LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Vita Oyler

Living with Chronic Pain – A Conversation with Vita Oyler

Introduction

In this episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Vita Oyler, a rehabilitation counselor and author of Got Pain? Now What?. Vita has lived with chronic pain for over 35 years due to Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). She shares her inspiring journey of overcoming pain, navigating the healthcare system, and helping others manage their own chronic pain conditions.

Vita’s Journey with Chronic Pain

Vita was an active athlete until a minor injury changed her life. A small hairline fracture led to RSD, a painful condition with no known cure. She recalls her early struggles with treatments, medications, and surgeries that ultimately provided no long-term relief.

The Opioid Crisis and Its Impact

Dr. Lycka and Vita discuss the dangers of opioids, highlighting how doctors were misled into believing they were non-addictive. Vita shares her personal experience of feeling like a "zombie" while on pain medications. She made the conscious decision to seek alternative methods to manage her pain and reclaim her life.

Finding Alternative Ways to Cope

When doctors told Vita she had to "learn to live with pain," she explored other ways to manage it. She emphasizes that pain management isn't about eliminating pain entirely but learning to live a fulfilling life despite it. Through lifestyle changes, mindset shifts, and goal setting, she found a way to thrive.

The Psychological Toll of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain affects every aspect of life—work, relationships, and financial stability. Vita explains how many people turn to substances like opioids and alcohol to cope, but these methods only complicate the problem. She helps her clients break free from these crutches and adopt healthier coping mechanisms.

The Power of Mindset and Goal Setting

Vita believes that shifting from "I can't" to "I can" is crucial. Setting small, achievable goals each day—like getting out of bed, preparing a meal, or making a phone call—can build confidence and momentum. Over time, these steps help individuals reclaim their independence and sense of purpose.

The Importance of Gratitude and Positivity

Dr. Lycka and Vita discuss the power of gratitude in overcoming adversity. Vita emphasizes starting each day with thankfulness, focusing on what one can do rather than what they can't. She believes that gratitude fosters happiness and resilience in the face of chronic pain.

The Role of Laughter and Joy

Smiling and laughter release endorphins, which help improve mood and reduce stress. Vita shares how small joys—like watching her pets, enjoying nature, or reading a funny book—have helped her maintain a positive outlook. She encourages others to seek out sources of happiness, no matter how small.

How Vita Lives a Fantastic Life

Despite living with RSD in multiple parts of her body, including her eyes, Vita has built a fulfilling life. She credits goal setting, gratitude, and a positive mindset as key factors in her ability to thrive. She hopes to inspire others to find happiness despite their pain.

How to Get Got Pain? Now What?

Vita’s book Got Pain? Now What? is available at bookstores and online, including Amazon. It provides guidance for navigating chronic pain without relying on medications.

Connect with Vita Oyler

• Website: www.navigatingpain.com
• Social Media: Find her on Facebook and Instagram under Got Pain? Now What?

BIO:

Vita Oyler is a Rehabilitation Counselor who specializes in chronic pain and the author of Got Pain? Now What? She has had chronic pain for over 35 years, after sustaining an injury which led to the development of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or RSD (a chronic painful condition that has no known cure). She is an expert in navigating through her own pain which has enabled her to live a full and successful life. 

Social Media:

Website at navigatingpain.com, Facebook at Got Pain?Now What?