@donnellysdogs That's a good idea staying in a hotel to relax.
I've taken it for granted that I have a major hospital 10 miles away, with specialist units for pancreas and just about everything else: something I can be positive about. It's also handy for my wife and others who can easily visit me when I get admitted.
I've been ill and in pain recently, but there are positives:
1. The pain killers work (they haven't always)
2. I also use mindfulness* to reduce my chronic pain
3. I can't eat solids, but the food supplements I've been given are quite nice (Scandi shake), compared to Fortisips which are normally prescribed - very artificial tasting and loaded with sugar. It's definitely better than being on a feeding tube (had that several times).
4. The timing is quite good, because I've been waiting for a CT scan to find out what's going on: this is due on Friday.
*I know a few of you have mentioned how mindfulness helps. For a taster, try the free trial of the Headspace app (it's expensive after the 10 day trial). I learnt from a book with an audio CD of exercises: “Mindfulness for Health: A practical guide to relieving pain, reducing stress and restoring wellbeing” by Danny Penman and Vidyamala Burch. It's recommended by the British Medical Association and explains the science behind mindfulness and pain relief. It's based around an 8 week course, but I found substantial benefits after 4 weeks. The book is the bestseller on mindfulness on a certain, well known website!
The book helped me reduce the amount of painkillers (Cocodamol and Zydol) was taking from the maximum allowed to occasional use of Cocodamol only. In addition, I didn't realise how stressed and anxious I was until I learnt to relax (my wife and others noticed the difference).
Hugs to all from me too! (Thanks to
@Kat100 for the idea.)
