Physical Coping Mechanisms

I don't think anyone here would laugh at your coping mechanisms, I certainly wouldn't. Sometimes I pant, too when the pain is so severe. I also do deep breathing constantly to try to get my mind off the pain. It doesn't keep the pain away, but...I don't know I just started deep inhaling and deep exhaling, don't know why really, it's just something I automatically do. I also grab things, I clench my jaw and actually grind my teeth in my sleep. I also know that I tense all my surrounding muscles, but I think I do this automatically, as well. If I such severe pain, say, on my right side (either sciatica down my leg or nerve pain around my outer hips)..then my whole left side tenses. Since I really cant walk putting pressure on the right when that happens, my other muscles are always very tensed in order to use the good side to try to move or walk. And of course I always get horrible muscle spasms. Sometimes it seems like my entire body goes into spasm. I also cry.......I try everything imaginable to try to get somewhat more comfortable, like positioning all sorts of different pillows for lying down, etc. And the things that keep me from totally going insane when in extreme pain...are my kitties! I have a 5 yr. old and a 6 month old kitten. So pets are definitely a HUGE help in coping with most things.

Definitely not laughable. I think what I do is take whatever pain meds. are available (meaning allowed as per doc's orders), get heat or sometimes ice, sometimes call my cousin and cry, or go lie on my bed and cry into my pillow. Sometimes a good cry can help relax you, although sometimes I find I have learned to hold the tears in, and it's tough to let them go.

Also - I put on some relaxing music or a guided imagery tape.

PaLady