I took three vicodin yesterday.  THe manic bump adds to the anxiety and when the pain gets really bad and it was really bad - bad enough to wake me up - I just can't manage both.  So ...  At times I wonder if the vicodin prompts some mania.  I know I feel so much better that it resembles euphoria.  But that's the same as waking up one morning after the flu and all the sudden you are better - it feels SO good.  I'm dedicated to health - which means no addictions.  I gave up alcohol.  The vicodin is risky, but it makes me nauseous and I hate the constipation.  I think I'm okay on that.  I woke up in pain again this morning but my first treatment is two cups of coffee.  Thank GOD for coffee - it usually kills enough of the pain that I  can move on to my next strategy which is distraction.  Three men in my bathroom - I spent time covering everything to protect it from the dust.  Babysitting my nervous nellie dog - all of these things are distracting.  It works.  And this journal.  The journal works too.  This way I can track symptoms, use of meds, and not feel like I"m only focusing on the bad.  I got a hug yesterday and it felt really good.  I hug from a complete stranger - it's warm and sweet feeling.  Healing.I hear really strange noises from the bathroom.  I hope they don't find rotten wood.  I think $8000 is plenty.  I have plastic up and the doors closed and it is still getting dustry in here.  I better cover my computer.  Guess I'll be occupying myself in other ways.Last night I made a lamp shade.  I probably watch too much HGTV.  The lamp shade is cute - but imperfect.  I'm going to see if I can live with the imperfection.  I can always do it over.  I forgot one step - one little step - and it threw the whole thing off on one side.  I'm turning that side to the wall.  Let's see how long it lasts.