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The Great Escape: From physical pain

6:30 PM on 06.25.2010   |   Elsa

The Great Escape: From physical pain photo
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[For one of her Monthly Musings, Elsa shares how gaming helped her get through some difficult surgeries, and how recent research is showing that gaming may actually be a valid medical treatment. Want to post your own article on this month's topic? Publish it now on our community blogs. - JRo]

I was a first year University student when they first found the cancer. An operation removed the tumor but I was informed that it would likely recur and that my chances for having children diminished each year. At that time in life I wasn't prepared to be a single mother with no husband, in school, starting a career... so having a baby had to wait. Further minor surgeries followed and the waiting went on. Unfortunately, by the time I finally found the right guy that I wanted to have babies with, it was no longer a physical possibility and that final surgery was then done to remove the cancer and all hopes of ever bearing children. Also unfortunately, the cancer had spread to another part of my body and thus began the routine of surgeries every 2 to 5 years to keep it in check and even possibly, to not have it recur.

I won't go into details except to say that I'm very, very lucky. The form of cancer I have is slow growing, has little to no impact on my daily life, and is controllable via surgical removal of pre-cancerous tissue. The other minor detail is that while the surgery itself is painless (hell, I'm unconscious), the surgical recovery is a nightmare of pain. The typical recovery time is 4 to 8 weeks and for most of that time I am confined to my bed in varying levels of pain. For the most part, drugs ensure that the pain is low grade, but it's wearing. It's not unlike having a bad toothache - for a month or more.



The one honest to God relief from pain I get is playing video games. I first discovered this when I had a Dreamcast and a copy of Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation. It could be played while stretched out in a bed, and while under the influence of some pretty fun drugs. For some reason I remember climbing the tomb... and climbing and climbing. I'm pretty sure I took some wrong turns along the way - but the game itself was not a wrong turn. It actively engaged my mind, distracting me from my pain and even allowing me to use fewer drugs.

Apparently I'm not the only one to discover this. Increasingly science is proving that "distraction" can in fact go a long way in relieving pain. In 2006, a simple study done by students at Wheeling Jesuit University showed that video games had the potential to reduce pain. Of the genres studied, it was found that highly active games such as fighters and sports games were most effective. Nilli Lavie, a psychologist currently engaged in additional studies on this topic said "Research has shown that action-filled games take up your attention more than other games, like puzzles... they present more of an information overload by giving you a lot to process and do very quickly."

Additional studies are still being done, including studies on virtual reality video games which may increase the immersive and distractive factors, but already hospitals are using video games to relieve pain. At the cancer clinic in Texas Children's Hospital (a leader in exploring pain management techniques), among other strategies such as live performers, positioning for comfort, and medication, children have the benefit of hand-held video games to distract them from pain and anxiety, says child life specialist Breanna Hopkins. The clinic is in the process of installing Wii systems as well. (reference).

Games are also being specifically designed to not only provide distraction and relief from pain, but also to educate and even encourage visualization which can help further relieve pain. Snow World was a game originally designed for children recuperating from extremely painful burns and helped to provide a visually pleasing cold world to help alleviate the painfulness of changing dressings and other treatments. The game was also later used in burn wards for adult soldiers. Other games such as Re-Mission are being used to help cancer patients feel more empowered about battling their cancer through a game that educates, distracts, and may help with positive visualization in achieving remission.

Overall, video gaming is proving to be a wonderful form of "escape" from pain. More studies are being done, but patient feedback is the strongest force in proving the effects, and as pain is such a subjective thing, this may be the best we can hope for in terms of scientific proof. Video game systems are increasingly being used in hospitals, dental clinics and various other institutions. From my own experience, gaming has not only provided a wonderful distraction from the pain of recovery, but additionally it has given me a positive outlook when I know that I have to endure another surgery. That waiting time before a procedure is now filled with buying games, planning which games I"ll play... and even looking forward to having an excuse to sit and play games till all hours of the night to avoid those sleepless hours of thinking about how uncomfortable I am. The immersive distraction of video games provides a much needed escape from very real pain. For myself, gaming through pain made me much less dependent on the drugs and even brings a small measure of joy to a short lived but miserable time that I know I have to endure.

