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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks for sharing this, you endless-source-of-inspiration you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I can relate totally Elsa, Gaming is a great escape from any type of pain (emotional or physical). Great read.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The first time I played Bayou Billy was in a pediatric ward while in the hospital with pneumonia. It helped.
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.
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.
[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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
@kjohnson... actually Sony does have a record of periodically donating gaming consoles to hospitals - for exactly the reasons you mentioned!
http://www.gameguru.in/sony-psp/2008/18/new-orleans-childrens-hospital-gets-video-game-donations-by-sony/
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!)
http://www.gameguru.in/sony-psp/2008/18/new-orleans-childrens-hospital-gets-video-game-donations-by-sony/
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!)
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.
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!
Great blog!
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
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
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.
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.
@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
@Lazaro... all I can think to say is "no thanks, I have a headache"! LOL
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.
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.
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.
I enjoy the escape from reality that gaming provides as you can leave all your worries and stress at the start menu.
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!)....
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.
But migraines are the bane of humanity so fair play if a game didnt help.
I had no idea. You're such a fabulous and strong woman, and I can only hope to become half as amazing as you!
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.
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.
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