[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.

[Kakimbo]

Aint it grand!!! I get so bad sometimes I get sick in public. Went out for a very expensive Valentine's dinner and was feeling nauseas already, took two bites and ran (yeah, right) for the bathroom.....didn't quite make it. So my poor Husband forked over too much money and I didn't eat it.

[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?