Many people living with chronic pain may not talk about it. They continue caring for their families, going to work, and fulfilling their responsibilities while quietly managing discomfort that others may not see. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with a community member whose story reflects the sacrifices many people make when family needs come before their own health.
Her journey began in 1995 when she suffered a severe injury to her right knee and tore her ACL. The injury made it difficult for her to bend her leg, and doctors recommended surgery with an estimated recovery time of six months. At the time, however, her children were young and depended on her. Faced with the demands of recovery and her family responsibilities, she decided not to proceed with surgery. Caring for her family took priority.
Over the next several years, she continued her daily activities despite the injury. She experienced occasional falls related to knee instability but would get back up and continue with her responsibilities. As time passed, the untreated injury led to compensatory movement patterns that placed additional stress on other joints and muscles throughout her body. What started as a knee injury gradually contributed to broader musculoskeletal strain affecting her overall mobility and comfort.
With time, the pain had worsened significantly. She had tried knee injections, but they were no longer providing relief. After living with the injury for so many years, she decided to undergo surgery. She eventually had her right knee repaired in 2005 and later a knee replacement in 2015. The surgery significantly improved her right knee, but years of altered movement had already affected other areas of her body.
Today, she continues to experience challenges with her left knee and weakness in her ankle joints. She also underwent foot surgery in 2009. She experiences pain involving her ankles, hips, upper spine, and neck, and she recently started physical therapy to address issues affecting her neck and upper back. Over the years, she has noticed progressive joint changes and has learned that managing pain requires both awareness and ongoing self-care.
One of the most important aspects of her story is the understanding she has developed about her own body. Through years of lived experience, she has learned what helps and what worsens her symptoms. She has noticed that sugary foods seem to worsen her symptoms. She has also observed that emotional stress and sadness can make her pain feel more intense. In contrast, when she is happy, socially supported, and maintaining a positive outlook, she often notices her pain feels less intense.
Her pain is not constant and is generally manageable, often remaining below a five on a ten-point scale. When necessary, she occasionally takes ibuprofen, but many of the strategies that help her are non-pharmacological, including yoga, meditation, massage, physical therapy, and maintaining good posture. She places particular importance on starting her mornings well, believing that a positive beginning to the day influences both her physical and emotional well-being.
She has also learned to listen to her body. When pain increases, she recognizes the importance of slowing down and resting. Rather than pushing through every symptom, she now understands that recovery is often supported by allowing herself time to pause and heal.
Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains fiercely independent and takes great pride in caring for her family. Her story is a reminder that chronic pain is often invisible and that many individuals quietly carry physical burdens while continuing to care for those around them. It also highlights the important connection between physical health, emotional well-being, and self-awareness.
By sharing stories like hers, we can help normalize conversations about pain, encourage people to seek support when needed, and recognize the strength it takes to navigate life while managing chronic pain. Sometimes the people carrying the most pain are also the ones carrying everyone else.
~ Ekta Grewal
(Founder, Sikhs in Clinical Research)
