pain and management

[Guest guest]

I have been well aware of the ten point scale for pain management for a

long time. It has become useful in working with both my regular doctors,

as well as emergency care workers.

I do have a very low pain threshold. My doctors know this and realize

this. One theory is that the reinnervation I have has created a

different neural wiring circuitry. Who knows. I can 'suck it up' on the

ten point scale to about a 6. (this is a time when I need ice and rest)

If I ignore that, by the time I get to 7, I am crying and starting to

rant for additive medication. Most of the time my CMT pain is limited to

my feet and I have learned how to manage that using one medication, ice

and rest and meditation. That is nerve pain. Muscle pain does not have

nearly as high effect on me.

The two times (that I remember so well) I ended up in emergency care

were 1) for the onset of Rheumatic Fever attacking my joints and 2) for

the worsening of back problems originating with a herniated disc. Both

times not only was I crying, but screaming.

These two outward vocalizations are definite signs I can no longer

manage my pain efficiently. In crying and screaming, I also think that

intensified my pain because it was all I could focus on.

The medical providers I see are well aware of my low pain threshold and

have seen me at my worst AND at my best; in between, as I 'suck it up'

they have told me they can even 'see it on my face' that I am having

more pain than I admit to. I suppose a lifetime of 'sucking it up' has

at first got me to deny my pain has increased and also on the other

hand, has given me a 'wait and see' attitude - first using the pain

management tools I was given.

Having a low pain threshold is just part of who I am. I am not

embarrassed, ashamed, nor have difficulty communicating what pain level

I am at. Unfortunately, for 9 years I was embarrassed and ashamed of my

physical pain and turned way from professional help to just 'drink it

away'. All that did was just get me drunk for one more day.

I am very grateful I don't have to live like that anymore and while the

last 23 years have had their share of pain, I have sought the best

medical care and found the most understanding doctors to help me. And

that has resulted in a good combination. My current aquatics program is

working so well on creating the flow of my natural body's pain killers;

and this is such a joy.

~ Gretchen