[Momlovetobake]

I am not very good at posting on here about this RSD. If there is someone who can please talk to me and guide me in some sort of direction. I would totally appreciate that. Thank you in advance...

[hollyk24]

I know there are tons of people that are very helpful and supportive here

What is it your looking for? Someone to talk to? Questions? There are lots of people here that know what you are going through, so it's okay to talk it out

[hollyk24]

One thing that can sometimes help and you can do anywhere is try to relax . . . . I know, easier said then done. But if you can slow your breathing, you can increase your blood flow, and that can help.

To relax yourself with breathing, you have to breath VERY slowly. It's hard at first, but you can build up to it. I have an app on my phone that helps show me the pace I need, but a good rule of thumb is breathing in, couting slowly to 8, let out, using the same count. It feels really slow, but it's not.

I know that isn't much help, but it can help your body to relax, which can just make it easier to deal with things. And that can in turn help the pain level.

[Kakimbo]

Hi Mom.

I, like you have it my leg. My Chiropractor has me do "Chest Hollowing" to relax. Lie on your back with your arms over your chest. Breathe in through your nose (first fill up your belly, then lungs then all the way up to your sholders) Hold for a few then slowly exhale from your mouth. It takes some practice, but once you get it it helps immensley. I am a very high-strung person and tend to not breathe when I am tense. I'm sure it will help you. Also, for pain flares I take epsom salt baths and MUCH stretching. I hurt badly doing it, but it seems to make me feel better afterwards. I always use a heating pad and blanket.

Hope it helps!

Kim

[hollyk24]

I think that's the same thing I'm doing Except I'm doing it in any position, but I could see why the back would be best. You have to breathe from your diaphram, and really fill your lungs . . . . . It really does help, especially if you are stressed.

[Jomar]

here's a video with breathing - oxygenates and full exhale releases toxins - you can find more info by exploring other videos
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/263988...abeth_reveley/

and some for relaxation -
http://video.google.com/videosearch?...hragm+to+relax

[Momlovetobake]

Thanks ladies you are the best. I tried the breathing techniques and feel alittle better. I will continue to do this when its so bad.. I want to ask is it normal to have high bp,naseau, not wanting to eat?

[hollyk24]

I don't know about normal, but I can totally relate . . . I have to force myself to eat most days, and often times get sick and have to throw up.

Stress can also cause me to get sick, any time I get really upset my stomach immediatly follows suit. Also, my pain level can get so high sometimes that I throw up, I think it's just my body's reaction to it all. The meds also do not help . . . . My doc gave me something for the nasuea, and it helps sometimes, but not always, and didn't help with my appetite.

Another thing, and this really depends on what state you live in, is marijuana. In Oregon (where I live) you can have it for medicinal purposes. There are times when I can't use it because it tends to make some of the throbbing pains worse, but lately I've found it can really help with the nausea and appetite, and also helps a little with the burning pains. There are the obvious cons to it too, especially if you are in a state where it is not allowed, and certain kinds can definatly impair you too much to really function. I'm lucky that in my state there are many growers that specialize in certain strands for medicinal purposes, so I can get some that won't knock me out or make me too stupid, but will still help with the pain, nausea, and appetite. But it's really something that I can only use in the evening, as it still impairs me enough that I can't work with it.

I almost went about a month last december without being able to keep any foods down. I'm now at the point of being able to eat one, maybe two, very small meals a day, but I keep the fluids going like crazy.

The problem is, once you stop eating, it's going to lead to more problems, and make it harder for you to mentally and physically deal with the pain. I had to start with one or two bites every 5 or 6 hours, with a nap after to start keeping food down, and I'm still nauseas at some point every day. You just have to hang in there and keep trying different things until you can find something that is workable for you.

[SandyRI]

Yeah - it's normal. I take clonodine for the BP. Sorry you don't feel good. It's been a long winter. My nausea has been really bad too - I like the ideas that everyone gave above. I also have tried the Mindfulness Stress Reduction Program - here are the links that I have posted in the past:

http://www.umassmed.edu/Content.aspx...d&itemid=41254
http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/p...mbsr/audio.htm

FMichael writes a lot about this method of pain relief (and he is a much, much better writer than me!!) - my psychologist introduced me to it about 6 months ago and it really does make a difference. If you have some time click on the links and give it a try. There is also a book that my shrink had me buy call the "Mindfulness Solution to Pain Reduction" by Jackie Gardner-Nix. That helped too.

Sorry again about your pain. Please feel free to ask about anything. I have gotten a lot of help from my friends here.

XOXOXO Sandy

Originally Posted by Momlovetobake

Thanks ladies you are the best. I tried the breathing techniques and feel alittle better. I will continue to do this when its so bad.. I want to ask is it normal to have high bp,naseau, not wanting to eat?

[olecyn]

that is the cutest name; that being said I betcha you bake a bunch & standing on your feet a very whole heck of a lot? If thats the case my dear, I will note a few things I have learned over the years from the professionals in pain management & physical therapy:

1. THE FLOOR IS YOUR BEST FRIEND: yes, being floored, prone and doing your Feldenkrais stretches & exercises, diaphramatic breathing is on the floor on a swiss ball is essential. Peter Edgelow has a great CD & program to keep our system healthy, circulation moving & relaxation. The snippet Jo sent is also great. Did you hear the music in the back ground?

2. RELAXATION: I also betcha you are a mover and do-er kinda person. Thats ok, people who dont do, dont get fullfilled with life & RSD. Listening to the relaxation, zen music is the best thing you will find for relaxation oand to take you away. No matter what you are doing baking, bathing, need to calm the nervous system to calm the pain BREATHE, RELAX while listening to the zen music. Bed Bath & Beyond carries some tapes which can be ordered on line & sometime free shipping if you join their site. Our site is in the process of interview hundreds of CDS & will offer cd's & relaxation for pain.

3. BREATHE: again learning diaphramatic breathing relaxes the heart, organs, spine, head, neck, autonomic & sympathetic systems, the mind & soul. Deep diaphramatic breathing is essential. Notice the next time you bake. Are you focused & breathing? I bet not. Anything our minds are focused on the breathing stops.

4. WEATHER: if cold or heat creates havoc make changes in your environment. Dry heat from the heater can suck up all your hydration. Cold can tense the muscles, rain can make our sympathetic system go crazy like a weathering stick. Contrast showers, cold packs, moist or dry pads. ALways switching to make your self comfortable depending on environmental changes. Heat creates so much pain with me I have to sit in an ice skating rink. Thats what my internal themometer is acustom to.

5. HYDRATE: I'l bump up the post from this last week. Valuable leason learned. Remember forced home heat sucks you up. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

6. MOVE: yes move your sweet ****. I thought the professionals were crazy. How can I move when I cant move? It so makes sense now. I am on a daily plan of the stationary bike 3 times a day. If you can only go 5 minutes at the beginning its a start. Stay away from resistance training on the stationary bike until your muscles can tolerate. Somedays I can do 30 minutes at one sitting, some days I can only do 10 minutes very slowly. Stationary biking takes the weight off your head neck and shoulders. Cheap recumbant bikes like mine can be purchased at Walmart, target and on line. Doesnt need to be expenseive. *And when your system shuts down from pain, get up on the bike. I swear, it works, it works AND YOU CAN DO IT

I'll post more, gotta get off this comPOOPer.

xxoo