So, I put this under "Spiritual" however, I think it would be more appropriate with a "psychological" heading as well.  I notice that there is a lot of talk of"

1. being scared

2. feeling terrified

3. confused

4. anxiety

from many, including myself on this chat.  I am so glad we have this place to come and get information, vent, and share.  One thing that has become of particular interest to me was someone's post about the work of Marty Seligman and positive thinking.  It is fairly well documented that stress (in the form of anxiety, fear, uncertainty, etc) causes a well known physiological effect in the body in some ways:

1. Release of adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisol [ it increases blood pressure and blood sugar, and reduces immune responses] all of those things, we ICers especially do not want.  We need our blood sugars to be regulated so we don't get crazy cravings and do something wacky and we need optimal immune function.  I can totally relate to you gals who feel "afraid" to try anything new in terms of food or are fearful of the feelings that they are feeling.  I have felt those soooo much.  I have seriously had to study some ways to change my point of view so that my stress is managed.  I see my pain now as a good, and natural path to healing, rather than something to be afraid of.

2. Well documented studies show that people who are told a pain is going to be VERY painful will report increased levels of pain while others who receive the same amount of pain (in the form of a shock) and are told the pain will be minimal report almost no pain at all.  I will try and find the study and post.  What is most important though is how we view pain.  I am not saying our pain is psychosomatic.  Certainly not, however, I think our own personal view point of pain can either act like a natural tyelnol if our view is positive.

3. We release adrenaline and cortisol when fearful.. This is good in a sense that it helps us (or rather our ancestors) engage in the fight or flight response.  Long term though, elevated adrenaline and cortisol in the blood is documented to destroy our organs.  We are trying to repair the tissues in our body and this fear factor only destroys them.

Just wanted to post this because I really have gotten into changing my perspective from negative to positive in terms of how I see my treatment and IC in general.  I am certainly not saying I am some master zen monk who has mastered this, but since I have started to make a change, I have noticed how much better I feel.  I used to use the words, "scared" and "terrified" and "horrible" and "worried" all the time.  Matia has a ton of those emails to back it up :)  Since I have made a change.. I don't even say those words out loud, I have noticed a significant improvment in my reaction and perception to pain.

Soo... instead of telling myself, "I am terrified to try this new treatment" I say "I am excited to see the change"

Good luck friends! Your replies are always valued!

Jeanette