Managing stress
 

I'm usually really good at this but right now I am having a hard time keeping my stress levels down and as a result In experiencing more and more flares (particularly in my hands and arms). I'm overwhelmed I think fighting with my employer to let me return to work since I've been released back, work comp, a kidney stone that is on its 5th week of me trying to pass it, being a mom to threenager, trying to keep up walking and exercises so I don't lose the progress I've gained...its all kind of coming all at the same time and I just feel like I have nothing left in the tank.

I know what it comes down to is taking more time to rest and take care of myself...but it's so hard to do day to day right now. Hopefully these additional stresses sort themselves out soon...but until then I am just feeling frustrated by flares and exhaustion.

Just needed to vent a little and get that off my chest.

Comedies help when things get me too down to think/cope and also dramas that allow me to cry about something other than my problems.

I sometimes feel like my body is my full time job.

Stop and take some deep breaths several times a day. I've found it does help.

I wish I could do the full Wim Hof, breathing, plus ice water immersion.

Well...that did it. Yesterday I hit a ripping point and now am in a full blown flare up. I'm so frustrated and upset. I can't seem to get my brain to reset and calm down. All my usual tricks aren't working, distractions, music, books, tv, relaxation techniques...sigh. I guess I just need to snuggle into bed and let this run its course for the day and try to regroup tomorrow.

Well...never underestimate the power of resting in bed. Still flaring but at least I feel like my stress levels are lower and I feel more relaxed than I have in weeks. I've probably just been pushing myself too hard with all that's going on and need to find some balance.

I'm not sure what type of tv you're watching, but I can't tolerate commercial tv and if my pain is elevated I do better with watching things like historical dramas without loud music and fast cuts, or just settling down and reading a book.

Glad you're doing better!

Imo the medical profession worsens our CRPS, because their lack of knowledge about it contributes to our stress. It certainly has escalated mine. I am sick of documenting my symptoms so that I have proof of my misery, so Zi can get care.

It has created a cycle of negative attention, that I purposely avoided in the beginning, but now I have no other choice. Looking at the photos, etc, just makes me enraged. My only comforts are being on my couch with my legs elevated or in a warm tub with epsom salts, baking soda,sea salt, but lately the latter both soothes and aggravates.

I would love to get back into a heated pool, but fighting with WC is too much.

Deep breaths are the best at releasing stress. Pay attention to your shoulders. Are you "wearing them as earrings:??" Make sure to keep your shoulders down where they belong. And just plain don't over-do it. Which is often the hardest one of all.

Three year olds are the hardest, I feel your pain there! On that all you can do is be firm, set limits, and don't crack (give in) no matter how much you want to. That said, saying no all the time doesn't work either. So pick your battles. Ask yourself if its worth the fight before you get into it. Keep her busy, so she has less to get into it with you about. Do you have a way to get her out of the house?

Good luck!

I try to avoid commercial tv as much as possible for the same reason. In truth...I generally don't watch much tv at all these days except when I am feeling too crummy to do anything else...and even then I have a tendency to just flip on one of the music channels to the Singers and Swing station to help me chill. If watching a tv show or movie I try to do pretty much anything without commercials...but right now with the flare i can't concentrate on anything. I turned on a movie and I think I "watched it" for 30 minutes and then realized I hadn't really seen or processed anything.

Friday I just laid in bed with the lights off and my headphones in listening to an audiobook and while I had to basically rewind everything I listened to because I wasn't really hearing it, it was calming to have the noise and help drown out all the stressful thoughts.

Of course this weekend my husband and daughter have been home with me and I haven't been able to rest so the flare continues. I have not slept at all the last two days and I am feeling so drained both physically and emotionally. Hoping I can get some much needed sleep tonight and focus on some self care the next few days to try and break this cycle. I have a doctor's appointment Tuesday morning to talk to the dr about what my options are for these stupid kidney stones (apparently there are several) that I haven't been able to pass but have been bothering me for what will be 6 weeks on Wednesday since the first symptoms started.