Thanks Debi!

Sven sounded in need of a pick-me-up and it seemed just the thing. I was glad for the reminder to think on beautiful places. :)

mmmm...that was nice...just got back from 12 days there and it was perfect...Hanalei is my Bae

sven

Sven, no wonder you are feeling bummed. It is always hard leaving paradise...

Sorry guys, I couldn't resist going a bit off topic with that beach post. It did say to paint word pictures...and Sven here is at fault for bringing up Kauai. ;)

At any rate it reminds me how effective a little positive visualization is for giving oneself a change of focus. :)

WOW!!! Littlepaw that was an amazing visual. Thank you for taking us away from the pain on that imaginary vacation. I really needed it today. I will be looking for my Trip to the beach relaxation tape and putting it back in use.
:-)
gratefully,
zinnia

Obviously--
 

--Littlepaw frequents much nicer locales than I do.

Mine would more likely start:

"You step outside the door and notice the trash bags have been ripped open again. The pile shows definite signs of either raccoons or opossums or both having climbed to the top, drawn by the smell of decaying vegetables. You wonder when the co-op staff is going to purchase those metal bins that had been budgeted for last spring . . ." :D

That was great!
 

Thanks for the badly needed chuckle I got when I read your post. I'm not making light of how annoying that situation is, but the way you described it was poetry to my ears.

Burning too - this is exactly it
 

I used the same picture but said a sand paper wash cloth. 2013 had 2 discs in neck replaced. I was fine. A year later some symptoms came back. I had some neuropathy in my feet post surgery which was new. I figured the burning in my upper body neck arms shoulders face was just life now post surgery. One day my pain and burning usually level 5 went to level infinity head to toe - I showed up in the ER in tears. They admitted my BP was thru the roof from the pain. I was there 3 days - ct scans , MRI my entire spine , blood panels , they gave me gabagetin ( well more of it I was already on it and added topomax ) I am now taking 100 of that it was upped from 50 today because the burning it flaring up more again - I work full time in a Corp job , I have a standing desk due to my neck to fight poor posture , I hate taking narcotics but sometimes have to to sleep or just deal/ I'm scared what the future holds - I'm 45 with 2 kids - this is effecting me terribly - not active - overweight ( not diabetic ) just feel burning and my limbs feel heavy like a child is hanging on to my ankle trying to keep me from leaving - it's a miserable existence and the chronic pain is leading to depression. My neuro has no clue is recommending I go to Mayo. I just don't know how I got here and sure as heck don't want to stay here - tortured existence

Powerful Illustration!
 

Thanks so much for starting this thread.
For me, it truly illustrates how much influence our thoughts, our imagery, can have an effect upon us.

Our conditions involve some serious discomfort (an understatement, for sure).
I have often used imagery to relate the sensations so others, especially doctors, can understand. I have found this approach helpful with some friends and family, as well.

I was reading along and was very interested in everyone's responses.
Before I was reading, I was in some pain I'd rate at a 4 on a scale of 0-10.
As I read along with the responses, I became much more aware of my own pain and my pain level felt it had increased to a 7-8. I then read Littlepaw's imagery, which was very different, and the awareness of my pain then dropped back down to a 5 or so.

I am grateful for this thread and for all of the great responses.
It's been an important reminder to me. We can, at least some of the time, have some impact upon our perception of pain using powerful imagery.

Love All Around,
:grouphug: