There is definitely something about meditation that helps with pain. I really was losing my mind before surgery because I was in so much pain, dizziness and anxiety and was willing to try anything. Since I did not like the idea of using heavy meds, I meditated everyday to help reduce the pain. It did not stop the pain, but the pain felt more bearable. Hey, whatever works!

As you Tony, at our residential PM we used relaxation and I almost laughed at the thought of any benefit, I was wrong and over the weeks could see the way in which this could be helpful and the only restriction was myself.

Distraction is one technique like counting backwards to focus on something else besides the pain, if we can only concentrate on one thing at a time then we are not thinking of the pain. As you say, for you it is surprisingly effective and I could see with use and technique, it being another tool in our box to thwart the pain.

If it works for you then pick it up and run with it, waht about the NHS, does your GP provide this option, ask him.

After all you have been through I am pleased that you have found something to give you hope.
Take care, John

i tried to meditate .so there i was in the dark .pink floyd's dark side of the moon on low volume .lay on my recliner .and i was doing the breathing thing 4 seconds in and 6 seconds out .WOW its hard work .and with the music on i just could not get in the ZONE .so it was nice to listen to my favorite CD but its going to take a lot of practice to get there !
tony

I too am trying to do meditation to try to help calm myself and help with pain control. I am going to download an application on my tablet and give it a try.
I have always wanted to get into meditation, yoga, pilates, and while the last two aren't options right now
We can all meditate.

Let me know how you make out with it,and I will too.

Karen

Good to hear. I think the breathing exercises really help with distraction and getting the oxygen flowing to the body prevents hyperventilation and all kind of issues when dealing with pain.

I just had a sleep study to find out I have sleep apnea and when I'm wearing the nasal pillows for the CPAP mask doing the deep breathing through my nose really helps relax me.

I think that alternative therapies can be helpful. Good to hear your Nurse had learned Reiki on top of her medical training to help you out in that time.

I hope you heal completely Tony and praying for your complete recovery. Hugs Charry

Glad to hear you are trying it out, but like I said before, it's really much harder than you think! I'm not sure if Pink Floyd would be the best selection for meditation music. Ideally you would like music without lyrics, as could distract you into "listening" to the words. You can always play something from the internet. Just do a search for meditation music and I'm sure your will find plenty of music!

I am a Reiki Practitioner and have been helping people with all types of back pain for many years. Reiki is a hands-on spiritual healing modality that energizes the body to fight many types of health problems. The client lies on a massage table, does not have to remove their clothes and a session will usually last for about an hour. Reiki is noninvasive and does not interfere with any medications or other practices like Physical Therapy and Chiropractic. Reiki is practiced in many leading hospitals around the US. I highly recommend those with back problems to try a Reiki session to see if it will help your condition.

FYI. I practice in Westchester, NY.

Wax on wax off, Breath in. Brearh out grasshoper, grab this cricket out of my palm,

Breathing is important and been doing it as often as i can, Otherwise i pass out,

If i cant remove my clothing while doing Reiki i refuse to do it, Nothing more relaxing then breathing heavy and naked. Lol

Git-ir-done

its a good job we have you on here as you always make my smile ! it will be many months before i can walk the rice paper and leave the temple...i come in piece or should that be in pieces!
tony