Posted by David McDonald (62.172.63.130) on July 30, 1999 at 13:36:46:
Thanks to those who put me straight regarding my message on exclusion by language. The replies I've read make me feel wanted and part of the community, love to you all! Umm, yes I was a tad on edge when I sent it, but I'm glad I did cause of the warm of the replies! I have not had a pain free day in over twenty plus years and mild mannered me has this narky alter ego that comes out of its cage and roars when it's hurting.
What interests me is the possibility of keeping what is essentially a physical pain a physical pain and not escalating it into emotional and mental pain. Let me expand a bit: a good friend of mine has had a chronic illness for some years now. But what troubles her the most is the depression generated by her illness. As for me, I seem to work harder keeping myself on an even keel emotionally and mentally (not always with success!) than I do controlling the pain. One thing I have found is that feelings are generated by thoughts. Once negative emotions have taken hold they are difficult to budge, but I've found that by storing up good things to think about during the high level times I can keep resonably positive.
Well, I'm going to post this message now and make use a pain free window to get a bit of work done. Warm thoughts and good feeling to you all.
David McDonald