A Hope Inspired Pain Journey

My pain journey started almost a decade ago with horrific discomfort in my feet, calf muscles, and coccyx (tailbone). I went from a full life of adventure, hard work, and constant motion to being almost completely grounded from pain.  Like many people who develop pain almost overnight, I became obsessed with finding answers and treatments.  

When I mentioned to my internal medicine doctor that I was having neurological symptoms, especially muscle twitching and weakness, he performed a brief neurological work up in his office and declared that I was fine.  I knew that was far from the truth, based on how my entire life was unraveling because of pain. So, I continued to push for answers and finally found my way to a neurologist. 

Just as I suspected, there was something very wrong happening in my body.  An EMG test and nerve conduction study revealed that I had peripheral neuropathy and further testing proved that it was idiopathic (of unknown origin).  I was prescribed an anti-seizure medication and was eventually put on an opioid.  I was compliant with all prescribed medicines because I was desperate to feel better. I never lost hope of continuing with the full life that I had always known and loved, but the longer I suffered, the darker my world became.

Pushing for answers and treatments, I found myself traveling to the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion.  I saw rheumatologists, several pain doctors, neurologists, orthopedic doctors, physiatrists, and an immunologist. I tried everything that was recommended to me, including acupuncture, medical message, cannabis, red light laser therapy, swimming, scores of supplements, physical therapy, counseling, a spinal cord stimulator, and even hypnosis.  Nothing seemed to have long term benefit and I was barely able to stand, sit, or walk without significant pain.  It was nearly impossible for me to walk through my own back yard. Yet, as miserable as things became, I never lost hope and I relied heavily on my faith and positive thinking. I was bound and determined to not give up, despite many moments of complete despair. 

Finding support from people who could understand what I was going through was very important to me. I turned to many of the Facebook neuropathy support groups. Unfortunately, those groups seemed dire and depressed me further.  It occurred to me that there should be a positive support group for people suffering from neuropathy.  So, in 2019, with no prior experience in starting or managing an on-line Facebook support group, I founded PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY SUCCESS STORIES.  To my amazement, the group took off fast!  Today, it has over 38,000 members in over 100 countries!   Our mission is to educate, inspire, and support people with neuropathy. The skills that I developed in my medical sales management career helped me build a competent team of group moderators who have greatly contributed to the success of this group.  I have learned that helping others has been one of the best things that I have done to help myself!  It has kept me connected to a community of empathetic people and this has been such a positive distraction.  I have always believed that people in pain need positive distractions. 

My journey took a very significant turn about two years ago when my pain clinic provider asked if I would consider trying a non-opioid alternative treatment that has often been found effective in patients with pain and inflammation. He told me that the drug would have to be made at a compounding pharmacy and that it would take up to ninety days to see if it would work.  Within ninety days, my pain resolved and I was able to discontinue both the opioid and the anti-seizure medicine.  Miraculously, my muscle cramping went away, my foot pain subsided, and I was on my way to living more fully once again.  I consider it nothing short of a miracle that I was able to walk 2,432 miles in 2023 and 3,025 miles in 2024.

Here are the lessons that my long and twisted road with pain has taught me: 

1. Never lose hope. Holding onto faith and positive thinking is vital in the healing process. 
2. Trial and error are logical approaches for finding a successful treatment protocol.
3. Finding support from people who understand is like balm for the soul. 
4. Positive distractions are healthy. 
5. Helping others is a sure way to help yourself. 
6. You must constantly advocate for yourself.
7. Being in the present moment is the best place to be. 

*Michael Wright lives with his pediatrician husband in Charlotte, NC and for the last five years has been the primary caregiver for his mother, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s.  He enjoyed a long and successful career as a District Sales Manager with a large pharmaceutical company.   Michael continues to find time each day for a few hours of walking.  He also enjoys thrifting, reading, and gardening. Within the last year, Michael has lost over seventy-seven pounds and has surpassed his weight loss goal.  Living each day in the present moment, with an abundance of hope and faith, is what propels him.