Living with Chronic Pain: One Woman's Story

Nay Chi Khaing Zaw wakes up in pain every morning.

She was in a cab on her way to sell her art when her body started to shut down. A producer asked if she was okay.

Nay Chi had a seizure and said it happens from time to time.

Her chronic pain disrupts her daily life, and she must decide whether to stop or keep going.

She didn't turn back because she wanted to sell her art and make money.

Nay Chi has lupus, fibromyalgia, and other conditions that cause severe pain and affect her mobility.

The pain feels like lava in her joints and intense muscle cramps.

When the pain is too much, it triggers seizures that leave her tired and affect her memory.

About one in 12 people in Singapore live with chronic pain, and women are more likely to be affected.

Chronic pain affects daily routines, work, and relationships.

Each day is a struggle to decide whether to rest or keep going.

Much of the pain is invisible, and managing it is a burden.

Nay Chi is one of three young Singaporeans featured in a series about living with chronic pain.

She struggles to do everyday tasks like taking a shower.

Going out requires planning, and she packs painkillers and other essentials.

She avoids the sun because it can trigger her lupus and cause a rash.

Walking is painful, and she uses a cane every day.

She meets her friends rarely and must cancel plans at short notice.

Nay Chi feels bad about cancelling appointments.

Chronic pain has changed her life and plans.

She studied nursing but had to drop out due to her pain.

Full-time work is difficult, and she tried to hide her weakness.

She drank coffee to keep going but ended up in hospital.

Her employer asked when she could resume teaching, but she had no answer.

Nay Chi realized she couldn't hold a full-time job due to her chronic condition.

Freelancing gives her control over her schedule, but health problems still get in the way.

She wants to take part in more art markets but lacks the physical strength.

Nay Chi struggled to get correct diagnoses for her complex conditions.

Her hemiplegic migraine was difficult to diagnose and resembled a stroke.

Doctors thought she was seeking drugs, and the cycle repeated every few weeks.

A second opinion from a specialist changed everything, and her condition was taken seriously.

Nay Chi's condition was diagnosed after eight years.

At school, people thought she was faking her pain or trying to avoid responsibilities.

When she commutes, people stare or roll their eyes at her using a cane.

She stopped asking for a seat on the train due to dirty looks.

Her illnesses strained her relationship with her parents.

Her parents supported her practically but struggled to accept her disabilities.

Nay Chi felt emotionally alone and reluctant to disclose her incidents.

She doesn't blame her parents, knowing they have their own struggles.

Over time, Nay Chi has become less concerned about how her symptoms appear to others.

She had another seizure at her art booth but simply resumed painting.

Nay Chi's priority is to be financially stable and independent.

She has moved into rented accommodation with a friend and must afford her share of the rent.

She estimated that she needs to earn at least S$3,200 a month.

Moving out will help her learn to manage her health and daily needs on her own.

Her parents worry about who will see to her medication and tasks.

Nay Chi acknowledged that independent living carries risks, such as falling during a seizure.

She programmed her watch to alert her emergency contacts in case of a fall.

With her move, she has reorganized her life according to what her body can manage.

She is adapting her art sales and setting up an online shop.

Nay Chi plans to set up booths only once a month and offer private art lessons.

She is considering a trip to the United States to meet her fiance.

They met online and have been in a relationship for two years.

Nay Chi is excited to meet her fiance in person but worries about the long flight.

She yearns for a normal life, with nice food, marriage, and travel.

There are times when survival seems like the only option, but she is working towards a future.

Nay Chi has accepted that her pain may never fully go away, but she won't let it stop her.

Watch her story in the I Am Living With Pain series.

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