For anyone with children, why not try a video game as a distraction from an ear ache or toothache? Why not lend your gaming system to a friend recovering from surgery? Gaming is a powerful escape from pain. In a not so distant future, your Doctor may not be prescribing pills... but instead could be recommending video games!

Note: I debated on whether to write this or not as I assumed that others would also have experience with the distractive relief that video gaming can provide... but I haven't seen any monthly musing blogs directly related to this topic as yet. I just want to emphasize that I don't want any sympathy for my illness, many people live with conditions much worse than what I endure. I am lucky enough to have a form of cancer that is fairly easily controlled and I am also lucky enough to have a wonderfully supportive husband who looks after me when I do have to have surgeries. I just think that this is an important topic and more people should be aware of the medicinal affects of gaming - whether for themselves, a loved one or a friend.








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93 comments | showing # 1 to 50
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casualweaponry's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 20:01
casualweaponry
Wow, I had no idea Elsa. But you'll get no sympathy from me, especially since I've heard stories of your potty mouth in MAG!

Very interesting blog! For my religious studies class (it was a blast being the only atheist there), my thesis project was about placebos and the way we can make our body release it's own natural painkillers.

The distraction you mentioned here was also a part of my paper. But I discovered other things too. The color and shape of the pills, how treatment is administered, the fighting spirit of the person, etc.

I think I'll revisit that paper in light of this blog. Thanks for the inspiration.
TMillsap's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 20:04
TMillsap
This was a great blog. Good luck and keep it up!
Kraid's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 20:05
Kraid
That is quite a torment..

It's nice to see that you can still find enjoyment during your convalescence.
As the wise Topher Cantler once said about this destructive disease: FUCK CANCER.
Stevil's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 20:34
Stevil
I remember being hospital many, many years ago for an embarressing surgery involving my colon. Yes, I did say my colon.

I was in there for two weeks and in the Children's Ward, we had Mario Kart set-up. There was also a kid next to me worse off who gave me his Gameboy while he slept. I don't really remember much other than playing the hell out of Mario Kart and declaring myself 'the effing master' to some other sick kid.

Which is why I think you hit the nail on the head with gaming like this. While I didn't play to ignore pain, I don't really remember anything else about being in hospital; which is great because being there as a kid is daunting as hell.

I don't even want to talk about cancer because it's one of those 'runs in the family' things with me. Still, I guess it's nowhere near as bad as telling someone you went to hospital because of problem with your colon!
grafkhun's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 21:22
grafkhun
I can imagine; a DS would make a routine hospital tri pmuch more bearable.
Funktastic's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 21:46
Funktastic
All that needs to be said is . . . <3 + 1
Handy's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 21:58
Handy
Really great blog!

I can relate to the whole needing a distraction thing, a few years ago I fell very ill and while I won’t go into too much detail I will say that I was in a lot of pain for months and wasn’t able to do anything outside the house, so I found games to be a great way to take my mind of it. I was thinking of writing a blog about it but I don’t really like talking about it, and you’ve pretty much gotten the message across anyway.

The pains can still come on me at any time and when they do it can take me out of commission for days or even weeks, but when that happens I at least know I have the comfort of a few games and a hot water bottle waiting for me at home. (hot water bottles are great for pain by the way, you’d be surprised how much it can help)
Tubatic's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 23:06
Tubatic
I've been certain of the healing power of games ever since I was 9 or 10. It was something as benign as a nasty cold/fever, but staying home from school and playing halfway through Ninja Gaiden on the NES seemed to do wonders for the pretty awful feeling (awful for a lucky 9 or 10 year old, of course).

