#PAM2026
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myseveralworlds.com
I am surprised by how often the 1-10 pain scale is used here. I'm glad to hear so many do not like this scale!

How would you rate your pain today?

For my last post this month, I'm sharing "A more realistic chronic pain scale by @PINKYANDTHEPAIN

#PAM2026 #PainAwarenessMonth #MySeveralWorlds
We've had a lot of talk about the pain scale here on this page during #PainAwarenessMonth. I, too, was very surprised by how often the 1 to 10 pain scale is used here in North America. And I've been glad to hear from so many of you who have said that you also do not like this scale. ❓How would you rate your pain today? For my last post this month, I'm sharing "A more realistic chronic pain scale by @PINKYANDTHEPAIN 0-2 Really?! I didn't know this even existed 3-4 My normal every day / lower normal. Can almost function as a normal person and very easy to hide. 5-6 ANNOYING. Also my normal on the medium days or after a busy day. Can normally continue every day things and can be hidden pretty well. 7-9 ANGRY. IRRITABLE. Can be my background during my high pain days. Often a warning of what is to come and when the mask starts to slip. Should plan to be home or close to home. Will be around close friends who understand only. 10-12 NOPE. Intermittent crying. This is high background with multiple spasms/shocks an hour. Will need to go home now and only be around those closest to me. Probably in bed/resting. 13+ NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE. UNCONTROLLED. Inconsolable or silent. Unable to move. Should probably see a doctor but I never do it. It will pass. #PAM2026 #LetsTalkAboutPain #MySeveralWorlds
September 30, 2026 at 3:27 PM
myseveralworlds.com
How does it make you feel when a pain specialist questions how you talk about your pain?

Have you experienced problems with doctors telling you how you should and shouldn't talk about pain?

We'd love to hear about your experiences for #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026
#DontPunishPain #MySeveralWorlds
September 28, 2026 at 3:36 PM
myseveralworlds.com
"If you don't have to factor in losing 40% of your day in exchange for A Thing, you have no right to comment
on my ability to do A Thing.

Credit: Women With Chronic lllness

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026
#MySeveralWorlds #ArthritisAwarenessMonth
#MigraineAwarenessWeek
"What abled people dont understand is that even if a disabled person manages to do A Thing, there is a cost for A Thing We had a family member hours today visit for 3 hours. I collapsed from pain and fatigue when they left and slept for 10 hours straight. If you don't have to factor in losing 40% of your day in exchange for A Thing, you have no right to comment on my ability to do A Thing. Credit: Women With Chronic lllness #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds #ArthritisAwarenessMonth #MigraineAwarenessWeek
September 27, 2026 at 4:09 PM
myseveralworlds.com
My little dwarf with a pick axe has been very active these past two months. I am still averaging 2-4 health appointments a week.
This results in HIP Days. (High Impact Pain Days) It's my way of using some humor for pain.

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds #ChronicPainIs #LifeWithPain
My little dwarf with a pick axe has been very active these past two months. I am still averaging 2-4 health appointments a week. Next week I have five appointments that conclude with an MRI next Saturday. The following week begins with a bang and another full appointment with my GP about the ER fiasco. So I'm stressed out from doing too much and that results in HIP Days. (High Impact Pain Days) This is my way of using some humor for pain. #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds #ChronicPainIs #LifeWithPain
September 26, 2026 at 3:51 PM
myseveralworlds.com
DID YOU KNOW?
The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion states that people with fibromyalgia are 3.4 times more likely to develop more depression compared to people who do not have fibromyalgia.
~ #MySeveralWorlds

#PainAwarenessMonth #FibroNerds #TeamFibro #SupportFibro
DID YOU KNOW? "The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion states that people with fibromyalgia are 3.4 times more likely to develop more depression compared to people who do not have fibromyalgia. " Credit: Carrie, My Several Worlds - Stories of Disability, Illness & Belonging #PAM2026 #PainAwarenessMonth #MySeveralWorlds #FibroNerds #TeamFibro #SupportFibro
September 25, 2026 at 4:29 PM
myseveralworlds.com
Fibromyalgia is known for having more than 200 symptoms! This is why it is known as one of the most painful medical conditions to have. This word cloud is a list of things I experience daily because of fibro.
🔗
www.myseveralworlds.com/fibromyalgia/

#MySeveralWorlds #PainAwarenessMonth
#PAM2026
September 24, 2026 at 3:09 PM
myseveralworlds.com
It happened to me in ER in Sept despite my pharmacy list.

"I can't treat you, or give you any pain medication because that's not my field. But, I'm going to refer you to five other doctors who won't help you either."

