[invisable]

Because at times, I feel like I am loosing mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[darlindeb25]

The only tip I have is: keep your chin up! We all go through these days. You are strong, you deal with this on a daily basis, it's ok to have those insane days!

[rose_thorn98]

Originally Posted by invisable

Because at times, I feel like I am loosing mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I may not have the best advise, but I know how you feel. I think that I'm coming closer to not caring what I have and trying to focus more on symptom relief. Tonight I told my husband, "They can call it what ever they want, I just need some better meds, and that is all I care about now." So, I'm researching what med to add to the Lyrica. My Dr. has given me suggestions and now I have to decide.

In the meantime, I allow myself to have a good cry if needed, and then get back on the horse and carry on. I try to keep busy and stay out of my head....sometimes its easier than others.

Stay strong, and keep remembering you aren't the only one, lots here understand what you are going through.

[glenntaj]

--a long time ago. Interestingly, some claim it was well before the onset of my medical problems. And, in contrasting the two states, it could well be argued that the sanity wasn't worth keeping anyway.

Seriously, besides the other suggestions, I've discovered that attempting to give aid to someone else--whether it's phsycial help (within whatever limits one has) or even just information, or an ear to listen, is one of the best mood brighteners there is. Something about trying to help another allows us to minimize our own suffering for a while; we get those endorphins released and feel we've accomplished at least SOMETHING (and the sense of not being able to get stuff done we used to shrug at is one of the nastiest parts of the spiral).

It's much of why I come to these boards--I get at least as much out of it as I put in. It's nice when self-interest and altruism combine.

[mrsD]

I totally agree with Glenn. I've spent my life helping people and it certainly does give one gifts, in return.

Stress and focusing on the self are both magnifying agents of pain and discomfort.

Just petting a dog or cat, or watching fish swim around, is calming and lowers blood pressure.

We just have to learn to self medicate with behaviors, instead of drugs.

[echoes long ago]

i moved into wig city a long time ago

[nide44]

I babble a lot, as well. Releasing pent up frustration in many ways.
My doc sent me to a 'counselor'/psychologist because she felt that the amount of stress in my life at the time needed 'evaluating'. She felt that I was self-serving, and anxious, and jumped on everything- including conclusions.
We both agreed that I was a bit hyper, but I said I felt OK ... she was leaning more towards manic...... so off to a counselor I go.
I had more education, more life experience., and more success dealing with stress - than any patient he had dealt with in a long while. He felt my coping mechanisms (playing & singing music, acting, volunteering in the community) were adequate for my needs and after 3 visits, we both decided that it was a waste of both our times... and my co-pay money. When a psychologist says you don't need to visit with him, you're either OK, or so far off the radar that it doesn't matter anymore ;-)

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by invisable

Because at times, I feel like I am loosing mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi invisable,

Is your question about coping - with PN, pain, stress...? If so, there are a ton of good articles and ideas out there in googleland. Many/most have to do with distracting ourselves from the bad, and trying to focus on/do something that creates/brings us joy/peace. Helping others is a good one. So is communing with a pet/nature (as have been mentioned). Many people do it by way of a creative outlet - writing, music, arts/crafts, hobbies/interests.

Rather than focusing on what we cannot control, it helps to focus on those things we can control.

Doc

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by Dr. Smith

Many people do it by way of a creative outlet - writing, music, arts/crafts, hobbies/interests.

I'd like to elucidate on this a bit. Some distractions are what I'd call "passive" - watching movies, listening to music... While these are good for some things, I've found that more "active/interactive" distractions - those requiring significant mental concentration - are better for taking my mind off of pain. I couldn't tell you if it's the degree of concentration itself, the parts of the brain being utilized, the brain chemicals at work, or what the specific mechanism(s) are - only that if I'm concentrating very hard on creating/designing something, time passes quickly (like being busy at work rather than waiting for quitting time on a slow day) and I either don't notice (as much) pain/discomfort, or I forget about it.

There have been times I've been working on writing an article, creating a presentation, designing a quilt, etc. that I suddenly come to a stopping/break point, look up, and realize it's 2+ hours later than I thought it was and I haven't noticed the time, the pain, the starving dog expiring at my feet...

A secondary(?) benefit is that I've accomplished something and the gratification that comes along with that.

Doc

[invisable]

[QUOTE=Dr. Smith;726569]I'd like to elucidate on this a bit. Some distractions are what I'd call "passive" - watching movies, listening to music... While these are good for some things, I've found that more "active/interactive" distractions - those requiring significant mental concentration - are better for taking my mind off of pain. I couldn't tell you if it's the degree of concentration itself, the parts of the brain being utilized, the brain chemicals at work, or what the specific mechanism(s) are - only that if I'm concentrating very hard on creating/designing something, time passes quickly (like being busy at work rather than waiting for quitting time on a slow day) and I either don't notice (as much) pain/discomfort, or I forget about it.

There have been times I've been working on writing an article, creating a presentation, designing a quilt, etc. that I suddenly come to a stopping/break point, look up, and realize it's 2+ hours later than I thought it was and I haven't noticed the time, the pain, the starving dog expiring at my feet...

A secondary(?) benefit is that I've accomplished something and the gratification that comes along with that.



Not the starving dog!! Have to draw the line there!

I am an extreme animal lover and that hit a nerve (no pun intended!)