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It can be easy to identify ourselves by our conditions and develop a "fix me" patient mentality. Change your thinking from "I’m a patient in pain" to "I'm a person living well, despite the pain." Change your thinking from "The pain controls me" to "I'm in control." I no longer identify myself by my diagnosis or even as a chronic pain patient. I'm defined by who I am and what I do. I’m Tom Bowen – husband, father, dog father, Iowa Hawkeye fan, clown, friend, author, educator, and pain advocate. I'm not Tom Bowen – neuroma of amputation stump, post-concussion syndrome, tinnitus, hearing loss, fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, costochondritis, neuropathy, migraine/chronic headaches, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. I'm in control. Need help changing/controlling your thoughts? Check out these resources:  |