Sometimes, this is what motivates me as an aspiring game maker/ sometimes actual musician / sometimes "artist" or "entertainer" in general: what i'm doing isn't necessarily important in and of itself. But if I can play a part in being what gets someone through the pain they're feeling in their life at the time, I feel like I've done something important with my unimportant pursuits. :)

Thank you for blogging about this.
LawofThermalDynamics's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 23:14
LawofThermalDynamics
I know all too well about the numbing effects of video games. I enjoyed reading this and I'm at a lost for words as to what to say next. This was something else.
Alasdair Duncan's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 23:36
Alasdair Duncan
Front page please. I know I say that a lot, but as many people as possible need to read this.
CelicaCrazed's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 23:39
CelicaCrazed
I find this to be so true. While I have never experienced pain anywhere near the levels you have, I've noticed the distractive powers of video games. They have helped me from doing something stupid things due to pain on more than one occasion. Video games for physical pain, exercise for emotional/mental pain. Works well for me at least.

Thanks for sharing this, you endless-source-of-inspiration you.
BenelliM4's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/19/2010 23:39
BenelliM4
Cancer sucks, but the medical field changes faster than SEGA's business plan. We've got people coming up with new ideas and applications every day, and in 35 years it'll be nothing but a minor blemish. Chin up.
Guncannon's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 00:42
Guncannon
Great post. I was thinking of writing on a similar topic, but it would just have been about the times I played games while being nauseous or sick with the flu. I definitely agree that games draw your attention in far more than books, music or TV when you're sick. When I think about it, I have several TV shows and movies that have been "ruined" in my mind since they're associated with times I watched them while wracked with pain. However, I can't think of a single instance where that has happened with a game.
letshavecake's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 00:53
letshavecake
this was... unexpected. kinda caught me by surprise, but still, good job blogging. whenever im sick, and cant go to work, TV works best. Thank God for the Price is Right.
LordTwinkies's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 00:53
LordTwinkies
Very nice blog, and timely for me too. I just watched a video about the Child's Play charity, and have been wanting to support it...your post just added to my motivation to do so.
Podsumaki's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 01:35
Podsumaki
It's nice to learn a little more about someone on the site, even if what you learn can be pretty unfortunate. It was a good read.
ace of knaves's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 03:08
ace of knaves
Awwwwwwwwww...Elsa.

*Hugs*
Loic's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 10:12
Loic
I can relate totally Elsa, Gaming is a great escape from any type of pain (emotional or physical). Great read.
Elsa's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 10:40
Elsa
Thank you for the comments! I kinda thought this might be a "too much information" blog, but I wanted to relate my own personal experience as I strongly believe that gaming works as a wonderful distraction from physical pain, and I didn't want this to be a dry blog just tied to studies.
In the early years before gaming I used to use books and movies to alleviate the recovery boredom but they're passive activities and it's easy to get caught up in the pain. With gaming, the interactivity is a much stronger distractor and it really is possible to go for several hours without needing drugs or getting caught up in how miserable you feel. I've had many surgeries over the years and I find it a bit funny that I now relate my last surgery to the game I played (my last surgery was GTA4 release). As Stevil pointed out, gaming also provides a memory other than just feeling miserable!
randombullseye's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 10:51
randombullseye
There can never be too much information, and any revelation by someone that seems personal or "too much information" shouldn't be. The only way to get over things is to put them all out in the open and talk about it, openly. At least, that was my thinking.
randombullseye's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 10:52
randombullseye
There can never be too much information, and any revelation by someone that seems personal or "too much information" shouldn't be. The only way to get over things is to put them all out in the open and talk about it, openly. At least, that was my thinking.

I always used video games as a crutch to get over anything that was bothering me. No matter how terrible or awful things are, I can always get into a game and forget whatever was bothering me. If only for a moment.
Occams electric toothbrush's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 12:10
Occams electric toothbrush
It's amazing the things we can find solace in during dire times. I know that games helped ease the pain of a lot of bad moments in my life and helped me cope. Not really sure what I would have done without them. I'm not one to open up normally about my problems so I had to invent a lot of coping mechanisms in my mind to process things. Video games, especially RPG's and action games, helped me a lot when I was younger.

