How I cope with my pain;

[Guest guest]

Hi all:

I haven't posted in ages. My husband had hernia surgery and

that disrupted my posting habits. I'm glad I'm back because I just

found an incredible amount of comfort here, reading your experiences.

I feel like someone else understands and I'm not alone.

I'm on MS Contin, but am still in a lot of pain. I'm beginning to think there's

no real control of this for me. I don't want the pain pump and that's the next

logical step. I might be stuck like this forever.

I cope by trying to still be myself despite all of it. I refuse to let

depression run my life. I can't take anti-depressants because of my

glaucoma, so I've got to use mind control to stay somewhat in control

of how I feel mentally.

I'd like to suggest that all of you develop a creative outlet,

something to get your mind off your pain for a while. I'm an oil

painter and poet. The only time I truly lose track of pain is when

I'm painting. It's hard to get myself actually painting, but once I

do, time flies and my mind is preoccupied and not focused on itself

and how my nerve endings feel so raw.

Why not try some type of outlet yourself? It helps so much. Alot of

different things can work, like crocheting, knitting, macrame,

anything that's relaxing. Refuse to believe that you can't be

creative. That's a huge problem for a lot of us. We all have creative

instincts in something. We just need to experiment and find our own

enjoyment in this world.

That way, it won't be so painful that we feel isolated from society.

Creative work is often done alone, so the world can be on standby

while you're creating your own beauty in your world. I've got to get

my paints out and get working on my eagle. I just had to share this.

Love, Joan

[Guest guest]

Joan wrote:

> I'd like to suggest that all of you develop a

> creative outlet, something to get your mind off your

pain for a while. I'm an oil painter and poet. The

only time I truly lose track of pain is when I'm

painting.

Hi Joan

It's nice to hear from you. I hope your husband is

recovers quickly, from surgery.

You are absolutely correct, that we each must find

ways to cope with our pain. I'm so glad painting is a

way for you to forget about your pain, for a little

while.

I find that reading, moderating this group, and doing

research for this group help me cope. I have a few

very dear friends on line, who are worth their weight

in gold.

I personally, don't have a talent for artistic

creativity, other than clapping, and cheering for

those who do. Believe me, I do clap and cheer, because

it would be a very, very sad world without art.

If I am watching a TV program, or a movie, I try and

stick with comedies, suspense, action/adventure etc.

and avoid anything that is sad.

One way to forget our own troubles, is to do something

for someone else. It doesn't need to be a grand

gesture, just something as simple as a kind thank you

to a very busy cashier, or waitress is helpful.

We can never, ever become our pain. I refuse to let

pain win.

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