Podcast Summary: "Chronic Pain is Wrecking My Life"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Dr. Laura Call of the Day
• Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
• Episode: Chronic Pain is Wrecking My Life
• Release Date: June 8, 2025

1. Introduction

In this poignant episode of Dr. Laura's "Call of the Day" podcast, Theresa reaches out seeking guidance on managing chronic pain. Her heartbreaking story unfolds as she shares her long battle with pain resulting from being a thalidomide baby, compounded by numerous surgeries and ongoing health challenges.

2. Theresa's Background and Struggle with Chronic Pain

Theresa opens up about her late discovery of being a thalidomide baby, a condition she only became aware of at the age of 29. This revelation shed light on the chronic pain that has dominated her life for decades.

• Theresa (02:19): "I have three little angels in heaven. But, but. So anyway, I can't speak for my mom. She's not here."

Her journey is marked by relentless medical interventions, including almost 40 surgeries, all in an attempt to alleviate her suffering. Despite these efforts, chronic pain remains a constant companion since 1993.

• Theresa (02:19): "But now that I've gotten older and I've had a double mastectomy and I now have bone issues..."

3. Medical Journey and Challenges

Theresa details the complexity of her medical condition, highlighting the challenges she faces with her skeletal structure and the limitations imposed by her doctors.

• Theresa (02:19): "...I have bone issues and I have a bone in the very lower, lower, lower, almost to my tailbone, and both SI joints are fused."

Her recent interactions with Duke University revealed a grim prognosis about her deteriorating back condition, leaving her mobility severely restricted.

• Theresa (02:19): "He goes, we can't because your bones won't be able to handle it. So what I'm trying... I'm on a walk with a cane... I have now been gotten a wheelchair."

4. Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health

Theresa grapples with the emotional toll of her condition, striving to maintain a positive mindset by comparing her struggles to others'. She spends a significant portion of her day bedridden due to the comfort it offers.

• Theresa (02:19): "I'm just trying to think is there anything else? What is a mantra I can have in my head as I continue?"

Dr. Laura commends Theresa's resilience, emphasizing that Theresa's strength is remarkable given her circumstances.

• Dr. Laura (07:13): "Look what you've coped with... You're a tougher woman than I believe I probably would be. So I don't think I have anything to offer you other than you're impressive."

Despite expressing fears of becoming a burden to her family, Theresa remains determined to find ways to manage her pain and improve her quality of life.

• Theresa (08:42): "Well, my biggest thing is my biggest fear is being a burden to my family."

5. Dr. Laura's Advice and Recommendations

Dr. Laura provides actionable advice, guiding Theresa towards more specialized medical support. Recognizing the limitations of her current pain management team, Dr. Laura suggests seeking a neurologist with expertise in brain stimulation therapies for pain relief.

• Dr. Laura (09:08): "You need a neurologist who is involved in doing things like this because this is cutting edge stuff..."

She encourages Theresa to proactively research and connect with the right medical professionals to explore advanced treatment options.

• Dr. Laura (10:56): "Get a neurologist who has expertise in stimulation of the brain for pain. Look it up, Google it, and then get busy getting the right person. Promise."

Theresa takes immediate action, motivated by Dr. Laura's encouragement, indicating her readiness to pursue these new avenues for pain management.

• Theresa (10:56): "Oh, I'm on it. I'm going to look it up right now..."

6. Conclusion

The episode underscores the profound impact chronic pain can have on an individual's life, both physically and emotionally. Theresa's story is a testament to resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Dr. Laura's compassionate guidance offers a beacon of hope, encouraging listeners to seek specialized medical care and maintain a steadfast positive outlook despite life's challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Theresa (02:19): "I have three little angels in heaven. But, but. So anyway, I can't speak for my mom. She's not here."

• Dr. Laura (07:13): "You're a tougher woman than I believe I probably would be. So I don't think I have anything to offer you other than you're impressive."

• Theresa (08:42): "Well, my biggest thing is my biggest fear is being a burden to my family."

• Dr. Laura (09:08): "You need a neurologist who is involved in doing things like this because this is cutting edge stuff..."

• Theresa (10:56): "Oh, I'm on it. I'm going to look it up right now..."

Additional Resources: For more insights and support, visit Dr. Laura's social media platforms:

• Facebook: facebook.com/drlaura
• Instagram: instagram.com/drlauraprogram

This summary is intended to provide an overview of the episode's key discussions and insights. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full podcast is recommended.