This made me realize something -- I teach pain coping... it's usually in the context of childbirth, but I've used the techniques for plenty of other things, and they do help. It won't take away the pain at all, but it can make it easier to cope with it. I'm not sure if it's anything you don't already know, but if you want to get together and give it a try, let me know. If anything I know can help you even a little bit...