Emotional link to pain

bogbean

Hello everyone,

I am still awaiting my diagnosis (next appointment in july!) but have been told by rheumatologist that i probably do have arthritis.
One thing is confusing me though .... I have general aches and pains in my hands, wrists and elbows. Curiously the pain can be so linked to my mood; sometimes I just have to think of something sad and I get shooting burning pains through my thumbs.
Is this common in arthritis? haven't mentioned it to doc as seems so odd.
Any ideas anyone?
thanks

woodbon

You don't say what type of arthritis your doctor thinks you may have, but maybe its a bit soon for that. I have OA and I suppose, if I think about something sad or stressful I notice pain more. Also, stress is something that does make, amoung other illnesses, worse.

I think you may be worried about things, and thats natural. No one likes any ill health! Other people, with different types of arthritis may have other answers for you, and they are sure to be along soon! Glad you found this site, its very helpful. Love Sue

magenta

Hiya,
I'm sero-negative and find stress makes my symptoms worse which then makes me feel down, which then makes my pains worse! I have OA in my jaw and when I'm stressed, I clench my jaw and so it goes on :?
By the way, welcome
Magenta x

joanlawson

Hi Bogbean
I'm sure emotions can play a part in pain. After an op. on my knee recently, I was in a lot of pain and couldn't sleep. I chose some of my favourite CD's of relaxing or uplifting music and listened to them through earphones, so as not to disturb my husband. After a while the pain seemed less,and I thought it was because the music was emotional,so it distracted my brain away from the pain. I get the same effect when I am engrosed in painting pictures.
Joan

elnafinn

Hi

I think stress, sadness, whatever can aggravate symptoms but not bring on new ones, if you know what I mean.

I would say this included any kind of pain/discomfort you may have and not arthritis in particular.

You have a long time to wait for your next appointment, far too long. I would be chasing that up if it was me.

Luv
Elna

nickynysmon08

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Bogbean
I'm sure emotions can play a part in pain. After an op. on my knee recently, I was in a lot of pain and couldn't sleep. I chose some of my favourite CD's of relaxing or uplifting music and listened to them through earphones, so as not to disturb my husband. After a while the pain seemed less,and I thought it was because the music was emotional,so it distracted my brain away from the pain. I get the same effect when I am engrosed in painting pictures.
Joan

reply
just in case it is of interest, the Buddhists have a method of dealing with pain which involves analysis of it, and taking away the emotional tapestry we all give to pain. it is a process of looking at the pain, then slowly dissolving the emotional responses we have to it, until the pain becomes a mere sensation Once the mind is sufficiently distracted, from the pain, we almost cease to experience it. until we are distracted and once more aware of it.
this may seem silly mystical nonsense but I assure you it does work, but it takes a lot of practice.
We dissolve the layers of our habitual responses until we have a separation of Mind from the source of the pain.
Try it!!!

Nick

joanlawson

nickynysmon08 wrote:

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Bogbean
I'm sure emotions can play a part in pain. After an op. on my knee recently, I was in a lot of pain and couldn't sleep. I chose some of my favourite CD's of relaxing or uplifting music and listened to them through earphones, so as not to disturb my husband. After a while the pain seemed less,and I thought it was because the music was emotional,so it distracted my brain away from the pain. I get the same effect when I am engrosed in painting pictures.
Joan

reply
just in case it is of interest, the Buddhists have a method of dealing with pain which involves analysis of it, and taking away the emotional tapestry we all give to pain. it is a process of looking at the pain, then slowly dissolving the emotional responses we have to it, until the pain becomes a mere sensation Once the mind is sufficiently distracted, from the pain, we almost cease to experience it. until we are distracted and once more aware of it.
this may seem silly mystical nonsense but I assure you it does work, but it takes a lot of practice.
We dissolve the layers of our habitual responses until we have a separation of Mind from the source of the pain.
Try it!!!

Nick

Hi Nick
I live very near to a Buddist centre which runs courses, and your post has encouraged me to enroll. You don't have to be a Buddist. I think it is interesting because scientists are discovering more and more about how the mind and body inter-react, things which Buddists have known for centuries.
Joan

nickynysmon08

joanlawson wrote:

nickynysmon08 wrote:

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Bogbean
I'm sure emotions can play a part in pain. After an op. on my knee recently, I was in a lot of pain and couldn't sleep. I chose some of my favourite CD's of relaxing or uplifting music and listened to them through earphones, so as not to disturb my husband. After a while the pain seemed less,and I thought it was because the music was emotional,so it distracted my brain away from the pain. I get the same effect when I am engrosed in painting pictures.
Joan

reply
just in case it is of interest, the Buddhists have a method of dealing with pain which involves analysis of it, and taking away the emotional tapestry we all give to pain. it is a process of looking at the pain, then slowly dissolving the emotional responses we have to it, until the pain becomes a mere sensation Once the mind is sufficiently distracted, from the pain, we almost cease to experience it. until we are distracted and once more aware of it.
this may seem silly mystical nonsense but I assure you it does work, but it takes a lot of practice.
We dissolve the layers of our habitual responses until we have a separation of Mind from the source of the pain.
Try it!!!

Nick

Hi Nick
I live very near to a Buddist centre which runs couses, and your post has encouraged me to enroll. You don't have to be a Buddist. I think it is interesting because scientists are discovering more and more about how the mind and body inter-react, things which Buddists have known for centuries.
Joan

afterthought....

the greatest secret of all is the understanding, that mind and body are not the same and mind indeed is separate from the body as happens at so called death. all religions teach this. Buddhism especially, or it should do. if we each had the realization of this their would be far less attachments, and even our pains would seem as just passing phases of our brief earth existence.
bhuddism is not a religion, as such, more a way of using the mind in order to gain realization of itself. again this is the goal of all religions once silly superstition and dogma are taken away from them. you are fortunate to have a Buddhist centre near you.