Thank you so much for sharing this and yeah, definitely not too much information. You said yourself how nice it is when people here share. This took courage to post and it makes the Elsa I see in my head when I read your blogs that much more real now. Although I still picture you with bat wings and a scorpion tail. Don't think that will change.
Beyamor's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 12:14
Beyamor
Thanks, as always.
falsenipple's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 15:56
falsenipple
The first time I played Bayou Billy was in a pediatric ward while in the hospital with pneumonia. It helped.
wanderingpixel's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 17:26
wanderingpixel
I actually just got my appendix removed last week. All I had was a PSP with a copy of Coded Arms and a downloaded version of FFVII. Playing them definitely helped me recover. As well as reading Destructoid from my Hospital bed and seeing one of my articles promoted to the front page.
Stephen Beirne's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 20:07
Stephen Beirne
At a seminar a few months ago, the lecturer spoke of the following legend that has seemingly been given significant credibility by recent archaeological findings. This is a paste from here, which is concerned with a certain seminar given by Jane McGonical that you might remember.

[i]The Greek philosopher Herodotus is said to be the inventor of games in the world. He said games were invented in the kingdom of Lidya in a time of famine. The King of Lidya had an extreme famine so the king invented a dice game where one day people played the game and the next people ate. People would be so immersed in playing the game they would ignore the fact they were not eating. They were able to pass 18 years through the famine by playing games one day and eating the next.

After 18 years the famine wasn’t getting better so the king decided to play one final dice game. They divided the entire kingdom in half and the winners of the game would[/i] depart the kingdom to settle elsewhere, solving the crisis. (My words here because the omitted half-sentence is stupid.)

I remember you mentioning something about gaming helping you through surgery in the past, Elsa, albeit without detail. It's mad shitty among all sorts of things. Well, at any rate we all appreciate this blog.
manasteel88's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/20/2010 21:34
manasteel88
I have arthritis that makes it hard for me to walk or stand at times. So I can kinda relate to some issues of being bed ridden although it is in no way as serious as cancer. Games tend to be a great way to relax while having my feet up. It doesn't really take away the pain that I feel, but it distracts me from it.
lewness's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/21/2010 05:55
lewness
Wow, that's quite an experience. Good to know you're handling it well.

But honestly, they're installing Wiis in hospitals? I'll be surprised if their stitches don't pop.

So I guess Kinetic/Move would be a no-no in hospitals...
kjohnson1585's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/21/2010 10:21
kjohnson1585
Fapped hard. Great blog.

This got me thinking... why -don't- hospitals have more gaming outlets? Considering that a number of patients are probably there for weeks or months at a time, it would make sense to have a gaming system attached to those TVs in the sky, for distractions.

1) Systems can be outfitted to working with the hospital equipment. Wi-fi can be disabled (no online gaming while sick!).
2) An allotment of, what, 500 dollars every six months can go to updating the game collection. And I doubt an Sony/Microsoft/Nintendo executive would refuse to say no to donating a collection of consoles small games to a children's hospital for free.
3) The medical benefits as mentioned can't hurt. And of course, you don't HAVE to play them if you don't like them.

Seems kinda like a no brainer, unless there's some element that I'm missing.
Elsa's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/21/2010 11:35
Elsa
@kjohnson... actually Sony does have a record of periodically donating gaming consoles to hospitals - for exactly the reasons you mentioned!
[url]http://www.gameguru.in/sony-psp/2008/18/new-orleans-childrens-hospital-gets-video-game-donations-by-sony/ [/url]
Also, many hospitals list gaming consoles on their requested donation lists:
http://www.sickkids.ca/ProgramsandServices/entertainment-dontation-gifts/Beneficial-toys-and-items/index.html
http://www.musckids.com/mad/wishlist.htm

I guess it's worth checking what your local hospitals have and will accept as donations. It might be better to donate a suitable game rather than trade it in!

@lewness... it really depends on the illness or injury, Wii games might be well suited to those who are still active but undergoing things like radiation treatments (and some Wii games can also be played while sitting).

