Interviews with Chronic Pain Warriors #4
I know! It’s strange to write the words “light and momentary” when talking about chronic pain. I have been in an R.A. flair most of the past year and now facing some heart issues. I sometimes wonder just how much more I can take. Not that I want to end it all, but when I look at myself at 58 and then (judging from my family history) look forward to maybe 30 more years, it’s hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel. And I wonder,
“Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?” #chronicpain #endurance #lightandmomentarytrouble Share on X“Light and momentary” comes from the scriptures where the Apostle Paul shares that when we arrive in heaven this will all seem small and insignificant. (2 Corinthians 4:17) He shares that one of the purposes of our trials is that when we get through them we can encourage and comfort others who are experiencing the same type of pain.
So this year, I’d like to offer a series of interviews with chronic pain warriors. I would like us to all share and encourage one another so that we can “all patiently endure as we suffer.” (2 Corinthians 1:6)
And then though “we were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.” Even when we expect that we will die, we will stop relying on ourselves and learn to rely only on God, who raises the dead. (2 Corinthians 1:8,9)
And now Interview #4 with Terri Sutula.
Originally published June 9, 2020
Terri is a certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach who also lives with fibromyalgia and IBS. She has made it her mission to walk alongside others with fibromyalgia to help them find what works for them to help them thrive. Find our interview below.
- Would you share the short story of your chronic pain journey? Share some about the journey to this diagnosis.
- Where’s the Light at the End of the Tunnel?
- What a long journey. Throughout this time, how was your faith walk impacted? Did you lose faith? Get stronger?
- What scripture has become a comfort for you in this journey?
- How do you find comfort during these ‘ light and momentary’ painful days?
- What are some things that your family and friends do that bring comfort in your pain?
- Are you involved in any ministries or community service to reach out to others with chronic pain? Share about this?
- In conclusion, can you offer some words of encouragement to those who may be searching for comfort in their own chronic pain journey?
Would you share the short story of your chronic pain journey? Share some about the journey to this diagnosis.
This is a little tough because I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have pain. Even as a child, I suffered debilitating headaches on a regular basis. Fast forward a few years, and I started having migraines in addition to regular headaches.
Finally, when I was around 30, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. These things made my life difficult at times, but I retired after 20 years in the US Air Force, then went on to work as a Finance Officer in a small town, then as a Personal Trainer for about 6 years.
Where’s the Light at the End of the Tunnel?
In 2011, I started having widespread pain (as in, everything hurt, all over my body), severe abdominal pain, and lots of other strange symptoms. I could no longer work. Some lab results caused concern, but then when repeated, the labs came back normal. I just couldn’t understand how I could feel this horrible and not have something seriously wrong with me. At one point, I was spending my days in bed, just waiting for each day to be over.
Eventually, in 2012, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and IBS. It was actually a relief to have a name for what was going on. Once I realized I didn’t have something that was going to kill me, I got on with learning how to live my best life in spite of my illnesses.
What a long journey. Throughout this time, how was your faith walk impacted? Did you lose faith? Get stronger?
When I was at my worst with my fibromyalgia symptoms, my relationship with the Lord was the closest it’s ever been. I had absolutely no strength of my own; I had to depend on His strength to even get through the day. The longer I live with it, the more I’ve learned to lean on Him for even the mundane things in life. He’s always there for us, through the big things and the small ones.
What scripture has become a comfort for you in this journey?
The scripture I mentioned below, Romans 8:28, has been a huge comfort for me because it reminds me that God is using this for my good in some way, but the one I cling to the most is Isaiah 41:10,
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
One thing that has been especially difficult for me on this fibromyalgia journey has been the weakness I experience sometimes. There have been times that I wasn’t even sure my legs would hold me up, but I always know that when I’m weak, God is strong, and He will hold me up when I can’t hold myself up.
How do you find comfort during these ‘ light and momentary’ painful days?
