10 Lessons I’ve Learned from 10 Months of Wrist Pain
My personal story and view. By Ory Avni
This was the first time in my life that I had to live with pain for so long. It didn’t come suddenly – it developed gradually, quietly at first, until it took over. A strong, stubborn inflammation in my right wrist slowly stole my range of motion. The pain became constant, waking me up at night. I couldn’t even bear weight on all fours — a position that once felt so natural and easy.
As someone who helps others get out of pain, heal, and return to functionality, it was deeply frustrating not to be able to help myself. What a lesson that was — humbling, eye-opening, and oddly clarifying. Those months were confusing and often exhausting. But they also taught me so much.
Now, it’s slowly getting better. The pain is easing, the range is returning, and the nights are quieter. It’s still teaching me — but gradually, I’ve found how to help my body and bring it back onto the road of healing and change.
Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
1. Pain changes you.
Not just physically, but emotionally. It humbles you, softens your edges, and makes you more present, whether you want it to or not.
2. This was my first real encounter with long-term pain.
Before this, discomfort was temporary. This time, it stayed — and made itself known in every aspect of my life.
3. The uncertainty was the hardest part.
Not knowing exactly what was wrong, or how long it would last, created a constant undercurrent of fear. I realized how much we rely on clarity to feel safe — and how strong I had to be to keep going without it.
4. Healing took more than medicine.
It took rest, stillness, movement, mindset, and above all — patience.
5. I had to rebuild trust with my body.
For a while, I felt betrayed by it. But slowly, as I listened more and pushed less, I began to understand its signals and work with it instead of against it.
6. It was okay to slow down.
Not everything had to be done fast or perfectly. Slowing down helped me tune in and treat my body with more compassion.
7. Some people didn’t understand — and that was okay.
Pain is invisible. I learned not to take it personally when others couldn’t see what I was carrying.
8. I had to re-learn what support really meant.
Not just physical braces or therapies, but emotional support — letting others in, allowing myself to be cared for, and admitting I couldn’t do everything alone.
9. I discovered parts of myself I didn’t know.
Resilience, frustration, fear, patience. Pain revealed my edges — but also my strength.
10. I was never just the pain.
Even when it was loud and constant. Even when it shaped my days. I was still me — and I was still healing.