What Distracts You From the Pain?

Sorry about your numbness @tingling did the Dr remove those screws and replace them with smaller ones ?

@jomo2000 Thank you for sharing how you were injured. It helps to have some history. Special needs folks take a lot of patience. It takes a special person to work with them.
My spinal issues come from heavy lifting for years and a broken femur at 20 which left one leg 1/2 inch shorter-I am now 66.
Chronic pain is not for wimps.

@jomo2000, thank you for sharing your story with us, and you can never share too much with us in the community. I am sorry to hear about how you sustained your injury. Here is another discussion I think you may be interested in checking out, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/surgical-solutions-to-chronic-cervicalback-pain/. In that discussion you can meet members talking all about cervical/back surgeries and recovery, failures, coping mechanisms.

@jomo2000, if you don't mind me asking another question based on this discussion, what sort of activities do you do to distract you from the pain? I play guitar, video games, and exercise as much as possible (when I am not having joint or hemophilia-related issues).

Hi @JustinMcClanahan , thank you for suggesting the site, I will definitely check it out! And, thank you, with reaching out to help. It does mean a lot to me, I am truly grateful. I don't mind questions! My activities in the winter for pain distraction are light housekeeping, snuggling with my 2 cats, my sanity keepers!, and baking for others, when I'm able. In the spring, I enjoy gardening, although, besides the known pain, my balance has gotten much worse, which causes me to fall. I normally end up sitting in the flowers amongst the bees, so far friendly bees! I used to enjoy going for walks, although now, I must have someone with me.. I recently purchased trekking poles so I can take walks by myself. I'm ready to try out the poles. One activity I did take up last spring was voice lessons. I do love to sing, however the multi surgeries did a number on my gag reflex, also swallowing. The lessons did help with strengthening, but I needed to suspend the lessons due to my financial situation vs medical bills. It Will get better..
What type of guitar music do you enjoy playing, @JustinMcClanahan? Again, thank you.

Your post almost brings me to tears for both good and bad reasons. I can not imagine having no support, but actual passive aggressive behavior towards my maladies is unimaginable. that makes me want to cry for you and then I want to cry for all of the amazing support I get from my spouse. Please use us for support that you are not finding at home. It is certainly not as comforting, but is better than being alone and isolated with your pain.

Okay, my age is showing. What is WWF?

I have yet to find a life that is stress free. Drawing and painting help until the thunder above my head startles me back to the real world. Never realized there are so many people with bovine in their gene pool. Presume no one ever instructed them on the art of walking with soft feet. Tis what it tis. Can't change it, can't fix it.

I prefer Prismacolor for my art work. Farber Castell have a harder lead. I am do at what others are doing in adult coloring. Keep thinking I will give a try. When I am able to do any coloring I do my own art work. I belong to a couple of adult coloring groups online where I help others out with technique and materials. I enjoy looking at what others do and don't have an adult coloring book as of yet. I like the grayscale!!

Makes sense since body and mind are connected. Barometric works a number on me. Pressure is dropping now and I can tell. Doppler eat your radar out! 🙂

I tried meditation and it triggered the PTSD. So much for that distraction technique. What helps one may not work for another. Makes for an interesting life. Coming here oft is a distraction. Any one out there feeling used?