I remember that God is going to use this in some way. He never wastes any experience or difficulty we have. Romans 8:28 tells us,
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
I firmly believe that, and that’s what helps me get through the really tough days.
What are some things that your family and friends do that bring comfort in your pain?
I’m fortunate to have family and friends who try to understand and make accommodations when my symptoms are not cooperating. My husband has really been a Godsend through all of this. He does everything he can to make my life as easy as possible.
Are you involved in any ministries or community service to reach out to others with chronic pain? Share about this?
I consider my blog to be my ministry. When I first started experiencing all these weird symptoms and right after I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I wanted some real, actionable tips for getting on with my life and I needed to reclaim my hope that I could still have a good life. Once I started figuring things out, I wanted to be that resource for others, Olive Tree Saints was born.
In conclusion, can you offer some words of encouragement to those who may be searching for comfort in their own chronic pain journey?
Sweet friend, I know this isn’t easy. I know there are some days that you feel you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, but you are not alone. You have others who have been where you are and who are willing to walk alongside you as you go through this.
And know that God is always there with you. He’s promised us in His Word that he’ll never leave us or forsake us. Life may not ever go back to the way it was, but you can still thrive in spite of your circumstances. You’ve got this!
Offering a light at the end of the tunnel,
~Terri
certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach
Thank you, Terri, for sharing your story and these encouraging words.
Readers, I encourage you to comment below or connect with Terri on social media or her blog.
Other Posts By Terri
Wellness: Becoming Intentionally Evergreen
It’s Your Turn
Are you a Chronic Pain Warrior? Can you offer a light at the End of the Tunnel?
Would you be willing to share your faith story and encourage others? Contact Mandy for more details about an interview for this blog. See Guidelines Here
We Often Link-up With These Blogs
Terri is a child of God, a wife, and a mother. She’s also a certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach, and Nutrition Coach who wants to help others be as healthy as is possible for them. On her blog, Olive Tree Saints, she shares information and tools you can use to help you cultivate wellness, grow in your faith, and share God’s love.
Thank you for this, for being here for so many. I have Fibromyalgia and have been diagnosed with IBS but have been in a long quiet spell on that second front. I have also had 3 spinal surgeries (which did not totally solve the problems) and two replacements – one knee and one hip. The pain level can be like a roller coaster. The weather affects me tremendously. But the good news is the Good News. Christ is my source for comfort and love, for arms wrapped around me, for shelter from the storm. I have only know Him for 27 years and am 72. But a blessing that is so humbling. I too find my blog to be my ministry in different ways than yours is but it is because it helps to center me on Jesus. Thank you both.
Thank you so much for your kind comment Linda. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had to go through so much. I know what you mean about the pain being like a roller coaster, though I’m sure I can’t know what your pain must be like after all your surgeries in addition to the fibromyalgia. It can be discouraging at times, but as you said, “the good news is the Good News.” Knowing that Christ is with us no matter what we’re going through is such a comfort to me also. I look forward to checking out your blog. Thanks again for your kind words. Blessings to you!
Thank you for sharing. laurensparks.net
Thank you for sharing with us on Grace & Truth Link-Up. Your words are an encouragement. I can’t imagine how hard it is to live with chronic physical pain. My prayers are with all of you. I am so glad you have God with you every step of the way.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! I really don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have God to lean on – He has brought me through so much in my life. We’re so blessed our Creator chooses to have relationship with us, aren’t we? Blessings to you!
I’m so glad you can share your experience, Terri, to help others in their suffering. May God continue to bless you and help you as you navigate life with your diagnosis.
There’s always a deeply redemptive story behind every smile when chronic pain is part of the story!
Amen!
Thanks so much for your lovely comments, Anita and Michele! I consider it a privilege to share my story in order to help others. As Michele so beautifully said, “there’s always a deeply redemptive story behind every smile when chronic pain is part of the story,” and when we share our pain stories, we can also share that redemption story. Blessings to you both!