Measure the Pain

Years ago, my doctor told me about a little trick I can use to figure out what kinds of actions are appropriate. I have long stopped using this, but it can be helpful. I can’t even remember what he called it, but I will call it “using the ruler”. You take a regular 1-10 scale. 1 represents I feel fantastic. 5 represents I am ok. 10 represents not only is the pain so bad that I need morphine-but I can not move.

On days where you are a 1 and feeling great, you are welcome to do whatever it is you wish to do. Keep in mind, that this may get you into trouble on subsequent days – as they often can trigger a crash. But enjoy how you are feeling. Try not to question it to much. Just smile, and have a good one.

On 5 days – get done what you need to do. Don’t overwhelm yourself with petty details. If things don’t work according to plan, let it go. It’s really no big deal if the floor doesn’t get washed right this minute. Alternate your must do errands and chores with something nice. Some relaxing music, 15 minutes in your garden, a bubble bath. The balance here is really important.

On 10 days – managing your pain is what this day is all about. I have had some 10 days – I don’t get them often. I think I can count early fall 2007 was the first time in 10 years, where I could consider myself ever having pain classified as 10. The only thing that I was able to do, was stay in bed – and have a whole lot of hot showers – because that was the ONLY thing that helped with the pain. Pain killers did not help at that point. I do not feel guilty or remorseful about this. It was the only thing that could be done. So why make yourself feel worse about it.

Here is the breakdown of the ruler/scale.

1-3 I feel fantastic/really good – Let’s Play. Don’t overdo it, but enjoy yourself
4-7 I feel okay. Pain/sickness is bearable. Make sure you balance your must do activities, with some good for you ones.
8-9 I am hurting. Do what you must do, and then come home to rest. You do not want to cause more problems for yourself.
10 The pain is awful, I can barely lift my head off the pillow. Call in sick. Leave household chores undone. Tell the kids that they can eat frozen pizza and twinkies for dinner.

**Picture Source – flickr