Stress and Relaxation

ritnew

I was wonderring if anyone knows if stress or relaxation makes a difference to the level of pain you get.
Last week was quite a good one in the pain level and management department. OH was playing a gig at a friends pub in the Peak District which I went to, haven't been to one for ages. We didn't have to stop once on the journey, something we often have to do so I can stretch my leg. We were invited to stay overnight and I had the best nights sleep for such a long time. Then we went to Hartington to The Old Cheese shop, got some lovely cheeses. Monday our daughter took us out for a meal, so no cooking or washing up. Tuesday was spent tidying up after our busy weekend, the pain throughout this time has been there but at a level that I could live with.
Today is another matter, first OH had a bath slipped and banged his head so that made him grumpy, then we found out there has been a mistake when I applied for a Blue Badge so that's been held up, DLA are still waiting for my consultants report and because money has got so tight we applied for rent and council tax benefits and because we never put bank statements in that's going to be delayed, our own fault I know, still put the stress levels up. Then to top all that I was speaking to a friend about my THR that I'm waiting to have and she's turned into a know it all, I really think some people don't understand the level of pain we have to go through or the do's and don't's when I've had my op. Now my daughter has PMT so she's grumpy as well, so my stress levels today are well high and I'm hurting so much I've had to take tramadol, which I try and only take when I absolutely have to. grrrrrrr
I'm going to continue looking through the posts on here as I know they will cheer me up and help to take my stress levels back down. Then go and sit with my cat and her gorgeous kittens cause I know she'll appreciate my company.
Housework will have to wait for another day.
Hope everyone else is having a good day.

Rita X

woodbon

Hi I have no doubt the pain is worse when stressed, or at least it is for me. I tense up and that effects my muscles and joints, I get headaches and that makes my neck ache, my tummy gets upset, I could go on but I won't.

Its also harder to see the bright side or keep a sense of humour. The worry seems to go round in circles.

I do hope that you o/h's mood gets better, when his head stops hurting! Maybe your friend wanted to impress you!

Anyway, I hope you feel better soon Love Sue

eckstardeluxe

Yes, I think your pain threshold is lower when you are stressed. I remember when I had my PND they gave me a bunch of leaflets and in it, it said aches and pains feel much worse when you are depressed. That was an NHS leaflet so it must be true. You'd think :?: Re money worries, is it possible you could ask the DWP for a crisis loan? I'm sure the job centre do that. Sounds like you are having a crisis to me and worth a shot.

vonski

Hi Rita

Yes I think pain threshold is lower when you're stressed too. Muscles always feel tighter and bunched up so more aches. Deep breathing, relaxation techniques and music helps me although I know some people use visualisation. Animals are a great stress reliever, well most of the time

Love
Vonski x

ninakang

I agree with you Rita, totally. Relaxation and less stress does make a difference but how much notice do any of us ever take? :-)

And housework can ALWAYS wait! If anyone comments, show them where the hoover's kept!

Nx

ritnew

Thanks everyone, I feel lots better, stress levels gone down and pain is a little more managable.
I'm happy to say my OH never says anything about the housework and always notices when I've had a good day. He was also in a better mood and so was my daughter when they got home from work, he even cooked a lovely dinner, full of calories but what the heck got to indulge sometimes.
Let's hope for a good night's sleep now.

Rita X

jennywren

Regarding stress and relaxation there is no such therapy I can never be relaxed from my stress with my arthur which is very bad jenny ]