Cleaning Through the Pain: The Hidden Cost of a Tidy Bathroom Cabinet"
Cleaning Through the Pain: The Hidden Cost of a Tidy Bathroom Cabinet
So I decided to clean my bathroom cabinet out. It seemed like a small project, something that most people could tackle in a matter of minutes. But for me—living with chronic pain—it turned into a monumental task. What should’ve been a quick chore became a delicate balancing act between determination and self-care.
I took my time, forcing myself to take small breaks, reminding myself that this was not a race. Life with chronic pain teaches you that even the simplest tasks can demand more from your body than you'd expect.
The Hidden Reality of Chronic Pain
Cleaning out a cupboard while managing chronic pain is an experience few truly understand. What might take a typical person fifteen minutes stretched into an entire afternoon for me. I meticulously sorted through old toiletries—expired creams, forgotten soaps—and wiped down surfaces with care.
As I tossed out the clutter, I felt an odd sense of accomplishment. But beneath that was the familiar tightness—the aching reminder of my physical limitations. I knew I was pushing myself too far, but the urge to reclaim a piece of my environment was just too strong.
The Day After
The next morning, the consequences of overexertion hit me hard. I woke up in unbearable pain. It's a daily ritual to assess my body, but this was different—like I’d wrestled with a heavyweight in my sleep. I knew immediately it was from the previous day’s effort.
What’s just a standard household task for most had left me bedridden. That’s the reality of living with chronic pain: small wins often come at a high cost.
Willpower Meets Reality
It took all my willpower just to take my morning meds, including the extra painkillers I needed just to move. My eyes were heavy, my thoughts foggy. Every joint screamed in protest. I could barely catch my breath.
This is the toll of chronic pain—a body constantly fighting against itself, and a mind trying to make peace with it.
As I lay there, I reflected on the pressure to maintain a “normal” life. The desire to keep a tidy home, to function like everyone else, never truly fades. But the consequences are real and relentless. For people like me, the price of independence is pain.
What Life with Chronic Pain Really Looks Like
Life with chronic pain doesn’t resemble the polished images on social media. It’s raw. It’s messy. It involves learning to respect your body’s limits, even when your mind wants more.
I’m learning to celebrate small victories—like a clean bathroom cabinet—while acknowledging the toll they take. Each step is an act of resilience. But so is knowing when to stop.
This is my life now. One of quiet strength, persistent pain, and constant adjustment. I remind myself that being kind to my body isn’t giving up. It’s survival. It’s self-love. It’s how I move forward—slowly, carefully, and always with compassion.
About Me
I’m a married mother of four, one of whom is our granddaughter, for whom my husband and I are kinship carers under a Special Guardianship Order (SGO). I run a small business and write about family life, living with chronic pain, ME/CFS, spinal stenosis, and fibromyalgia. I’m in my mid-40s and still learning to navigate this life filled with obstacles, grace, and resilience.
