This type of scale is subjective for anyone, but for kids in chronic pain who are used to masking their pain, a "2" appearance could very likely be a "5." I think i speak for every parent when I say we all wish our kids could be at a "0" all the time. It is difficult to understand how emotionally draining it is to watch your child in unrelenting pain until you have experienced it.
This has been a particularly difficult week for Miss E. We are prepping for surgery in a few days so she cannot take her daily pain med as it thins her blood. It has been an arduous reminder of the importance of medication and, unfortunately, the ineffectiveness of over the counter pain meds for her level of daily pain. She is tough and rarely complains, but there have been a lot of tears this week.
This evening we spent time with some great friends enjoying dinner and swimming in their backyard. There are no words for how grateful I am to have seen Miss E go from being miserable in bed to smiling and laughing, if even for a few hours. We are blessed by dear friends, and I value the lessons my children are learning when we are welcomed with open arms just as we are, even if not quite ourselves.
Unfortunately, back home and back to reality meant more tears for my sweet girl. She's anticipating some fun this holiday weekend so she's got something positive to anticipate. And, we're only four days away from surgery, after which we can resume regular meds. I am hopeful for her sake that regaining control of Miss E's pain will be swift and this setback will soon be a memory.
In the meantime, I am thankful for the big smiles and loud laughs that we heard tonight, and I look forward to finding them again tomorrow...even if for a brief moment.