Sharon -

I know what you mean about having to deal with the pain and try to do your exercises at the same time! I went a bit more gently through the most painful period, and stretched a little less for the worst few days. Even now, it hurts some when I get to the widest opening part (and you can only push your muscles to a certain point; they fight back after that). I do them probably five times a day (less on work days -- I'm a teacher), 10-20 times for a count of 7 each. No need to really HURT yourself; just take your pain meds, and do the counting patiently, and you will be doing yourself some good!

Don't worry about asking too many questions -- we're all on the same team and happy to help out!