Credit: Unknown

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds #DontPunishPain
This is what happened to me on Sept 5th when I forgot my meds at home at 3am and ended up being in ER for 24 hours. For the first five hours I was refused completely despite having my legit pharmacy med list on me with my doctor's name and only needing one tablet. 🤦 There were no referrals. I was told to "wait my turn" 🤷‍♀️ while hemorraging, and triaged as CTAS 3 (urgent) with 10/10 acute pain. "| can't treat you, or give you any pain medication because that's not my field. But, I'm going to refer you to five other doctors who won't help you either." Credit: Unknown #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds #DontPunishPain
September 23, 2026 at 3:25 PM
myseveralworlds.com
For #ArthritisAwarenessMonth &
#PainAwarenessMonth
Today's graphic is for BASDAI: Bath #AnkylosingSpondylitis Disease Activity Score.

BASDAI defines disease activity in a person with AS. Visit the Spondylitis Association of America to calculate your score.

#Spondyloarthritis
#Spondylitis #PAM2026
For #ArthritisAwarenessMonth and #PainAwarenessMonth... Today's graphic is for BASDAI: Bath #AnkylosingSpondylitis Disease Activity Score with Spondylitis Association of America. If you're not familiar with this measurement tool, visit their website. I'll pop the link in the comments so you can calculate your BASDAI score. BASDAI Score Calculator: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Measuring Disease Activity Please indicate your level of ability with each of the following activities during the past week. BASDAI defines disease activity in a person with AS. It consists of six 10cm horizontal VAS to measure, including: *fatigue *spinal pain *duration of morning stiffness *severity of morning stiffness *peripheral joint swelling *localized tenderness The scale is from 0 to 10. A BASDAI score of >4/10 means your disease is active. Anything above four means your disease is active. If you test below four, your disease is considered under control. The higher you score, the worse your disease activity is. The goal of BASDAI is to define disease activity in a patient with axSpA. It can be done in two minutes. It’s effective at letting doctors know how active your disease is. Want to learn about other measurement tools? Follow me and the SAA did more info about life with #Spondyloarthritis. #Spondylitis #SpondyWhat #PAM2026
September 22, 2026 at 5:17 PM
myseveralworlds.com
Pain scales that may be appropriate to most don't capture the experience of many trauma survivors esp those who experience significant dissociation. Evaluating their needs based on normative pain scales can underestimate their need for support & relief.
@drdoylesays.bsky.social
#PainAwarenessMonth
Pain scales that may be appropriate to most people don't capture the experience of many trauma survivors especially those who experience significant dissociation. Evaľuating their needs based on normative pain scales can drastically underestimate their need for support & relief." Credit: Dr. Glenn Patrick Doyle (Protect this man at all costs. You can find him under @drdoylesays on other platforms.) #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #LetsTalkAboutPain #MySeveralWorlds
September 21, 2026 at 3:22 PM
myseveralworlds.com
How we measure pain in a culture sensitive way is an essential step in research. Most pain measurements were developed in Western cultures. (McGill Pain Questionnaire) Most words were suitable for Chinese populations. Some were difficult to translate.
🔗
buff.ly/JmNNvE7

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026
Development of a Culture-Sensitive Pain Measurement | JPR | Dove Medical Press
To develop a culturally sensitive Chronic Pain Cognition Scale for Chinese-/Chinese dialect-speaking populations & investigate its psychometric properties.
buff.ly
September 20, 2026 at 4:12 PM
myseveralworlds.com
I admit that I don't like the idea of "making" anyone suffer just to prove point however a few seconds might be interesting! It could be like those birth shocker videos that are going around that show men what women go through.

