We've got your back

[Dimity]

Today my osteopath linked the recent onset of my chronic pain to a traumatic event, and the ongoing progress of my treatment including setbacks with what's happening in therapy. I was gutted as I felt invalidated and stigmatised although I've had an MRI that shows several issues.

I started delving online. There definitely seems to be evidence of links between life events and experience of pain

eg Gasperi et al have reported

"A growing number of studies have shown that PTSD symptoms tend to be elevated in patients with chronic pain conditions.With an estimated 1 in 5 adults suffering from chronic pain, it presents an immense public health problem. In fact, chronic pain is reported in 20 to 80% of individuals with a history of trauma, and 10 to 50% of individuals with PTSD report chronic pain. Patients with chronic pain and a history of trauma have worse functional status, report greater distress, and demonstrate worse response to medical intervention. Similarly, the presence of chronic pain and PTSD increases symptom severity in both conditions." 

It's an association and apparently the causation isn't clear.

Meanwhile my exercise regime has been modified and I was advised to discuss my pain with my psychologist... I don't think I had. 

[tyme]

It certainly sounds like there are close links @Dimity ! I'm glad you have been able to find that info helpful. 

Recently, I've been sleeping on the floor. Yes, the HARD floor. It helps my back, but it hurts my hips. So I think I have to do a few nights on the floor and then recover my hips and shoulder blades on a mattress once in a while. All the bony parts of the body don't like the hard floor. But it seems my back really likes it!

[Dimity]

Maybe seek advice on a better firmer mattress @tyme 

The old school suggestion was boards under the mattress

I'm like a turtle, if I'm flat on my back I'm virtually stranded 

[tyme]

Yes, I used to have a board under my mattress @Dimity . Somehow I just like the floor.

But yes, I will need to look into a better mattress

[Dimity]

Hope you're going OK with your exercises @tyme . I've just had mine changed - being on my back was just too difficult. 

[Dimity]

Hello @Patchworks @ClockFace @Appleblossom @Shaz51 @Emelia8 @tyme I hope you're going OK. I've just postponed seeing my osteopath. I've been struggling to keep up my exercises and wanted to give it more time. I don't want to waste what's left of my EPC plan. 

[Appleblossom]

@tyme    @Dimity  and all….

Yes make the most out of your EPC.

I have seen mine on one. Looking forward to seeing her soon.

connections re early trauma and current pain… yep.

I have been very upset yesterday. Trying to manage it. Feeling very sad and angry at all the rejection I received recently and throughout my life. All the effort in relationships that went nowhere. Why did/do I try soooo hard?  Not to worry. I took prn but I was very upset last night.

Having hand issues so that threw a spanner in my piano plans. Trying not to give up hope. A few complainy people being racist to me. So I need to shrug it off like water off a duck’s back.  At least I know my vulnerability is still there which is a good thing. Maybe it’s me just recognising relationship realities… grow up apple

Learned a couple new exercises at physio for lumbar pain 

[Dimity]

Sorry to hear you're feeling fragile @Appleblossom and unable to find solace in piano-playing. We can build ourselves up but still be vulnerable. And sometimes other people's cruelty stems from their own susceptibilities. At least you have the capacity to establish and nurture new connections when you choose.

I'm doing new exercises too but not as often as I should.  Yesterday I bought new micro stretch bands for one routine as the stopgap wasn't working. 

[Appleblossom]

TThanks @Dimity @Hand therapist gave me 2 exercises to do with rubber bands. Stretching mini muscles in between fingers. Still playing a little. Just can’t go at it for lots of hours.  So much for the old adage Practice makes perfect. At least he confirmed… don’t stop playing…. But ease up when pain is above a 3. 

Done all my gross motor stretched and exercises… going to do finger ones. Even typing on tablet hurts.  It is what it is.

take care

apple

[Emelia8]

@Dimity @Appleblossom 💞