"It is like the over-stimulation is causing a relapse or worsening of symptoms. By having more good days, it appears that my brain heals enough to tolerate more."

This comment of Mark's is KEY. I definately noticed that giant strides were made when my daughter would limit input, have a few good days, and so on. The bad days started getting fewer and further apart. Now a bad day is rare. There is simply no way to push through these symptoms.