February 14, 2018
What a horrendous day! Started at 3:30 a.m. when I was awakened by an intense headache (not migraine) and was not able to get back to sleep, even after I took naproxen and used an ice pack. Pain Management class was fine, getting lunch at In-n-Out Burger was delicious, and spending the afternoon with grandson #3 was delightful! (Especially after taking a double dose of pain meds.) But then I log on to Facebook on the way home and find out about the 17 dead in a school shooting in Florida, a longtime FB friend who has had a heart attack, and a sweet trans woman FB friend who ended her life 2 days ago. I am stunned and saddened.
But back to Day 12 Pain Management group. Francis was the first presenter, starting with meditation on “loving-kindness” (being Valentine’s Day and all). Then he took us through the 10 Tai Chi exercises and suggested we do it with the video at home. He passed out sheets with motivational quotes. He led in a discussion of more “Tiny Habits.” And ended with the “Cupid Shuffle” as he had promised.
After the bathroom break, Dr. Whitehead came in for topic discussion. The first part was on good communication and self-esteem. She discussed the characteristics of passive, assertive, and aggressive. For homework, she assigned us to write out an “I Statement.” Next will be discussion of social support systems.