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds
#LetsTalkAboutPain
I admit that I don't like the idea of "making" anyone suffer just to prove point however a few seconds might be interesting! It could be like those birth shocker videos that are going around that show men what women go through. "I wish they could invent a medical device that temporarily transfers your symptoms and pain to the doctor treating you and it worked like a shock collar. "I think light exercise would" and then bam they're rolling around the floor clutching their stomach in agony and dry heaving." Credit: byjove The Aesthetic Indie Hipster #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds #ChronicMeme #LetsTalkAboutPain
September 20, 2026 at 3:40 PM
myseveralworlds.com
For #ArthritisAwarenessMonthi, an AxSpA signs & symptoms list. It is a complex disease. Its severity & progression can vary greatly among. This list is not exhaustive. Always discuss your symptoms with your medical provider.
#AnkylosingSpondylitis
#MySeveralWorlds #PAM2026 #PainAwarenessMonth
For #ArthritisAwarenessMonth I'm sharing a short AxSpA signs and symptoms list. #AxSpA is a complex disease. Its severity and progression can vary greatly among individuals. ✔️ Has your pain started before the age of 45? ✔️ Has your back pain lasted from more than 3 months? ✔️ Does your pain get worse with rest? ✔️ Do you have pain in your hips and buttocks? ✔️ Do you wake up from pain at night? ✔️ Are you stiff for more than 30 minutes in the morning? This list is not exhaustive. Always discuss your symptoms with your medical provider. #FiercelyFightingArthritis #AnkylosingSpondylitis #MySeveralWorlds #SpondyWhat #PAM2026 #PainAwarenessMonth
September 19, 2026 at 4:29 PM
myseveralworlds.com
#ChronicPain affects every aspect of your life
It has lasting effects on your body
It limits your ability to work & earn money
Chronic pain changes your personality, confidence & relationships
It makes you fearful & scared
It requires a superhuman power of pain tolerance
© #MySeveralWorlds
#PAM2026
8 Ways Chronic Pain Changes You Chronic pain affects every aspect of your day to day life Chronic pain has lasting effects on your body Chronic pain limits your ability to work and earn money Chronic pain changes your personality Chronic pain can affect your confidence Chronic pain can change your relationships with others Chronic pain makes you fearful and scared Living with chronic pain requires a superhuman power of pain tolerance Credit: Carrie, My Several Worlds Read more in the comments ⬇️ #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #LetsTalkAboutPain #MySeveralWorlds
September 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM
myseveralworlds.com
17 long years of waking up in pain & feeling like someone took a meat tenderizer to my body. I don't know how we get through other than through willpower. If I didn't have basic pain treatment options, I don't know where I'd be now.

#PainAwarenessMonth #LifeWithPain #PAM2026
#MySeveralWorlds
LIFE WITH CHRONIC PAIN 17 long years of waking up in pain and feeling like someone took a meat tenderizer to my whole body. I don't know how we get through this day after day other than through willpower. If I didn't have basic pain treatment options, I don't know where I'd be now. LEARN MORE AT My Several Worlds - Stories of Disability, Illness & Belonging #PainAwarenessMonth #LifeWithPain #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds
September 17, 2026 at 4:18 PM
myseveralworlds.com
Chronic pain is a severe mental health crisis too. I wish people recognized pain as a disease in addition to being a severe mental health crisis. Mental health is directly related to pain. It is pain's unrecognized partner in crime.
#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026
#MentalHealthMatters #MySeveralWorlds
"Chronic pain is a severe mental health crisis too. I wish people recognized chronic pain as a disease in addition to being a severe mental health crisis. Mental health is directly related to pain. It is pain's unrecognized partner in crime." ~Carrie #ChronicPainAwareness #PAM2026 #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #MySeveralWorlds
September 16, 2026 at 2:52 PM
myseveralworlds.com
"When you wonder why someone lives in pain without ever reaching out, I hope you
can look back to see they reached out a hundred times, and no one reached back."

Credit: Stephanie Bennett-Henry

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds
"When you wonder why someone lives in pain without ever reaching out, I hope you can look back to see they reached out a hundred times, and no one reached back." Credit: Stephanie Bennett-Henry #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds
September 15, 2026 at 3:07 PM
myseveralworlds.com
"Like so many Spoonies, I struggle to find words to describe what my life is like living with severe limitations and daily chronic pain."

Credit: Carrie, My Several Worlds

🔗 LINK in comments!

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #LetsTalkAboutPain
#MySeveralWorlds #SolvePainTogether
"Like so many Spoonies, I struggle to find words to describe what my life is like living with severe limitations and daily chronic pain." Credit: Carrie, My Several Worlds 🔗 LINK in comments! #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #LetsTalkAboutPain #MySeveralWorlds #SolvePainTogether
September 14, 2026 at 2:52 PM
myseveralworlds.com
Nerve Pain Referred

Aka why I hurt all the time with axial disease.

ALT TEXT added.

C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
L1
L2
L3
L4
L5
Sacrum
Coccoyx

Credit: MassageNerd

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds #LetsTalkAboutPain
Nerve Pain Referred C1 - Back of head C2 - Various areas of the head C3 - Side and front of neck C4 - Upper back of neck C5 - Middle of neck and upper part of arms C6 - Lower part of neck, arms, and elbow C7-Lower part of arm and shoulder T1 - Hand, wrist, Fingers, and thyroid T2 Heart, heart valves and coronary arteries T3 - Lungs, bronchial tubes, pleura, and chest T4 - Gall bladder and common duct T5 - Liver and solar plexus T6 - Stomach and mid-back area T7 - Pancreas and duodenum T8 - Spleen and lower mid-back T9 - Adrenal glands T10 - Kidneys T11 - Ureters T12 - Small intestine and upper/lower back L1 - Iliocecal valve and large intestine L2 - Appendix, abdomen and upper leg L3 - Sex organs, uterus, bladder, and knees L4 - Prostate gland and lower back L5 - Sciatic nerve, lower legs, ankles, and feet Sacrum - Hipbones and buttocks Coccoyx - Rectum and anus Credit: MassageNerd.com #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds #LetsTalkAboutPain
September 13, 2026 at 3:22 PM
myseveralworlds.com
"I'm convinced I was a warrior in a previous life and have carried over all my battle wounds into this life. Why else would everything hurt so much? Plus this sounds cooler."

