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As a result of being born with bi-lateral hip dysplasia, I’ve single-handedly and silently endured this condition and chronic pain for my whole life.
My understanding about what it’s like to navigate these waters has inspired me to write Silent Courage and share what I have learned on my journey.
Silent Courage is available on Amazon (paperback), Barnes & Noble, Nook, Kindle, and SmashWords. To complement my book, I have designed creative workshops, classes, and a variety of events regarding pain and wellness. Let’s plan something together. Contact me for more information and availability.
Photo credit: Tony Carosella
As a watercolor artist, I created my book’s cover. The painting is available to purchase as a print in My Artwork. A portion of the sales will go to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute to fund research and provide education.
American Chronic Pain Association’s Chronicle article August 2015. “Stories of Changing Attitudes and Treatments” page 2.
The September 2014 issue of the American Chronic Pain Association’s Chronicle featured me in an article.
Photo by: Michelle Murdock Poat
I have been a long-time fan of this publication, and it’s exciting to now grace their pages. Check out page 6 for the story on how I, along with a few creative and courageous others, use art to manage our chronic pain.
All Content: © 2016 Mary Byrne Eigel
Mary Byrne Eigel 
Great story! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.
thanks for being public! the more of us who tell our stories, the closer we get to being really, truly heard – and making a difference for the chronicbabes who come after us. hugs!
Jeni, Thanks for your encouraging words. The whole process of telling my story,which was shrouded in secrecy, has been an amazing healing journey for myself and perhaps a have some value for others. Blessings. Mary
Thank you for sharing! It is such an encouragement to others who are in chronic pain to know that we are not alone as we face these battles.
Amen! No one should have to navigate these brutal waters alone. You have a great website! Kudos for you for finding the ways you have been able to gift others because of your pain journey. Mary
Hi class mate, nice blog will check it often. Al Blount
Thanks Al. Good things coming.
Beth, just wanted to check. Thank you for your attempt to comment;-)
I am just so happy for you. I know all the work you put into this project. BRAVO!!
Beth, thanks. I know you know what went into this. I have so much gratitude for the team of folks, including yourself, who made it possible to bring this dream to life.
Hello Mary Byrne. This is Patricia Doyle. I believe we were in the same class. I am going to check out your book. I remember your smile.
Pat, made my morning to see your comment. Do I recall that you are out west? Still toe tappin? Love if you want to check the book out, there are actually several chapters about Founders. (No Footlights) How are you doing?
Hi Mary. I bought your book for my Kindle. Just the first page tells me what a good writer you are. I’m sure I’m going to enjoy the book. Happy to find it. I still live out west. Not toe tappin anymore because of course, I married a guy who doesn’t like to dance much. Oh well. I like him just the same. Mom passed away in October – I miss her terribly. My sister and her family live out her, which is really nice. I have two great nieces — instead of having my own children — so that works out. What’s up with you?
Pat, wonderful. Do hope you enjoy. I will send you an e-mail with more info.
Mrs. Eigel, my name is Anthony Baptista I am a surviving member of chronic pain I was shot while on duty working a security detail. I have worked both as a Paramedic and as a Health Care Educator so when I became a Pain Management patient it was then I witnessed the strange looks and could hear the name calling such as drug seeker and pill head I am sure you have as well. My health declined over the next several months I have MS and Diabetes so healing from 8 surgeries in 11 months was nearly impossible for me to do, had it not been for my wife – son and my faith in God death would have not come to soon. I had my last surgery on Feb 4th 2015 it was for a IT-Pump these pain pumps normally take about 1 to to years to qualify for both with insurance and going through the treating doctors “Plan” if you will. I take issue with some policies especially when your paying 40.00 co-pays twice a month or getting injections that doctors bill 9000.00 for. I was in such bad shape that I knew if I did not change doctors I would die with in months, I was blessed to meet my new doctor last Nov 19th 2014 and with in 1 week we made the mutual decision to go with the pain pump even though I was weak from the 8 previous abdominal surgeries.I told my doctor about 2 minutes before they put me to sleep on the O.R. table that if I made it through surgery and the pump worked enough I would focus my energy on – educating the public and redirecting the attitudes of our Health Care Providers using my skills – education and life experience . So while I have been getting my strength back these past 4 months I have kept that promise. Chronicpainsociety.com has been created and it has taken off. I wanted to have a educational website but with a twist so I decided to invest in to a Internet Radio Station that is totally a Talk Radio genre’, we run Pain Management podcast from experts in the field. I research all material before it is approved and I am getting close to starting our live talk show which will be on Tuesday Nights and Saturday Evenings from 7:00 PM Till 8:00 PM. plus starting on September 5 2015 VoiceAmerica.com has invited me on to Host a show once a week dedicated to on chronic pain on Saturday Mornings for one hour. I am in the process of inviting great people like yourself that has given so much comfort to other chronic pain patients, I have not had the honor to read your book and I would love to even if you decline to appear on my show. I was hoping at the same time when I order your book could you sign it for me 🙂 You can reach me through my website or email anytime. God Bless Tony Baptista
Tony, Bless you and your work. There is such a need for educational information and readily available resources that go beyond the traditional needles, knives and narcotics. I would be happy to send you a copy of my book and sign it for you. E-mail me your address.
Congratulations. Living with pain is such a mixed experience. You have clearly navigated it well.
Michael, thank you for your comment. Being born with pain, and never knowing my body without it, I realize my perspective is different. So grateful to be on the pain-free side of things. But it takes work to stay here. You have a great website. Thankful you have found your voice and are sharing. Isn’t the process of focused writing amazing? I spent 40 year as an artist, but know that I never processed my life through art as much as I have through writing. Namaste.
Mary,
As I was reading your daughter’s blog, I came across your book. I’m looking forward to reading about your journey from pain to wellness, as I retired from DePaul University’s soccer team after tearing my ACL for the third time.
Would you be willing to connect over email? I’d love to share your story and connect further.
Talk soon,
~Bianca
Biana, I would be happy to connect. My email is on the top right. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Great job Mary. Your special insight brings this issue to light beautifully. I look forward to more of these great books!
Jeanne, Thank you for your comment. It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears doing Silent Courage. After I was done, a professional counselor, who was reviewing the book, noted that what I had done was Narrative Therapy. I had never heard the term, but knew that I had cleared some major debris from my system. I am loving presenting “Mining your Soul Story” workshops for others. It is so healing.
I am now busy with writing and illustrating children’s books. My second site is: https://sailerseries.com/