The Quiet Gratitude of Prevention

I have worked in pain management for 26 years (and I don’t plan on stopping). For many, this seems like an odd career choice, especially with the stigma attached to people who suffer from chronic pain. 

It’s hard to wrap your head around if you haven’t experienced pain in any type of lasting way, pain that lasts beyond the “normal” time of healing. It’s hard to understand the impact of pain on the ability to maintain social roles, relationships, careers, and a positive mood. 

When was the last time you were sick, had a terrible headache, or were suffering from some injury? Did you go to work? If so, did it go well? Were you able to actively participate as you normally would? Were you in a good mood? Were you patient and understanding with your loved ones?

Or did everything take Herculean effort just to get by?

When is the last time you burned yourself, like when you reach into the oven and accidentally hit your unprotected forearm on the upper rack? Did it keep you up at night? Did you feel refreshed the next day after wondering all night long how one inch of skin could be so painful?

Imagine this being the reality of every single day for you. 

Imagine this being every single day for your child, or your mom. 

It’s truly heartbreaking. 

Of course, it’s not the whole story; people are resilient. Skills can be learned to manage this constant attack on the nervous system. Interdisciplinary modalities can be used to mitigate some of the pain. Just because it’s constant and often not curable doesn’t mean we sit idly by. 

But what prompts me to write this today is gratitude.

Yesterday I walked into CVS, handed the pharmacy tech my insurance card, and within 20 minutes was vaccinated against shingles, free of charge. And this morning, with a sore arm and somewhat uncomfortable GI side effects, I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude. 

You see, I know the impact that shingles can have on a person. Twenty-six years in pain management, and I have seen some truly horrible things resulting from the pain of shingles. If I had to pick, I would say it is one of the most painful things we treat. I have patients who are still suffering with the pain despite having shingles 10 years ago, patients who can’t tolerate even the light touch of clothing on the area. I have had patients who went from high-functioning individuals to suicidal in several weeks due to the unrelenting nature of the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia. I have had patients with recurrent shingles that returns every time they experience a major stressor or illness. 

No, it’s not everyone, but it’s too many. They are moms, sisters, coworkers, teachers, grandpas. They are regular people who don’t deserve to suffer like that. 

When I began in pain management in 2020, the vaccine against shingles was not yet developed. There was no way to prevent it or minimize its prevalence. 

And so I’m grateful, grateful to be vaccinated, grateful to live in a part of the world where I have access to this for free, grateful that even if I didn’t have insurance, there are 5 places I can get vaccines for free within 10 minutes of my home. 

I am grateful that I have a better chance of never getting shingles or post-herpetic neuralgia. 

I am grateful that I have the opportunity to care for those who do suffer from unrelenting chronic pain.

Take a moment to ask yourself: what are you grateful for in your work, and who is better because you keep showing up?

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As we step into a new year, I’m reminded how easy it is to keep carrying the weight of our work without ever pausing to reflect, recalibrate, or care for ourselves with the same intention we give others. If you’re feeling that pull—wanting more clarity, sustainability, or alignment in your work and life—I offer 1:1 coaching for clinicians and professionals who do meaningful, demanding work. Together, we create space to reconnect with your purpose, set boundaries that protect your energy, and build a path forward that feels both human and sustainable.

If this resonates, I’d be honored to work with you. Reach out to schedule a time to connect, Megan@NursingBeyondTheJob.com