Unfortunately, even kids can get chronic pain conditions. Here’s an interview with a 10 year old girl who has chronic pain.
How to Cope with Pain: Can you tell us a little about you?
“L”: I’m 10. I have a cat and a hamster. My stomach started hurting in 2005.
HTCWP: What has been your personal experience with pain?
L: My pain started when my appendix blew up. I still have pain almost every day.
HTCWP: What have been your treatments for pain, for example, medication, procedures, etc?
L: I’ve tried different medicines and hypnosis.
HTCWP: What has been the most difficult part of your experience?
L: The actual pain itself has been the hardest.
HTCWP: Have there been any “silver linings” - positive things - that have come from the experience?
L: The hospital food was good.
HTCWP: What’s been helpful in learning to cope with having chronic pain? Do you use, for example, breathing or relaxation exercises? What atttitude do you have about your pain condition?
L: I use breathing, relaxing, heat packs, and baths. I try to ignore it. My attitude is mostly happy. I feel yucky and kind of annoyed when I’m in pain.
HTCWP: I’ve written several blogs on family issues when someone has pain. How do you think your family has dealt with your situation? What do your parents do to help? Anything they do that isn’t helpful?
L: They remind me to do my “tricks” from hypnosis, and use the heat pack or breathe when I’m in pain. I don’t like when they suggest things that I know don’t work, like rubbing my stomach.
HTCWP: How do your friends react to your situation?
L: They know I still have pain, so if I need a break or something, they’ll give me it.
HTCWP: Any other thoughts you’d like to share?
L: My advice would be to find something that distracts you. I like to use my laptop or watch TV. And when I can’t get distracted, baths help a lot.
Thanks very much for sharing your experience!! -HTCWP
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1 response so far ↓
jeisea // Mar 7, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Hi.
You’re a brave young lady and very wise. I use distraction and warm baths as well. Have you tried epson salts in the bath. Be careful if you spill any on the floor as it makes the floor slippery. You can also add any smelly stuff you like eg lavender oil or bubble bath.
I find it very helpful to make a list of things that help. That way when you’re having a worse day you can see if there’s something that’s helped you before. Chances are it will help again.
Happy thoughts
jeisea
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