Day 10 Setback

[jackyrs]

I’ve been away on vacation for the last two weeks and during that time I had full days without pain. I forgot about it for long stretches. Now I’m back at work and pain has returned.

things were actually really good before the vacation but since returning to work they’re worse than before I left. I’m now thinking about the pain a lot more.

I know this is probably extremely common, particularly as I neglected the education program a bit while I was away, but I just wanted to share and ask if anyone had any pointers?

I’ve had such good momentum and just want to make sure I approach this setback with the right mindset.

 

[Ellen]

Unfortunately relapse is very common. There isn't a straight path to recovery. Just get back to the daily education program and doing all the things that led to your progress in the first place. You'll get on a positive trajectory again. Hang in there.

 

[JanAtheCPA]

things were actually really good before the vacation but since returning to work they’re worse than before I left.

I agree with @Ellen, plus this timing makes perfect sense, believe it or not. You went on vacation just at the point in the program where it's really common for people to report setbacks. The vacation itself must have been an excellent substitute distraction for your TMS brain, so it didn't need to give you symptoms. And then, as soon as you returned and resumed the emotional work - wham!

This really does sound like good news. Your brain is fighting back, as it so often does at this point when you are on the right path. It's certainly proof of the psychological basis for your symptoms because at this point, what else makes sense?

Hang in there, be kind to your fearful brain, but also be firm and stick to the plan!