(((wisewoman))) You bring up a good point: fear. Often the fear of pain contributes to it's intensity. The mind is a powerful thing, and no less powerful when it comes to physical pain.

Unresolved anger, dread of increased pain, and failure to truly manage the pain all contribute to more intense pain, unfortunately.

Meditation and calming, tai chi and yoga, mindfulness... these all are good weapons in the war against pain.