How I cope with my pain

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I agree about the value of creativity as well. I am new to this group and am

most impressed with the kindness you show one another!

After I became virtually chair-bound, I tried a new hobby that had always sort

of been at the back of my mind. I took up woodcarving.

You, were you sensible, think, why would someone with poor muscle control and a

tendency to be spastic want to play with sharp knives?

I have been really pleased to find I am rather good at it! I feel a little more

valuable as a person because I can make something I like! I am more cheerful

because I am doing something I want to do! I get so caught up in the process I

can almost forget everything else for a while.

The carving is very small, very gentle and not too stressful to my body.

Holding the same position for too long is the downside, but that happens because

I " forget " I am disabled for a while. I would love to see others enjoy the same

escape!

Elise

[Guest guest]

I have a liver condition along with a spinal condition and rheumatoid

arthritis that is very painful. Many pain medications I've tried have caused

problems with the liver. Right now I'm taking a low dose pain med but I have

gone for years with taking nothing.

I've learned many ways of dealing with the pain and distraction is the

best. Listening to tapes helped me to relax and fall asleep. Sewing even a

small project made me feel good about myself. Cleaning the kitchen is an all

day project because I have to stop and lie down and get control of the pain.

Some people think I'm torturing myself but not so. It shows me I can still

do many things, it just takes longer. Reading the Bible and praying is the

most help and I really enjoy reading about Biblical history.

Attitude is also important. Each morning when we awake, we must decide are

we going to be master of the pain or are we going to allow the pain to

master us?

Does anyone else believe in Mind over body? I remember years ago giving

birth to a big 12 lb boy with no anesthesia. When a contraction would start

I would start counting the dots on the ceiling and get so involved I felt no

pain. I learned that method with giving birth to my first child and it

worked with all six.

My heart goes out to all chronic pain people and you're right, no one else

can truly understand your pain. I've often had my grown daughter ask why I'm

so bitchy when I didn't realize it showed. I tell her the pain is great and

let it go at that.

I hope you all Have a happy New Year and less pain. Warm hugs.

judy

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

Thank you for your lovely note! I can agree that you can use mind over

matter to conquer, or, at least, ignore pain, but only to a certain level.

Tension, an ever present part of living always makes it worse. I sometimes

think I am doing all right until one of the kids asks me why I am scowling so

much! I also find I am extra clumsy when I hurt a lot, as I try to cut corners

and tip or drop things.

I have good pain meds now and so am no longer stuck in my chair. I thank God

for them and for an understanding doctor every day. I have regained so much I

thought was out of my reach for the rest of my life with the relief from the

right medication.

I can walk around the house and do most of the things I need to keep the house

running, can go out with my rollator and I enjoy life so much more! I know some

of my family think I am a druggie, but I cannot let them make my choices.

You are so right that the satisfaction of a clean kitchen, or something that you

were able to make makes us feel so good and feel we have some value. I tried to

get past the ethic that people who don't produce something have little value

when I couldn't do anything, but did not succeed. I am far more tolerant of

doing " nothing " than I used to be, but that's a hard way to live.

I also confess my attitude isn't what it could be when I am in a lot of pain,

LOL! I had no idea I could be so grouchy! I hope we all learn more everyday

about coping and tolerance! Happy New Year!

Elise

>Granny wrote:

I've learned many ways of dealing with the pain and distraction is the

best. Listening to tapes helped me to relax and fall asleep.