What Distracts You From the Pain?

Posted by Jen, Alumna Mentor @sandytoes14, Oct 4, 2016

Hello!
We share what works (and what doesn't) for us as far as medicines and surgeries,etc.
What works for you to give yourself a little break? I'm presently researching family history from the comfort of my recliner.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

@oldkarl

Hi, all f you. I appreciate the question you ask about being distracted from pain. For the past few weeks I have been gathering together as much of my medical history as I can find. I put it in a simple computer file and call Amyloidosis. Because that is the root of most of my pain. Then I put it in a spot where anyone can see and read it. If you wish. http://bit.ly/1w7j4j8 The reason I am saying this here is that this has really helped me ease the pain, just really realizing what is happening. Each time I gather some new info, I add it to the file. i.e., This time, I have the report from a CT done 18 months back. It is very detailed. So I just added the info in, and with each piece I had to stop and think about what it meant. I have a variety of nodules and growths in both lungs, and actually, it rather perturbs me that I did not see all this before. It might be a good practice and sorting-out practice for more of us.

Jump to this post

Hi, Marield65. Actually, ya gotta know that I actually enjoy playing with the computer. Several of the current crop of free word processors provide a spreadsheet or table to work with. Libre Office, Apache, Open Office, Word Perfect, etc. I use either Libre or Open, and get them from FileHippo.com. Libre is perhaps the easiest for me. First thing, though, is to design the way I want the spreadsheet to hold the info. Just don't be in a hurry. Once you start designing it, the rest is easy. Make your header, even if it is just your name. Then I insert a table, maybe 5 columns and 20 rows. Then just start putting stuff in. Want to do it by date? Fine. Go to the proper column, and click on Insert>Date. Follow the directions. If you want to adjust the column width, go to where the mouse shows a t2o-pointed arrow, click, then move the line whichever way. Then go to another column and put in whatever.... "Bee Sting"... or whatever. Then to another column and put in something else. Just keep experimenting and inserting. Tell the computer to insert whatever. Put something in each cell to start.
When you run out of space, INSERT another row, and keep going.
The other easy way is to just write it, in journal or paragraph or letter style. Put in a date, an event, a locale, the outcome, the meds, whatever. That is very easy. If I want to put something in that is already in another area, I copy and paste (electronically, of course) with the mouse. R click, then "copy", then "paste" into wherever. Just do at a couple times, and you will get the hang of it. Remember to "save" your work each time after you make it what you think you want. As far as scanning the work, I rarely do that unless I have a long report or something to put in. This ought to get you started. Just don't worry if you get it wrong. You can always change it.

REPLY
@oldkarl

Hi, all f you. I appreciate the question you ask about being distracted from pain. For the past few weeks I have been gathering together as much of my medical history as I can find. I put it in a simple computer file and call Amyloidosis. Because that is the root of most of my pain. Then I put it in a spot where anyone can see and read it. If you wish. http://bit.ly/1w7j4j8 The reason I am saying this here is that this has really helped me ease the pain, just really realizing what is happening. Each time I gather some new info, I add it to the file. i.e., This time, I have the report from a CT done 18 months back. It is very detailed. So I just added the info in, and with each piece I had to stop and think about what it meant. I have a variety of nodules and growths in both lungs, and actually, it rather perturbs me that I did not see all this before. It might be a good practice and sorting-out practice for more of us.

Jump to this post

Oldkarl, YOU are a computer genius!!!!! I am totally in awe of what you're doing.

I use a computer every day for work, but mostly I use Word and email and Facebook. One client sends me projects that I pick up from DropBox. That's about it for me. I've worked with spreadsheet software before, but only while doing volunteer work for a local art museum. You, sir, have mastered more kinds of software than I've ever heard of! (And, yes, I used to love WordPerfect, much much much more than Word. I haven't seen it around in ages. Is WordPerfect something I can use on my MacBook Pro? And if so, where do I find it? Is it expensive?)

Hazel

REPLY

Hi I love to draw or anything in art.Right now when I need to take my mind of my pain I color with he adult coloring book.I'm presently coloring a calender I'm into June now so half way through.It takes my mind off myself

REPLY
@lioness

Hi I love to draw or anything in art.Right now when I need to take my mind of my pain I color with he adult coloring book.I'm presently coloring a calender I'm into June now so half way through.It takes my mind off myself

Jump to this post

I forgot about my coloring book! It's been a while since I've used it. Thanks for the reminder!

REPLY

I am in the worst pain that I've ever had. My hand and fingers are swollen. I feel my whole body is swollen. I try walking around in the house ever so often. That's about all I can do.

REPLY
@memmpm

I am in the worst pain that I've ever had. My hand and fingers are swollen. I feel my whole body is swollen. I try walking around in the house ever so often. That's about all I can do.

Jump to this post

@memmpm

Do you take any pain medication?

Jim

REPLY
@memmpm

I am in the worst pain that I've ever had. My hand and fingers are swollen. I feel my whole body is swollen. I try walking around in the house ever so often. That's about all I can do.

Jump to this post

Nothing except Tylenol. I was at the doctors yesterday and he said there was nothing else he could give me. I have taken almost everything there is out there and nothing works.

REPLY
@memmpm

I am in the worst pain that I've ever had. My hand and fingers are swollen. I feel my whole body is swollen. I try walking around in the house ever so often. That's about all I can do.

Jump to this post

Tylenol distracts you from your pain. What do you do when the Tylenol distracts you? Curious.

REPLY
@lioness

Hi I love to draw or anything in art.Right now when I need to take my mind of my pain I color with he adult coloring book.I'm presently coloring a calender I'm into June now so half way through.It takes my mind off myself

Jump to this post

If it were not for my paint brushes and pencils I would surely lose my mind. I have tried to encourage others to try coloring and even get together to do so. That only turned into a gossip group. I was in hopes of helping them achieve a new perspective on coloring. I was in hopes of teaching them some new skills. coloring is not only for children. I will continue coloring on my own. When one is surrounded by negativity it is difficult to be positive.
That was negative. Coloring has helped many. Easier for some to sit and stare at a TV. Such a waste.

REPLY

Tylenol doesn't work for me ,it's like candy but Advil does ,also Epsom salt baths

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.