Nick

eckstardeluxe

Hi, I do think when you're down or stressed your symptoms seem worse. I sit everyday praying for warm weather so I can have a day where I at least feel kind of normal again. I only got my daignosis in January so still find it hard most days. I look at people in work all the time rushing around and think how unaware they are of a life with constant pain. I try my best to stay positive, I must be getting a little better, I fell on my £400 coffee table today and heard a loud CRACK! My 3 year old was saying "Mummy, mummy are you ok, are you hurt" and all I could do was laugh. A couple of months ago I'd have cried and probably made myself worse. It does get better with time. take care x

vickijaneholliday

bogbean wrote:

Hello everyone,

I am still awaiting my diagnosis (next appointment in july!) but have been told by rheumatologist that i probably do have arthritis.
One thing is confusing me though .... I have general aches and pains in my hands, wrists and elbows. Curiously the pain can be so linked to my mood; sometimes I just have to think of something sad and I get shooting burning pains through my thumbs.
Is this common in arthritis? haven't mentioned it to doc as seems so odd.
Any ideas anyone?
thanks

Hi,I'm waiting diagnosis too.I really feel there is an emotional link,though I can't say mine is so instant as yours!
My pain started five years ago in my hands, feet, wrists and ankles ,I had real trouble walking in the mornings and had loss of strength in my hands.I was very depressed did lots of crying-my Aunt and Nan have RA.
After almost 3 years it subsided and I feel sure it's because I got used to the idea and had to accept it.
I have had 2 years pain free and now it's back(Nov), but a milder version and I feel it's because I'm more excepting this time round I have stopped worrying.I know I have sero-positive arthropathy (can't spell it!) I'm going back to consultant in April hopefully to get a diagnosis sorted.hope yours goes well though appointment seems a long way off-perhaps a bit of pestering is needed?

colinone

Hi bogbean
Theres not much i can add to what the ladies have said but nice to meet you

On Wednesday 8th April we are going to try and set a new record for most people being online at the same time on this site. I think the time is set for 6pm if you can join us please let BADGER know. If you cant locate him have a look on CHIT CHAT FORUM under are we going to break the record. We need your help to do this so please join us.
Colin

lindalegs

Hi Bogbean and welcome to the Forum,

When I feel low I'm more aware of my pain but can't say that I've had shooting pains assoicated with sad thoughts. I don't see as there's any harm in talking to your GP about it especially as you have to wait till July to see your Rheumy.

Luv Legs

sharmaine

Hi
I've noticed that my PAIN makes me emotional! I did notice that I have become more INTUITIVE since I've been on these drugs. I can spot a lie a mile off! Maybe I've always been like this..but it took the pain of OA to make me more alert. Definitely can spot dodgy characters. My family think I've lost a screw or two, however, on a few occasions my suspicions and theories have been right. Has anyone noticed this side of things? I've heard that some illnesses can trigger insights into other things- or skills. I would like to be psychic and get the winning lotto lines, however, no such luck.
I find laughing at myself and my condition helps. However, I agree your emotions are finely honed when in pain.
Sharmaine

bogbean wrote:

Hello everyone,

I am still awaiting my diagnosis (next appointment in july!) but have been told by rheumatologist that i probably do have arthritis.
One thing is confusing me though .... I have general aches and pains in my hands, wrists and elbows. Curiously the pain can be so linked to my mood; sometimes I just have to think of something sad and I get shooting burning pains through my thumbs.
Is this common in arthritis? haven't mentioned it to doc as seems so odd.
Any ideas anyone?
thanks

airwave

sharmaine wrote:

Hi
I've noticed that my PAIN makes me emotional! I did notice that I have become more INTUITIVE since I've been on these drugs. I can spot a lie a mile off! Maybe I've always been like this..but it took the pain of OA to make me more alert. Definitely can spot dodgy characters. My family think I've lost a screw or two, however, on a few occasions my suspicions and theories have been right. Has anyone noticed this side of things? I've heard that some illnesses can trigger insights into other things- or skills. I would like to be psychic and get the winning lotto lines, however, no such luck.
I find laughing at myself and my condition helps. However, I agree your emotions are finely honed when in pain.
Sharmaine

bogbean wrote:

Hello everyone,


I am still awaiting my diagnosis (next appointment in july!) but have been told by rheumatologist that i probably do have arthritis.
One thing is confusing me though .... I have general aches and pains in my hands, wrists and elbows. Curiously the pain can be so linked to my mood; sometimes I just have to think of something sad and I get shooting burning pains through my thumbs.
Is this common in arthritis? haven't mentioned it to doc as seems so odd.
Any ideas anyone?
thanks

Hi S,
I'm not surprised the pain has this effect on you, it does all of us. Pain makes you tired, tense, uses the muscles and makes us even more tired leading to fatigue, stress and depression (not clinical depression which is different). This is all an on-going cycle due to the chronic or long tern nature of our conditions.

However, a depressed feeling, is just a swing in our moods that will swing back up again, we must realise this and be aware of life's ups and downs. Break the cycle and you change your life.

8) Its a grin, honest!

averyniceman

I have practised some types of Buddhist meditation quite a bit over the years.

I can tell you that it is not easy and that it can be pleasurable and that you need to persevere with it to see results in your life.

Buddhist techniques are about giving your mind new skills to hellp you become more skilful in how you respond to your experiences. But developing those skills takes time and effort, in my experience.