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.

covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | May 8, 2023

In reply to @rwinney "@covidstinks2023 - just came across this and thought of you..." + (show)

Thank you! Amen to that!

ahl | @ahl | May 8, 2023

In reply to @pootybooty1 "I was doing pain management.. I'm no longer taking the opioid. I have had 3 rounds..." + (show)

I’ve had several obligations with good results. The downside for me is that you have to go under anesthesia and the results, although good, are not permanent.

Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | May 9, 2023

In reply to @sadivari "Music.....from the 40's and 50's....reminds me of my father." + (show)

Hi there Sue in Georgia, welcome. I'm with you, music is a great distraction from pain. Reminiscing back to the 40s and '50s and remembering your father must be very special.

A brain vacation, as I call it, allows for such a pleasant escape. I use Amazon's Alexa and listen to all kinds of music. Going back through different genres and associating memories is a nice trip. Have you ever been so much in your brain about pain that you don't even hear lyrics to a song? I have. Practicing mindfulness helps me stay in the present. I've gotten better at focusing on the song and listening to the words.

Meditation music is great for calming symptoms. Do you use music for distraction only during the day, or at night as well? Have you ever considered practicing meditation?

SueinGeorgia | @sadivari | May 9, 2023

In reply to @rwinney "Hi there Sue in Georgia, welcome. I'm with you, music is a great distraction from pain...." + (show)

My husband is not a fan of music so I listen in the car and every night before I go to sleep. It calms me because no matter how old the song I can remember every word. If it's just music without lyrics I "play" name that tune. I see how fast I can identify the song. I had a bit of a scare yesterday. I'm 72, but has always been young 70ish. I was making brownies to take to my ladies group and in the middle of the recipe I could not understand the instructions. I've been baking for 55 years or so. It was such a simple step but I drew a blank on what it meant. I believe it's coming from stress and the pain. It's frustrating to tell people...."Hey I think I have a problem here" and no one cares, they just ignore you. when you call your therapist for an appointment and you're told "I don't think I can help you anymore, you're just depressed". Not a very good therapist not to recognize that I'm not just depressed...