Originally Posted by Patrick Winter

Sound advice. I understand the need to do the things you know are wrong. We all need to break the cycle of "trying to be perfect" every now and then. I think it's healthy. You have to make sure it's a 'holiday' and not an 'everyday' though. SFN will alert you fast to the realization that you are betraying your body's needs. In a way it can be a good alert system for your body. i know when I get intense flare ups that it means i have allowed myself to fall back into a habit that is a pain trigger. In my case it's wheat, sugar, starches, etc. SFN is a brutal thing to suffer thru because it is always there, there is no respite from it. I think it also forces you to give up some bad habits. I know my SFN doesn't hate me for eating an apple or having a nice bowl of grilled chicken and sliced carrots over spinach and romaine with a dash of grapeseed oil...wonder why????<sarc>

I actually find some of my most optimistic moments in doing intensive research on the options for treatment on the condition. Then i can try different supplemental therapies (some are certainly helpful). I also look to the words of scripture (not gonna preach at anyone on that though). I am self employed as a hobbyist, i can escape much of the pain by painting and doing artwork. I have a wife, kids and pet that also bring me much cathartic comfort. Watching them enjoy life makes me happy even if it frustrates me that i can't always enjoy it with them as much as i'd like to. The key thing in many ways is DISTRACTION. DO NOT focus on the pain. it WILL exasperate it. Its why meditation works for many. I don't believe in meditation - I go into intense prayer instead. Either way those techniques work.

Life is always about adjustments. It's never smooth sailing for anyone. Embrace what you are and rebel against self pity.