About the author
My name is Crystal Lindell.
I love the fake eyelashes, Taco Bell, and Burn Notice.
I like to mix both makeup tips and chronic pain stories on this site because it’s the story of me, and I’m more than just my pain or my passion for pink lipstick — I’m a whole, messy, complicated person, and I want this site to reflect that.
I have intercostal neuralgia. I woke up Feb. 3, 2013 feeling like I had a broken rib, and the pain never went away.
It is the worst pain I have ever experienced and could ever imagine. Basically, it feels like someone is stabbing me with a butcher knife all the time.
Thus far, none of the doctors I have seen have been able to figure out a cause. And my current treatment plan basically consists of pain pills — none of which really solve the problem or completely relieve my pain.
As a result, I have had to give up a very active lifestyle, which included resigning my role as a part-time youth leader at a my church. I also moved in with my mom, so she could help with simple things like dishes and laundry. (Hi mom!)
I am thankful that I have family and friends to help me through this. I am trying hard to cling to my faith, which is weaker than it has ever been. And I am doing a lot of writing as I try to navigate this whole thing.
I’ve also discovered a passion for cosmetics.
I’ve spent hours watching YouTube make up tutorials during all those days when I’m too sick to even get off the couch.
I’ve learned how to apply fake eyelashes, and contour my cheekbones, but I’m still working on that perfect wing eyeliner.
Thanks for reading.
Wanda
January 22, 2008 at 3:31 pm (15 years ago)It’s about time you got a blog! At least you are easier to find and probably keep in touch with (rather than My Space).
mom
January 22, 2008 at 3:40 pm (15 years ago)Nice Picture.
Aldrich M. Tan
January 24, 2008 at 2:43 am (15 years ago)You go girl!
Sandy
January 24, 2008 at 10:15 am (15 years ago)I don’t know how your blog is dated, but I’m writing this on 1/23 at 10:13 p.m. and your blog is dating the comments as Jan. 24. But that isn’t my comment. I started getting grey when I was 25. We aren’t blood related, but it happens. Go with it.
CJ
May 29, 2008 at 8:51 am (15 years ago)On the honey thing–
If you’re comfortable with it, then it’s not a problem. Don’t let other people including vegan nazis make rules for you for what’s right for you.
Lyndon
June 2, 2008 at 1:17 pm (15 years ago)Ah yes. I remember discussions late at night in a creepy old building, with the coin stealing janitors, somewhere in the middle of a cornfield about how some day you would be a famous writer.
Hala J.
September 14, 2013 at 4:41 pm (10 years ago)I just wanted to add: I absolutely love the site’s makeover!!
Kathy Riebeling
June 12, 2014 at 9:18 am (9 years ago)I belong to a pain group on FB & our administrator posted one of your blogs. Other than remembering your blog name, is there any way you send out your posts or another way to find your “words of wisdom” (I especially loved the “skipping the daily shower” part. As a chronic pain survivor for 40 yrs., how do I follow you? Thanks!
admin
June 12, 2014 at 11:03 am (9 years ago)Hey there! Thanks so much for checking out my blog Kathy!
I write here and on the National Pain Report, so maybe the most direct way to follow me is on Facebook. Feel free to add me as a friend at http://www.facebook.com/crystalsue. I always link to everything I write there.
You could also click on the subscribe button on the top right of my blog and choose a way to get updates. I usually wait a few days to post anything I’ve written for the pain report on here, but it all finds its way here eventually. There’s even an email alert option if you’re interested in that.
I hope you’re not in too much pain today!
Love,
Crystal
Becky
June 17, 2014 at 9:54 am (9 years ago)I love reading your blog. I completely understand where you are coming from and your words are comforting. Thanks again for putting it all out there! I would love to be on your email alert.
Thanks,
Becky
Too tired
July 16, 2014 at 4:03 pm (9 years ago)Thanks for sharing (lol). As I lay here in pain pain pain overwhelmed and tired, thank you for writing the real. We get it and it is comforting NOT to be alone. Pain Sucks. I picked up my room and vacuumed and now I am writhing. Thanks for writing down the truth of living w chronic pain. I’m 60 now anid your prose helps me. I forward your posts to my little brained friends and associates. Thank you.
Too tired
July 16, 2014 at 4:03 pm (9 years ago)Thanks for sharing (lol). As I lay here in pain pain pain overwhelmed and tired, thank you for writing the real. We get it and it is comforting NOT to be alone. Pain Sucks. I picked up my room and vacuumed and now I am writhing. Thanks for writing down the truth of living w chronic pain. I’m 60 now anid your prose helps me. I forward your posts to my little brained friends and associates. Thank you.
Too tired
July 16, 2014 at 4:03 pm (9 years ago)Thanks for sharing (lol). As I lay here in pain pain pain overwhelmed and tired, thank you for writing the real. We get it and it is comforting NOT to be alone. Pain Sucks. I picked up my room and vacuumed and now I am writhing. Thanks for writing down the truth of living w chronic pain. I’m 60 now anid your prose helps me. I forward your posts to my little brained friends and associates. Thank you.
Deb Harris
September 11, 2014 at 9:28 am (9 years ago)Hi. I read your article on things you wish you’d been told on chronic pain. I’m right with you on the daily showers & how hard it would be to get pain meds prescribed when your pain is up to 8-10 on a reg. basis. I’ve been diagnosed with lupus then told the pain that didn’t fit that was fibromyalgia. Later told maybe no on the lupus then maybe yes again. Apparently I get a low positive or negative on bld. work but as my dr. now says my original symptoms were joint not muscle pain-that came later, extreme sun sensitivity, other unknown rashes then finally my entire body rms & legs broken out in weeping rash & swollen nearly double with the worst joint pain ever. This happened twice after prolonged sun exposure. Wether I have one or both it’s bad & has completely changed my life. Like a previous commenter I really want to keep reading your work. I followed you on FB as you suggested but wonder wether you’d ever put subscribe by email on your site? Thanks for some great writing.
Melissa
March 12, 2015 at 1:18 am (8 years ago)Hi! I came across your blog while looking for ANYTHING online about ulcers and costochondritis. My doc diagnosed costo a year ago. Next week i have a gastro appt. I can’t tell you how much i loved your blog about your experience with these two conditions. I especially liked the comment about googling something too much and how you were convinced you had cancer (thanks Google!)… I soooo relate to this! The more you google the more illnesses you acquire! Too funny. Anyway, thank you for your blog.
Jen
October 18, 2015 at 3:12 pm (7 years ago)Crystal – I was just wondering if you had ever tried (or had any luck) with any holistic routes/alternative medicine/etc. ?