[Maryb1953]

So apparently I have SFN and we haven't been able to ascertain the cause. I have noticed what makes it worse, however, and wonder if this is normal. Stress makes it much, much worse. Anyone else?

[rose_thorn98]

I have the symptoms of SFN but not officially diagnosed....skin biopsy was negative. Anyhow, I do notice that stress does make my symptoms of burning pain worse.

[Rrae]

There are certain topics that get brought up in my family circle that will immediately send me into a pain flare and I go running to my breakthru pain meds or anxiety med..........
Stress (physical OR mental) can certainly be a major culprit!!

I wish I were better at using other techniques to quelch the flares, such as relaxation or deep breathing.......This is something I need to work on....

[nide44]

Stress has been proven to exacerbate the sx of PN.
It's a fact, not a mere observation of a few.
Reduction of stress is definitely one of the ways to reduce PN sx and pain.
Stress causes flare-ups that can last from minutes, to hours, to days....... to weeks !!

[invisable]

Originally Posted by nide44

Stress has been proven to exacerbate the sx of PN.
It's a fact, not a mere observation of a few.
Reduction of stress is definitely one of the ways to reduce PN sx and pain.
Stress causes flare-ups that can last from minutes, to hours, to days....... to weeks !!

With the risk of being the "odd ball" here...........stress doesn't make me better or worse. No movement, situation, mental or physical disruption, change my sensations at all. The only thing that I will admit does help is my Gabapentin, it really does work for me with minimal side effects (if you call weight gain and hair loss minimal), what I mean is no considerable sedation or loss of mental function, etc...... My 1200mg. has really done the trick again on pin pricks, just feeling pulsating wormey electrical feelings and some water running feelings through the day. I only wish I didn't have to up the dose, makes me afraid I will have to keep doing this for the rest of my life, with no cause found. HOW CAN A PERSON DEVELOP THESE ODD SENSATIONS JUST ABOUT OVERNIGHT, WITH NO CAUSE FOUND!!!! (Sorry, just had to get that out)!!

I have to say, on a positive note when physical symptoms are lessened, I am helped mentally, sometimes I can even forget (for a short time) that I have acquired such a thing, and I can entertain dreams that maybe this will stop someday.........

[daniella]

Stress,anxiety,and depression was why I did biofeedback and also am on mental meds. I feel for myself that it takes all my mental strength to fight through daily pain that I have a hard time handling other issues. Right now I am going through stressful life events again and I do see the connection. Unfortunatly life can't be stress free but I try to do what I can to keep it less and also learn to cope with the stress in a calmer manner. I also don't know the cause of my conditions which adds stress and anxiety intself. Just trying to stay in the day ad not worry too much about the what if's of the future. That is easier said then done I know. I hope you feel better