Long time sufferer of anxiety induced levator ani

[Alfaman147]

Had this disorder since about 2010. I have it for a few months and then have about 8 or 9 months with no issues until it randomly comes into my head again. Pressure and ache or pain in the anal canal. Just need a pep talk as iv got myself through flare ups many many times before. My question is this .... Is it ok to treat the physical symptoms? I have hemorhoids which flared up a few weeks ago after the stomach flu. This then gave me some discomfort and then I thought to myself I hope I don't get that pain I usually get every year. Low and behold it's back again. I last had it September last year for a few weeks and it just went away as I injured by back and forgot all about it.
I find gentle internal massage brings great relief for a while. I know the issue is a sort of tension. But even though I know the cause is simply because I'm thinking about it and those muscles down there have tensed up, is it ok to try and relax those muscles during a bad flare up?. Every time I have gotten over this my just carrying on with life and it eventually goes away when I stop obsessing over it. Another question I have is that I obsess over this. Constantly googling or looking for answers even though I know the answer. I'm stuck in an all consuming rut. I don't have any repressed emotions. Is the obsession a form of TMS? I went to the doctor's many many times over the years and had scans etc and nothing was ever found apart from some hemorhoids. Is my mind overreacting to hemorhoid pain and making them worse? Just having a set back and feel I need some reassurance. I can have times if I'm totally distracted by something I don't feel anything. I feel nothing when I'm asleep.

 

[Ellen]

Is it ok to treat the physical symptoms?

Yes, as long as you are able to keep in mind that the cause of the symptoms is psychological, not physical.

is it ok to try and relax those muscles during a bad flare up?

Yes, as long as you are also working on the cause, which is psychological.

Another question I have is that I obsess over this. Constantly googling or looking for answers even though I know the answer. I'm stuck in an all consuming rut.

You can take control and stop doing this. Distract yourself when you feel the urge.

I don't have any repressed emotions.

There is no way to know this for sure since your conscious mind is not aware of your unconscious, repressed emotions. When we journal about our conscious emotions and thinking patterns, we try to figure this out, but there is not way to be sure.

Is the obsession a form of TMS?

Yes, the purpose of TMS is to distract you from the emotions you are repressing. Some say TMS is OCD of the body.

These are all good questions. I suggest engaging in a structured program of journaling to explore your underlying psychological issues. We all have them, and they can be uncovered.

 

[JanAtheCPA]

I don't have any repressed emotions.

I wish I'd kept track of the number of times this assertion has been made over the years... and always with such certainty!
It's Repression 101 in plain view. Sorry, @Alfaman147 , but it's more helpful to present the truth about reality, and of course you're not the only one, not by any means.

 

[Alfaman147]

I'm very happy in my life. I just have this strange phenomenon where I can't stop thinking about this pain and it causes it

 

[Cactusflower]

Have you ever educated yourself about TMS and read a book by Dr. Sarno and then have done the work he outlines?