I've been so used to physical pain that unless something extreme happens (kidney stone, appendicitis, etc) I just don't react. I watch the needle when they draw blood, and know to keep pressure for 5 minutes after. I can show up for pretty much any procedure and just take it without complaint or flinching. In some ways it has served me very well. In others, not so much since I get underestimated when something extreme is happening since I'm not screaming or exhibiting many pain symptoms.

After all, when I had appendicitis they tried to send me home. My response "If I scream louder will you do the CT scan?" They had cancelled the test since I wasn't "sensitive enough" even though it was undeniably my appendix (mid-pain moving to the right side over a few hours). I hate to threaten healthcare workers because I know it's a very difficult job, but I'm not above it if I have to make sure I get the correct care.

I'm not sure why it is, but I just take the pain. Even prior to my first surgery (the appendicitis) I just work with it, even when it doesn't benefit me. Is this normal? I don't think so, not when observing those around me and even in my family where any little thing sets them off, except for my dad. Maybe I take after him, or learned by watching the fact that he rarely lets on when he's hurting. It's a strength and weakness at the same time since I have to verbalize the actual state rather than screaming or wincing. 

I guess I'm sort of lucky to be able to work through it and pretend that I'm ok when I'm not. I just have to remember to not be ok sometimes and let the healthcare professionals see when I'm not, or I won't get proper care. Stoicism has its place, but not when you're actually sick.