How much of a role does the mind play?

Gribbsey

I wonder what others think of the following.

Before my X-ray (which revealed hip arthritis), I had been in moderate dicomfort. Ever since the diagnosis. three weeks ago, the pain has increased - at least doubled - and now I am varying between bad days and moderate days but almost never pain free, i.e. not aware of my painful hip and knee (not sure if the knee is deferred pain from the hip?).

Did others notice this; i.e. once you were labelled as a sufferer of arthritis the pain was more noticable? Is stress playing a major role?

cocoa

Dear Gribbsey . I was relieved when I was first diagnosed with hip OA as the groin pain convinced me I had other issues. But not now! As you say once diagnosed start putting every bad day diwn to arthritis ! A lot depends on pain killers the weather and state of mind and how much you try to do . I pace myself now and have recently started to go t meditation once a week to calm me in readiness fir hip op. It does help. Also it’s hard fir other people to understand if you are not able to keep up with them in various activities . Don’t!! Go at your own pace ! Hope this helps

Bryony

The mind plays a lot. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse! Pain is reduced with distraction, and increased with focus on it!

Arthuritis

@Gribbsey @cocoa @Bryony The inflammation neuro reflex is far more real and powerful than people think. Sensory Nerve (afferent) endings at the site of inflammation sense the influx of inflammatory cytokines and white cells, for both OA & even more profoundly for RA, and in the brain the autonomous part that we cannot voluntarily control, it sends nerve signals to that point via the afferent pathway to amplify/maintain/suppress the inflammation. Sometimes this mechanism goes awry and stays on longer than necessary, making things worse, and drugs like steroids are used to suppress and provide short term damping of that inflammation.

A neurologist, Dr Kevin Tracey used this to invent a surgical electronic implant to stimulate the vagus nerve to suppress the inflammation particularly for RA, and it’s been transformative in patients where it’s worked. It’s too expensive to be a general solution, but does indisputably prove the nervous inflammatory link and sustained reflex. For those with RA, ever notice how it’s worse in the morning after you have had a mentally deeper sleep? Well guess what? Deep sleep is used for repairs and fighting invaders, both real and imagined. The converse is also true. This was a topic I was discussing with my rheumy, who acknowledged the CNS played a huge part.

I was wondering if Paul McKenna the hypnosis expert might be able to use his skills to access the uncontrollable part of our brain and send “calm down” signals!

Bryony

Interesting. Thanks.

Gribbsey

Thanks.

Did you mean to say that it is 'worse' after a 'mentally deeper sleep'? i would have expected the opposite.

I exercise regularly (and always have), practice mindfullness and have a good diet; however I now feel aware of my hip pain almost all day. Definitely distractions help; I reckon a lorttery win would remove it! I am going to experiment with easing off the exercise, though that concerns me with regard my general health.

I particularly have pain when sitting.