Flare

Im in a huge flare at the moment, fear through the roof. It was all going so well and wasn’t scared but this one has got me. Pain changed from nerve to muscle and the change has got me back into old habits (trying to physically remove the pain through massage, trying to push it away, keep prodding and testing)

anyone have any advice for a cycle break. I’ve been at the gym a lot, and I’m scared to go tonight as in a lot of pain… but feel like it’s best to break the TMS mind cycle

 

Flares come regularly until you’re better. They even intensify in strength and frequency. You’ll be less scared if you just know this and accept it. They also always subside. Always. So think of it as bad weather. It will pass. (But, it’s so hard to remember that when you’re in a flare!)

One thing I’ve noticed that helps them pass quicker is to ask myself what’s bothering me. Sometimes it’s obvious. Sometimes I have to journal a lot to find it. Flares are almost always caused by stress of some kind—something emotional. (Sarno said, when the pain comes, “think psychological not physical.”) They can also come from doing the work. Your TMS brain wants you to stop working and go back in your hole. But, of course you can’t do this! You have to stand up to it.

Somatic tracking can bring some pain relief. That’s where you just observe the pain like a scientist and describe it thoroughly like you’re writing a report about it. This tells your brain you are not afraid of the pain and turns down the fear that’s fueling it.

Lastly, a good long meditation session, listening to soothing music or singing bells can also ease the pain. Because ultimately, your muscles are clenching. That’s causing the pain. So relaxing them, and your mind, will loosen them.

The Mindful Gardener says flares are the best way to grow. You learn to relax during them. And you reprogram your brain that you’re safe. This will ultimately bring your healing. (I love this guy! He really cheers me up, especially when I’m afraid.)

Flares are so hard! I hope you feel better soon! ❤️

 

A flare is always temporary! You will get relief. Keep telling yourself that.

Definitely do this! You may discover the reason and you may not. It's the Holiday season so it just may be extra stress on you too. I know mine kicked up when I needed to figure out gifts and plans for Christmas.

Live your life. When I was in my last flare, I actually lived life as normal and I am still am now that the flare has subsided. This just means that I was doing the same exercise routine regardless of the pain. I have dealt with severe IBS and I was eating all the foods even if my brain was telling me that it would make it worse. I just ignored it and it was scary TBH.

Also, when I wasn't in a flare, I was trying to trigger a flare. I was trying to prove to my brain that this was not physical at all. So with IBS I was still eating all the foods that my brain had deemed off limits. I also would do moves that could trigger my other pain and if I wasn't in pain, I would increase my intensity or time. I was trying to find the inconsistencies that my brain was showing me. (Again, really scary but I was also at a point, that I wanted to do this and experiment. Don't do this if it's too scary to you!)

Be prepared that your brain may trigger another pain out of nowhere. I posted yesterday about me talking to my brain and ignoring the flare that morning. 30 mins later I picked up my purse and had a zap of pain in my back. I was like really, brain? It was comical. I have a tiny crossbody purse. I did not injure myself. Try to find the humor that your brain is grasping at straws to keep you safe because doing this work is unknown to it. It's not sure if its ok yet.

And do this! I have increased my meditation to 2x a day now. It is amazing how calm and relaxed I feel after 5-10 mins of meditation.

I think I remember you saying you were doing the SEP. I completed it and did see a difference. But I needed to do more and needed some guidance. I used ChatGPT for journaling prompts and did that for a month and 1/2. Then I got tired of journaling. I gave in and got the Curable app. It has an activity to do each day (sometimes journaling and sometimes brain retraining) and I use the meditations from that app. I have noticed a huge difference in my pain levels after doing it for four weeks now. They do offer free trials and that might be something to look into as well after you deal with this current flare.

And remember, you are not alone. This forum is here to lift you up when you need encouragement!!!