One of my favourites; episodes of “Friends”, your favourite movie, tasty dinners, magazines, laughter, talking on the phone, reading a book, sex (or a nice foot rub), anything that takes your mind off your current situation.  I’d even recommend a big screen movie, when you feel that you can sit for a few hours in the same place.  We went to see “The Lord of The Rings” which may have been a bit ambitious.

My absolute best method of pain management through distraction however is… computer games.  I don't play games because I can so easily get addicted to them, but my brother-in-law lent my brother a Playstation I think, with the shoot em-up game "Aliens".  It was gory, senseless and the best thing since sliced bread as far as I was concerned in the days after I got home and before Joel got back, because not only was I dealing with pain, I was also dealing with the stress of not knowing if Joel was rejecting the kidney.  I couldn't concentrate on a film or read a book, but when I was upset, in pain or annoyed, I propped myself up on some pillows and blew the hell out of those aliens.  Great stuff!  I'm sure I've read studies that action movies and computer games increase adrenaline and endorphins, and I can't think of a time when I've needed them more!

When Joel got home we played the 2 player game – beats Monopoly hands down!

If you don't want to buy a console ask around, see if anyone can lend you one, check out a few games – because this really got me through some tough days!  Maybe even see if you can get something to take into hospital with you?