Nociceptive versus neuropathic pain

Scenario: Hello, I am Isabella. I am 72 years old and a recent widow after the death of my husband Ben, 6 months ago. I have to tell you, things have not been easy for me in this life. But I have always believed you have to take care of yourself. Even when times get rough, I do as much as I can. I might be a little unorganized sometimes so don’t ask me what day it is!

Back when Ben got really sick, we decided it was best for me to stop working so I could take care of him. I loved my job at Sears. I had worked there more than 20 years, ever since Sandra my daughter was in high school. I loved being with people and helping them find just exactly what they were looking for.

At first, Ben could still do things for himself. He had his little daily routine of things to do. He would get up and read the paper, walk down to the little breakfast diner to have some coffee and talk to all his friends there. In the afternoon we would go to doctor’s appointments and do the shopping and other errands. He was still real handy around the house. As time went on, Ben got a little sicker everyday, to the point where in the last year I was doing everything for him. I have to tell you, I was getting so tired and run down, never being able to sleep the night through or have a restful meal.

Our daughter Sandra, as busy as she was with her own life—it being a mess and all—would still try to help out as much as she could. Usually, she would come over with a meal once a week, and stay with her Daddy while I went to mass or had a cup of tea with a friend. Her daughters would come and read stories to their “pa-pop” and sit near him. The smile on his face during those visits made the whole day better.