mrsD I totally agree! Swelling for me is my biggest concern. If I can keep my weight to my ideal BMI, keep the swelling in my ankles/feet down plus keep diet soda to zero the pain is so much less!

What ever you want to call it, distraction or separation, I strongly believe that pain and discomfort can not be our only focus even though we face it continually. At first it was for me, but I have resumed my passion for outdoor activities (have altered a few). Once I get moving I forget that my feet are numb and though I can't hike 20 miles I can probably do 3 or 4. I have other interests and passions that keep my mind active. I check this forum very often but I also go on other forums according to interests that have nothing to do with medical stuff. I hope the summer weather is benefitting everyone. So far it's working for me. (Or is it the supplements)lol! I'm hiking in a rocky creek bed tonight. I wouldn't recommend it, but it really helps to keep me coordinated.

I call it retail therapy. I was at Kohl's looking at shoes. Then I realized time had gone by and I hadn't thought about pain. If I were not on pain pills I don't think anything would distract me. I do have quite bit of pain. I feel like this is a heavy weight on my thigh. Sometimes I even feels the bed covers on me.

http://www.futurity.org/health-medic...brains-memory/
http://www.futurity.org/health-medic...hts-elsewhere/

Two articles two read. They are stating what we already know. Taking your mind off pain will help. I can't find the article but I read somewhere that they did a study on people with chronic pain and made half do math problems and other half do regular activities. The one that solved the math problems had a local pain score. The explanation is that the brain has a hard time processing pain signals while multitasking.

Think of it like driving a car and talking on the phone. Your brain can’t give full attention to the road.
This is a perfect example.




http://www.futurity.org/science-tech...while-driving/

Yes! distraction works alot of time. If I can get to a "just OK" in pain levels, everything from the dishes, to a good book helps me to cope. I also investigate new music on line that is so weird it takes you to other locations around the world. Try Tuvan thoat singing for example, your amazement will surely take your mind of just about anything. I do all I can to get my mind off the pain. It is not always so successful, but it is alot of the time. Get involved with as much as you can. I wish all of you in pain, all my best. I am glad we have NT to come to. ginnie