I think Doug's probably onto something; there's nothing quite like pain for sending one's emotions haywire. Regardless, I hope he feels better soon and comes back to the thread some time; I wasn't here when it all went down either, and he'd already erased all his posts by the time I came back to catch up, but I'm sure no one meant any harm. This thread moves so fast with so many simultaneous conversations that you have to remember that just because someone piggybacked off your post doesn't mean they were directing something at you *personally*, and just because some people are joking around doesn't mean they mean you ill will or aren't taking a serious post of yours the way it was meant. But that can be hard to remember when you're at a 27 on the pain scale.
0: Hi. I am not experiencing any pain at all. I don't know why I'm even here.
1: I am completely unsure whether I am experiencing pain or itching or maybe I just have a bad taste in my mouth.
2: I probably just need a Band Aid.
3: This is distressing. I don't want this to be happening to me at all.
4: My pain is not (messing) around.
5: Why is this happening to me??
6: Ow. Okay, my pain is super legit now.
7: I see Jesus coming for me and I'm scared.
8: I am experiencing a disturbing amount of pain. I might actually be dying. Please help.
9: I am almost definitely dying.
10: I am actively being mauled by a bear.
11: Blood is going to explode out of my face at any moment.
Too Serious For Numbers: You probably have ebola. It appears that you may also be suffering from Stigmata and/or pinkeye.
(all credit for the image and the new, more accurate pain scale goes to the venerable Allie Brosh and her blog,
Hyperbole and a Half.)