how to shorten a stress-induced flare

So i have a long history of pelvic pain, but only in the last 3 years, did it become pretty unbearable Currently, pudendal neuralgia is my main symptom, but i also have vulvodynia and intermittent bladder pain. I also have tense achy pelvic floor muscles. The fact that the pain shifts around in the pelvis is how i'm convinced it's TMS.

Anyway, i'm in a horrid flare. It started about a week ago. You might ask, what is going on in your life? Well, i'm having very stressful car problems. Also, work is busy and i dont have time to take care of things, including my job and car. All this going on has caused a tightness in my chest and crying spells because i feel so overwhelmed. So yeah, i "think" this was the trigger.

Problem is, almost exactly a year ago, i had a stressful work week where i felt very tense. Shortly after, i got a very horrific pelvic flare, and it lasted over 2 months! the stressful week was only 7 days or so, but the residual flare lasted so long.

whenever i get upset or stressed about something, and it causes a flare, it takes forever for things to calm down. I always tell myself "this will pass". But let's face it, life is stressful. i cant stop stressful life events from happening, but having flares last weeks or months from one single event, is simply too long to deal with. I dont know if there's a way to shorten the reactionary process. Trust me, i'm trying not to catastrophize, and i'm i'm trying to live day to day and not tell myself "you will likely be screwed for weeks, just like last time".

 

Hi NicoleB34,

I think the question most basic to this is "what might help me feel less fearful and anxious?" I think taking the time to contemplate this and then taking (even small) actions or practices to see if they work will be very helpful.

Another deep contemplation is "What wants to be seen this time which I have not seen when I worked on TMS before?" Relapses tend to help expose more "undigested" material, or show usanother layer of patterns or inner relationships. Simply asking to know more may be helpful.

In both of these suggestions I am inviting you to attend to yourself, with compassion. They both amount to "tuning into you." This helps us relax, feel supported and connected, even when the outside life may not feel this way.

"I know my pain is not physical, and I am willing to be with myself more deeply in order to heal. I enjoy my inner contact." might be an affirmation along the lines I am suggesting for you.

Andy B

 

@NicoleB34 I definitely understand where you're coming from. I'm experiencing the same thing! I get lower back pain/ piriformis syndrome/ sciatica that comes and goes. I know it's TMS because it changes sides! I was pain-free for the first time in a long time when my live-in boyfriend went out of town for a month. As soon as he got back, the pain came back on my left side. This really scares me and I don't know how to deal with it.

Anyway, I've been dealing with it for the last couple months but I've been able to go about my activities (I'm do Krav Maga and Muy Thai kickboxing 4 days a week -- it has done wonders for my stress/rage). A few weeks ago, my job became much more stressful and guess what happened? the pain on the left side went away, but now I have pain on the right side and it's a lot worse. I'm really struggling to get to the bottom of this. I see the connections between my job, lousy relationship, etc. and my pain, but I can't see to resolve it. Hoping you feel better soon.

@Andy B I'll be contemplating your suggestions. Fingers crossed! Btw, where are you located? Your Info mentions Crater Lake -- in the James Peak Wilderness perhaps? I live around there

 

Hi Heidicat, I live in Southern Oregon, near the national park!

 

Hi,

I think the reason that your feeling so stressed too is that your other flare happened exactly a year ago and you know how long it lasted. It is coincidental that you are having a flare exactly 1 year later. Almost PSTD for you. I am wondering how you are feeling now? Did your flare ease out? Is it still on going?

Thinking of you.