I'm with u- a 6 is good for me. I'm usually an 8. It is distracting-sometimes i feel so restless. It's hard to sleep or do anything at times like those. I'm glad u had a good day!

My pain level varies thoughout the day and I'm always a little distracted by it. I'll wake to an 8 or 9 after meds it drops to the 4 to 6 range then by early afternoon its a 7 to 9, more meds back to a 5 or 6. It's a rollercoaster ride of pain for me and while there are times that I can put it to the back of my mind it's still always there. I can't really remember not being distracted by it. Sometimes if I'm really focused on something I can kind of block it out. Other times it's so bad I can't focus on anything but the pain.

8 is about my normal and I battle every second to stay focus so I can work. I am grateful to hear others who can share and help. I hope I can help others as well, The lack of focus is almost as tough for me as the pain itself. It consumes you

With time comes learning to cope and ability to function through. Mental exercises, puzzles, reading, sitting outside for even 10 minutes. Change your physical place change the mental outlook.

Dwelling on the pain makes it worse. It is just a time thing. I have no magic bullet for advice just do different things until you find something that works. Then look for others so you can break up those, for variety.

Haven't been here at DS long but think you are asking all the right questions.

R.O.

At my very best, my pain level is at 7, this is my best, kinda sucks. I do have problems focusing as the evening wears on, because by then I am hitting 10 on the pain scale and getting a full blown migrane. I have found that it helps my concentration if I not dwell on the pain, which I know is very hard to do, I try and read, play games on the computer, get into a really good television show, or movie. I have started going to college online, I cannot go to school, because I cannot drive all the time and it hurts to sit too long or carry heavy books around. I like going to college online, because it gives me something to do with the very long days, and I feel like I am accomplishing something. I know that I will never be able to use the education, but at least it keeps my mind moving and off the pain, most days.

I function as best as possible about a 5-6 most days.

When the breakthrough pain/spasms etc hits that 6 or higher mark...thats when I am really having a hard time. Its so weird that its this very, very thin line between being able to hold thought or conversation and not being able to do anything but drug up and go to bed.