When we are in constant pain, our minds deal with situation through distraction. This is why you may find yourself being more forgetful (where are my keys, why did I come in this room). I have severe spinal stenosis and I try to keep my mind occupied through hobbies, watching a movie or videos, chatting online, teaching English or otherwise staying busy anyway I can since my mobility is limited.

The more distracted you are, the less your mind focuses on your pain. While this is not always practicable, even small hobbies such as coin collecting, sewing, knitting, fixing things, painting, or doing minor chores can help occupy your mind.

Comments or other suggestions? 😊

I know how you feel. I get headaches all the time and constant nausea. I find pain so hard

Every day is not a pleasant day. Right now I'm watching on TV "God will give you peace in a chaotic world" with David Jeremiah. You've heard, what goes in comes out (computer lingo) What are you telling yourself? I found if I feed myself fear, that's wBhat I feel. When I'm happy I feed love and the good comes out. That's why we need good support so when we're down we don't feed fear. We let our friends lift us up. I learned that many yrs. ago in a support group and USE it. That's just one, you need many tools. Oh, I also stopped listening to the news again. Everytime I turned it on someone was killed. You need to do the basics like eat good stuff. Since Don died I had to relearn that one. Actually just had to do it, I already knew it. Big for us in pain, get enough sleep. My biggest enemy. Between my emotions and Pepsi, it's squirrely. For me trusting God. The talk is easy but the walk is a different story: do it. I was brought up to be sufficient so letting go is tough sometimes. And know it will never be the same as your previous life, emotionally, physically or spiritually. At least most of us, there are some miracles. On a day to day basis, have a good friend you can trust to speak your truth to. May be a support person. And let them speak truth to you without tuning out! Learn new ways to have joy. Medication is just part of feeling better. Take suggestions and try. Sure it hurts but the help will be better in the long run! Start small so you don't overload your system with pain. Cuz then you'll just say never again. Time takes time. It takes practice which takes time. What I am today has to do with what I did yesterday. Just my thoughts and ideas. I do these things. A little this and a little that and they add up.

Hi Jennylyn. My name is Darlene and pain and other health issues have changed my life as well. I can still walk short distances and do errands, but have to rest in between. I used to get so angry, then I was diagnosed with cancer at 66. I am doing well cancer wize, but it was overwhelming and made me stronger. I put each day in God's hands. On good days I try and do things, even if I pay for it later. On bad days I just rest without guilt etc.. If family or friends have parties I don't go if my pain is bad and have told them not to take it personal. It took 66 years & cancer to to do what I need for myself and not worry about everyone. It's very hard, but if you need to vent I am here. I

Jennylyn123 hi I’ve the body skin nerves on my arms and back of my legs. I have spinal stenosis. Amongst lots more pain I smile through the pain to get through my day I’ve very good friends too you’ll find what you can think of a hobby I like knitting take care luv Lorraine xx