I have lumbar stenosis and it is very severe. I can’t accept that there are things I cannot do. I could be paralyzed for the rest of my life.

What feelings arise?

I feel useless as I cannot do many things to heal.

I had to temporarily quit Cross Fit.

I am feeling held back and I have to wear a belt at school for support.

I feel annoyed as I do not see my friends often due to therapy.

I feel useless around my friends because they have to do things for me like lifting my backpack off the bus.

How does it affect you?

It is affecting me physically as it is hard to walk and stand. I am constantly in a lot of pain, but it is comfortable to lie down in a SPECIFIC position. Emotionally, it’s mainly giving me annoyance.

What is your part?

I am distracted from physical therapy as it is hard to do things I love to do (due to pain), like dancing and drawing, and playing the piano (and Cross Fit!)

What are you learning about yourself, others, the situation?

I have learned to not overestimate my abilities and next time try not to hide pain from my parents.

I am stubborn and independent.

I have to be dependent on people.

I tell myself that I’m getting better.

I just tell my best friends that I have this condition.

When I’m upset I draw, play the piano, and listen to music. 

What can you shift or turn around in your beliefs, thinking, words, or actions?

I can look at physical therapy as a break from doing what I love and a chance to try new things that I couldn’t physically do

How do you choose to work with your difficulty?

I will not hide anything from my parents anymore so that I can deal with any problems about my condition early before it’s severe.

What is your difficulty teaching you?

Having this condition will definitely positively influence my life and health.

16 years, female