Playing through pain

Are you a 6? A 10?

I was at the doctor’s office yesterday, and saw one of these pain assessment scales on the wall of the exam room. Often they are accompanied by numbers, with one representing no pain, and ten, the worst.

It reminded me of the days, early in the life of Lucky, and then later towards the end, when I suffered from chronic migraines (obviously, in retrospect, caused by the job, though I was reluctant to recognize that at the time). I was prolific with my doctor’s office visits back then, as I searched for a neurologist who could help me. Meanwhile, well-meaning friends pressed books about the mind/body connection on me, recommended their homeopaths, asked if I’d tried drinking a cup of coffee at the onset of pain. And I tried most everything they suggested—even the natural healer who suggested I wear all white to our appointments—if for no other reason than to get these people to stop suggesting things.