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Chronic Pain as Told by 5 Popular Movies

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Lately, as I lie on the couch sick as a dog (that’s my Zodiac year actually, which clearly bears absolutely no resemblance), I’ve been able to find comfort in stories I enjoy.

However, since it’s gotten harder for me to read all the time due to various pains and blurry vision, I’ve been watching more movies. Sometimes I not only enjoy them, but am able to relate my pain to them as well.

1. “You just gestured to all of me!”  Hiccup, “How To Train Your Dragon”

When people ask me what hurts, that’s what I often do before specifying certain areas which hurt more.

2. “It’s just a scratch. I’ve had worse.” — Black Knight, “Monty Python”

How it looks is how it feels. What is said is, unfortunately, how it is often perceived, or brushed off by sufferers.

3. Buttercup: “Westley. Oh, Westley darling! [embraces Westley passionately, and is visibly disconcerted when he lies back passively] Westley, why won’t you hold me?”

Westley: “Gently.”

Buttercup: “At a time like this, that’s all you can think to say. Gently?” [squeezes Westley tighter]

Westley: “Gently! Ughhhh!” — “The Princess Bride”

The pain doesn’t discriminate between those we love and those we don’t, sadly. It’s so overwhelming at times that it’s difficult to enjoy spontaneous or passionate moments with anyone, the worry of total ruin for days or weeks or even more afterward boldly taking over.

4. “No… touchy!” — Kuzco, “The Emperor’s New Groove”

In a flare, absolutely not. Self-explanatory, I should hope.

5. “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on Earth should that mean that it’s not real?” — Albus Dumbledore, “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows”

While Harry Potter has a great many memorable quotes, this is one of my favorites, if not my favorite. Many people seem to think that if chronic pain is “all in your head” that it’s not real. Yet, it’s still quite real to those experiencing it, regardless if it’s counted in the experiences of others.

If you’ve noticed or made a similar connection to a movie, please let me know! I’d love to know more.

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Originally published: August 13, 2018
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