So many wonderful stories here of how gaming has helped to allieviate both the boredom of recovery as well as the pain (both psychological and physical), thanks so much for those! (even though I apparently have bat wings and a scorpion tail! LOL!)
Elsa's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/21/2010 11:37
Elsa
Oh... and I'm sure that both Microsoft and Nintendo also do console donations to hospitals and sick people! I just remembered seeing Sony stories over the years because my previous gaming site was run by Sony.
Mr Andy Dixon's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/21/2010 18:43
Mr Andy Dixon
To quote my boy Ellis from Left 4 Dead 2 (spoken while healing a teammate, oddly enough): "Here, let me help ya. That's what friends are for!"

Great blog!
Lazaro Cruz's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/21/2010 19:21
Lazaro Cruz
Outstanding post Elsa. It must have been very difficult to recount such a painful experience.

Incidentally, I took a Neuroscience class on the experience of pain back in college and it did indeed cover some gamelike remedy's for people who suffer from chronic pain. My prof studied a very different aspect of the field though, probably the best possible way to fight pain...: http://www.amazon.com/Science-Orgasm-Barry-R-Komisaruk/dp/080188490X
Enkido's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/21/2010 20:21
Enkido
Wow, that was deep.
My PSP was a very good friend during the many times I managed to put myself in the hospital. Also, this is why Child's Play, from the guys at Penny Arcade, is such a great thing.
Elsa's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/22/2010 13:24
Elsa
@Enkido, thanks for mentioning Child's Play! An excellent charity!

@Lazaro... all I can think to say is "no thanks, I have a headache"! LOL
falinter's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/22/2010 14:50
falinter
This is why I always read Elsa Articles. Full of heart and very informative.


Also, <3
Kinjiro's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/24/2010 02:19
Kinjiro
Elsa, <3's are all I have.

And I also feel much better about my decision to donate all my last gen consoles to the hospital when I move on to the next one. I will continue to do so until I'm out of money.
Mr Andy Dixon's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 18:31
Mr Andy Dixon
Front paged! Yeah, boi!
Loic's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 18:34
Loic
Congrats elsa on the promotion to the front page!
mix's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 18:53
mix
Very touching post Elsa!

I enjoy the escape from reality that gaming provides as you can leave all your worries and stress at the start menu.
Stevil's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 18:56
Stevil
@Andy: Dunno know about you, but I'm grabbing some pills!
JQM78's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 18:56
JQM78
Thanks Elisa.....great story. I can attest to the healing power of games as well....when I was in the service, I was hurt badly myself. I vividly remember playing my xbox to take my mind off the pain (and yes, the percoset helps too!)....
CharlieKun's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 18:58
CharlieKun
Really good read! its amazing how games can do this. but I remember long ago i tried playing final fantasy 7 whilst having an earth dividing migraine. i turned the playstation off after 10 minutes of playing!
But migraines are the bane of humanity so fair play if a game didnt help.
king kong five's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 19:05
king kong five
Great write-up!
beverlynoelle's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 19:34
beverlynoelle
I had no idea. You're such a fabulous and strong woman, and I can only hope to become half as amazing as you!
Daxelman's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 19:39
Daxelman
Amazing blog!

Maybe we can team up and takedown both Cancer and Diabetes!
Niero's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 19:39
Niero
Girl, you're amazing.
T-rav's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 19:48
T-rav
This was a great read, Elsa. You're words in this blog have helped me to appreciate life, and humanity as a whole, more. Stay strong, and live long.
LittleBigD's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 19:51
LittleBigD
Great story. I can 100% relate actually. Next to my family my PSP, and my DS provided me many hours of entertainment and distraction during an extremely long hospital stay. I'll be checking out those donation sites for sure. Nothing but best wishes for you and your family winning your fight with cancer.
Andrew Kauz's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/25/2010 19:52
Andrew Kauz
How in the world did I miss this before? This is a great post, and I think we're all very thankful that you decided to share it with us.
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