Credit: unknown

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #LetsTalkAboutPain #MySeveralWorlds
"I'm convinced I was a warrior in a previous life and have carried over all my battle wounds into this life. Why else would everything hurt so much? Plus this sounds cooler." Credit: unknown #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #LetsTalkAboutPain #MySeveralWorlds
September 12, 2026 at 3:43 PM
myseveralworlds.com
Non verbal signs of pain:

😟 Facial expressions
🧍‍♀️Body posture.
😭 Crying/sounds of distress
🫥Withdrawal
🤬 Mood changes
😕 Confusion
👐 Hand movements show distress
🥵 Excessive sweating
🔗
MySeveralWorlds.com

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #ArthritisAwarenessMonth #MySeveralWorlds #SuicideAwareness
Non verbal signs of pain: 😟 Facial expressions 🧍‍♀️Body posture. (Pain patients tend to protect their body by holding their limbs close or move unnaturally in an attempt to protect their body) 😭 Crying and sounds of distress Withdrawal from activity or into silence 🤬 Mood changes - quick to anger, aggression, irritability, and agitation 😕 Confusion 👐 Hand movements can show distress or pain 🥵 Excessive sweating 🔗 MySeveralWorlds.com #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #ArthritisAwarenessMonth #MySeveralWorlds #SuicideAwareness
September 11, 2026 at 2:58 PM
myseveralworlds.com
I smile through the pain…nausea…exhaustion…I have really bad days and those far outnumber the good. They can be absolutely awful… I’d give anything for a cure but since that’s not reality now—I play the hand I was dealt.”
🔗
buff.ly/3vPhveX #CRPS

via @apainprincess.bsky.social

#PAM2026
The Lessons I've Learned From CRPS That I Don't Regret
"Surprisingly, there are upsides to invisible illnesses."
buff.ly
September 11, 2026 at 12:51 AM
myseveralworlds.com
"The book of autoimmune disease symptoms and related conditions."

Credit: Bored Panda

❓Guess what I am searching through for tomorrow's appointment with the vascular specialist?

#APS #Edema #PAM2026 #PainAwarenessMonth #AutoimmuneDisease #AntiphospholipidSyndrome #MySeveralWorlds
"The book of autoimmune disease symptoms and related conditions." Credit: Bored Panda ❓Guess what I am searching through for tomorrow's appointment with the vascular specialist? #APS #Edema #PAM2026 #PainAwarenessMonth #AutoimmuneDisease #AntiphospholipidSyndrome #MySeveralWorlds
September 10, 2026 at 3:13 PM
myseveralworlds.com
There is a severe shortage of pain specialists w approx 30,000 Americans in pain for every board certified pain specialist. This shortage is caused by a difficult path to specializing in pain treatment & negative public scrutiny.
MySeveralWorlds.com
#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #LetsTalkAboutPain
Did You Know? "There is a severe shortage of pain specialists with approximately 30,000 Americans in pain for every board certified pain specialist. This shortage is caused by a difficult path to specializing in pain treatment plus negative public scrutiny." Credit: MySeveral Worlds.com #PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #LifeWithPain #LetsTalkAboutPain
September 9, 2026 at 4:08 PM
myseveralworlds.com
Dressing for diseases that change your body shape often
🔗
rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/choos...

#ArthritisAwarenessMonth
#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026 #MySeveralWorlds
My Dressing Do's and Don'ts with RA
How I choose comfortable clothing.
rheumatoidarthritis.net
September 4, 2026 at 9:05 PM
myseveralworlds.com
High intensity #ChronicPainfeels like being wrapped in barbed wire.

When symptoms such as stabbing and electric pain start hitting at high intensity, #depression follows fast and your #MentalHealth spirals. It feels like you are dying. ~Carrie, MySeveralWorlds.com

#PainAwarenessMonth #PAM2026
High intensity #ChronicPain feels like being wrapped in barbed wire. When symptoms such as stabbing and electric pain start hitting at high intensity, #depression follows fast and your #MentalHealth spirals. It really feels like you are dying. ~Carrie, MySeveralWorlds.com
September 4, 2026 at 3:09 PM