Monday, August 24, 2009
Looking for Suggestions
Okay, so I am still in pain, and except for trips to the restroom I am pretty much bed-bound at the moment. I am watching TV and DVD's, I have been reading (as much as I can concentrate with the pain), praying and getting on-line very briefly. I have a puzzle book which I am going to give a try for a change of pace. I am wondering what all of you do when you are sick, in a flare or in pain to occupy your time and to try to take focus off what hurts? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
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7 comments:
Aw, you poor thing. I have been on-and-off still with blogging, and have been bad about keeping up with my blogging friends because of my own non-headache craziness this summer... I'm so sorry to read that you're not well.
I'm going to read back through your entries to catch up, but I was going to suggest a crossword puzzle book but it seems like you already have that set :) It definitely keeps your mind active and takes it away from what's going on, if at least for a little while!
xoxo
You've already mentioned a lot of the standards. I also turn to prayer, play encouraging or relaxing music (The Psalms set to music are especially soothing) or listen to books on tape. Sometimes a good fiction story can mentally transport me away from my reality for a while, and by doing just audio, there is less to process than trying to watch a movie - sometimes it lets me fall asleep, and sometimes I can just "daydream" along with the story.
A book of beautiful artwork can also be a useful distraction. {hug} Or some of those Discovery channel type shows where there is just a lot of nature, like wildlife or flowers and stuff set to music. Sometimes you can find videos like that from the library too.
Maureen,
After my January 2008 surgery (which was botched and left me in terrible, terrible shape), I was laid up for quite awhile. I was in excruciating pain and couldn't walk unassisted. I spent a lot of time lying on the couch. I didn't even make it to the table for meals. I was in absolute agony!
Thank goodness I found something to distract me from the pain and take my mind off of one of the most difficult times of my life. I read all seven Harry Potter books back to back.
I cannot tell you how much the Harry Potter books helped me. After years and years of reading just medical books, medical journals, medical research, newsletters from medical organizations... I was finally reading for pleasure.
I hadn't simply read for pleasure in years. I had forgotten how enjoyable reading for pleasure could be. The Harry Potter books were perfect for taking my mind off the pain, distracting me from my problems, using my imagination to picture what I was reading about, and to literally escape to another world.
Those Harry Potter books helped me at one of the lowest times of my life. Did they take my pain away? Of course not. Even the narcotics I was taking at the time were doing nothing for the pain. However, reading the books did help take the edge of the pain by distracting me, making me laugh, and drawing me into the world the books presented.
I am very grateful I read the Harry Potter books when I did. By the time I read them, all seven books were out. I honestly don't know how people stood the suspense when they finished a Harry Potter book and then had to wait for the next book to be published. I am grateful to have been able to read all of the books straight through... back to back.
J.K. Rowling is an amazing writer.
Jeanne
Maureen,
This post that I wrote on my blog yesterday describes what I do when I have a flare. I hope it helps you.
I am so sorry you feel so bad. My suggestions are limited.
When I am feeling sick, I like to lay on the couch and watch Star Trek (tos), Lost in Space, or a classic movies. I also like to visit those other cats who visit my cat blog! Though, when I get depressed that can be hard to do.
Maureen - you've won my giveaway! Please stop by here to find out more: http://thewrittenword.wordpress.com/2009/08/30/winners-of-austen-addict-giveaway/
I'm sorry that you're hurting. I turned to coloring with a lovely brand new box of Crayola crayons. The smell brought back memories. I didn't need to think, just be creative and it was actually relaxing. (((HUGS))
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