Laughter is an important therapy. I watch cartoons (mostly Looney Tunes), old movies, screwball comedies, comedy on cable. 20-30 minutes of (belly) laughter twice a day can produce therapeutic levels of endorphins.

I couldn't say why, but whereas movies can help distract me from pain, reading cannot. I miss reading. Audio books don't do it either. Maybe it's the visual component, as music can soothe, but not distract me (enough). I miss playing my guitar as well.

I find interactive distractions work better for me than passive ones. Designing quilts, embroidery designs/patterns, (DW does the sewing/construction part), writing...

When things are too severe, and/or all else fails, Ol' Furface is here for hugging & rocking. He's learned to pick up things I drop (like the remotes), or fetch my slippers. I taught him how to grab/hug my finger with his toepads, and he puts his paws on my leg or in my hand and gives me a gentle hug/squeeze. (I don't fool/deceive myself—he wants a noogie for his trouble, but that's ok.)

Coping With Chronic Pain

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