“How would you rate your pain on a scale of zero to 10 with zero being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable?”

I’ve been asked this question at least a hundred times in emergency rooms and doctors’ offices. It’s intended to help quantify and standardize a patient’s pain level.

I hate this scale. I think it just forces patients to exaggerate their pain. You have to say at least a five if you want any chance of serious pain relief. I’ve found a seven to be most effective.  Anything less than that, I stay home.

I especially dislike this scale, because as a Christian, when I hear “the worst pain imaginable,” I immediately think of Christ’s suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane.

In Luke 22:44, we learn that Christ suffered even until he bled from every pore. That is the worst pain imaginable, or maybe even unimaginable, to me. It doesn’t help that the face corresponding to a 10 has tears (of blood) on it.

The highest I have ever reported my pain was a 9.5. I clearly was not bleeding from every pore (a sure 10), but I felt like I could at any moment. I had already taken all the pain medicine I could at home, which at that time was quite a lot. My husband carried me into the emergency room. I no longer had control of my muscles; they would simply give out due to the pain. I was in and out of consciousness. I screamed when the doctor tried to examine me.

Looking back, I don’t think I was really at a 9.5. I know stories of people who I’m sure have experienced more pain. But, at the time, I couldn’t imagine the possibility of it getting any worse.

I was in almost constant pain from January 2006 to December 2007. The source of my pain was primarily my female reproductive system and was eventually resolved. (So no need to add me to the temple pray roll. I’m all good, now. But thank you for your concern.)

I feel like I am justified in my hatred of this scale. We have not had good times together, this scale and me.

My experiences in regards to my health have strengthen my relationship with my Savior, making it much more real. It has given me perspective and enriched my testimony of the gospel.

I just wish they would change that stupid scale.