue) soon turned into debilitating symptoms that impacted every part of my life.
The cognitive fatigue and brain fog were relentless. I struggled to follow conversations, remember tasks, or focus long enough to get through a day. My body felt like it was falling apart from the inside out. I experienced widespread, intense pain, especially in my neck and hips. Some days, it was so severe I relied on 3 to 4 grams of Tylenol just to function and occasionally heavier pain meds. My muscles would spasm or give out with minimal activity. Even walking was limited; I was capped at around 2,000 steps a day before total exhaustion and pain would set in.
All the things I once loved became impossible.
I could no longer work on cars or bicycles, something that once brought me joy.
I had difficulty going to the pool without an extreme reaction to the sounds and lights.
Skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding were completely out of the question.
Holding down a job wasn’t feasible. The pain, fatigue, and brain fog made it too difficult.
Even travelling became overwhelming; the planning, resting, and recovery time were exhausting.
Household tasks like cooking, cleaning, or home maintenance felt monumental. I was losing myself.
But I didn’t give up.
With time, support, and a commitment to brain retraining, regular hypnotherapy and nervous system regulation, everything began to shift. I started slowly, respecting my limits while gently expanding them. I learned how to regulate my nervous system, retrain my patterns, and reconnect with my body in a new way.
Now, I’m living in a completely different reality.
I’ve done renovations on my house, including using heavy equipment like an excavator and jackhammer. Which is something I never thought I’d manage again.
I’m off all over-the-counter and prescription pain medications.
I’m starting work again this August!
I regularly cook and clean, and I no longer need days to recover afterward.
I’m working on cars and biking again, not just watching from the sidelines.
I walk over 8,000 steps a day, often while walking my dog longer and longer distances.
I’ve joined sword fighting classes, something I would have not been able to do at all, now I look forward to it every week.
I’ve become more social, enjoying tabletop games with friends.
I even joined my town’s accessibility committee, turning my experience into advocacy.
The contrast between then and now is hard to put into words. I’m not just managing symptoms, I’m getting my life back. Piece by piece, I’ve rebuilt my capacity, confidence, and independence. This journey wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it.
Healing is possible and I’m living proof. I cant wait to see what the next year brings!
