stress as a trigger

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I am very frustrated because I believe stress is my biggest trigger- good or bad. Whenever there is an event either fun or upsetting, I get so much worse. I was not the most anxious person before I got IC.  I wasn't super laid back either- I'd say pretty normal as far as that goes. it really deeply upsets me that after over 3 years of treatment, I am so affected by stress. I feel like this might be a challenge that I just can't overcome like maybe there is just something deeply wrong with me that i don't even know. I recently had a very intense event- a death in the family -and I thought I was doing everything I could do right but still I flared for days. I sat there at the lunch after the funeralwhile everyone drank wine and ate and I was feeling horrible with my plain burger and broccoli that I brought from home.  I know this was a very serious event but i get like this when I try to take a trip or have a party roo. Oh- and I flare for no apparent reason all the time too- it isn't just events. I am performing in a show in July and I am so nervous that I will be feeling like crap but mostly I am just afraid that this will never get better.

 

I have a very very busy life and there is nothing more I can do about it. I have 3 kids and that is just the way it is. Life never slows down. I just feel like I am doing everything I possibly can but still....

 

I am not sure I am realliy asking for advice- more just wanted to vent. or maybe find someone else who has had this experience and still got well .Thanks

cprince's picture
cprince

Hi Deir, glad you survived this stressful event. :( I can't speak to the healed aspect after experiencing more pain and symptoms with stress  but want you know you aren't alone in your experiences. I totally understand wether good stress or bad stress it always affects my pain levels. I am always hopeful it will not be so intense when the event arrives, but prepare myself knowing that it is a possibility. In the end I make it through and would rather be a part of these events then be left out. Trying to roll with the punches more and just keep pushing through until my body decides it's time to get on the same page as my brain. You will do great in July! Prayers and love for this stressful time! 

Mimij67's picture
Mimij67

Deir, what is you take on mindfullness practice (not necessarily the longer meditations, but it could include that-was more talking about the daily approach)? There is a lot of research that a mindfullness practice helps with a lot of vague and specific health symptoms. Dr. John Kabat Zinn did a lot of his research in a hospital with excellent results. When I recently took a mindfullness class i was reminded of all of the useful things I could do every minute of the day. The techniques are available to me at any time, in the moment. When one has an extra 10 minutes you can do a longer meditation. But the daily approach to mindfullness is super cool. A lot of people are trained to teach mindfullness practice so not sure if that appeals to you but maybe worth looking into. The class I took was full of busy, crazed people and we all got so much out of the content, in terms of how we can use it to change our day moment by moment. I like that this approach is data-driven and easy to learn. 

If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.

deir's picture
deir

I have read On Kaot Zinn's book and many things about mindfullness. I can't seem to find the time to meditate and thinking about trying to fit it in is more stressful. I do live a mindful life in general.

deir's picture
deir

Can't seem to type right either! LOL
 
 

deir's picture
deir

PS- Thanks mimi

deir's picture
deir

Thanks Christina- someday this body will catch up to my brain! In the meantime, I am trying not to fear events because that puts a second level of stress on but it i almost impossible.

Star gazer's picture
Star gazer

Deir... My biggest trigger is stress and hormones... Foods are like my last trigger. This is so frusterating I know but just know you are doing everything you can!

deir's picture
deir

Thanks Stargazer! Unfortunately, food isn't great for me either. Althought, to tell teh truth, Ia m never really sure because I am so unstable, it has been almost impossible to tell with food.
 
 

headley.patty@gmail.com's picture
headley.patty@g...

Deir, I so totally feel for you.  My husband and I do singing concerts all over the area in Florida.  When I go out and practice it causes pain and cramping.  I think because of the pressure it puts on my bladder.  We love doing it and we try to do alot of charity concerts each year.  It may be something we have to cut back on until I am feeling better.  I raised my three daughters as a single mom for 15 years before I met Gary and we married 10 years ago.  I know how it is to be so busy you feel like you will lose your mind on a good day.  Sometimes I would come home from work and just tell the children "mommy needs a few minutes to herself"  and i would just go soak in the tub for about 15 minutes until I would see this little fingers come under the door and I would hear wispers....mommy when are you coming out?  :)  I don't know your situation but if you have friends or family that could just pitch in for a little while to give you a little break maybe that would help.  Maybe they could take the kids to the movies for you or the park.  Your health is very important to your family especially your children.  We as women ALWAYS put ourselves last on the list to be taken care of and for some dumb reason we feel guilty when we do. I was never very good at this but we need to learn to say no sometimes.   I wish we all lived closer so we could be there for each other in times like this.  I pray for you every morning and long for the day that I see a post from you saying "I am not in pain". 

deir's picture
deir

Thanks Patty- I have been at this for a long time and I've changed a lot of things in my life. I don't think there is anything else I can do to take the level of stress down- that's what bugs me.  I can't- nor do I want to- get a nanny or something. A lot of it is just life. But what worries me is that there is somehting truly wrong with me deep down that I can't access or even recognize.  I really don't understand why i am in this boat and i am sick of it! sigh... so that leaves me with acceptance again which I will work on today. in between wiping bottoms, making breakfast, going to a school event etc etc etc ;)

deir's picture
deir

ps. You are so sweet Patty and I will gladly take your prayers!!! You are on my list too.

Sss7's picture
Sss7

Hi Deir,
Sorry to hear about the death in the family. i can definitely say that stress plays a big part for me. Unfortunately being stressed/worried is in my nature! In order to bring stress levels down and gradually change the mindset, I recently started attending weekly meditation sessions. I never used to believe in anything like this but now in time of need..it does help! It may not directly bring the pain down but it does help you relax your mind which in turn relaxes your body and brings stress level down. I understand you might feel it's too time consuming but even a few minutes to start off with will be good or working on breathing helps too. Honestly though id recommend the meditation I do..it's called twin hearts meditation by master choa kok Sui  - you can you tube this. This is based on Pranic healing which is all about using energy to heal. If you have time please do read about it or take out some time. I totally know what you mean about stress and flares so I'd like to help in any way I can. 
sending healing thoughts,
Sanya

deir's picture
deir

Thanks Sanya- i do try to fit in a few minutes of meditaiton when I can. I have been to a few classes and several sessions of sitting meditation. I know I should be going daily but I just can't fit anything else in. Thanks

Sss7's picture
Sss7

Hi Deir,
How are you keeping? Do you feel any better?
Sanya