Today I did an outdoor walk. Hoping to do a short yoga in the evening. Yesterday evening did Jessica's new Walk & Talk. A bit slower than her, but I kept up! It felt so good, I was so happy to work out with her. In all the years I've done her workouts, she has always kept me so mentally positive, and gotten me through some tough anxiety times. I guess that's why I rarely stray from her.
I started listening to podcasts about dealing with chronic pain. Our society usually only treats it from the biological standpoint. However, you need to incorporate the psychological treatment also. Pain is in the brain, and you can diminish pain sensations through cognitive behavioral therapy for the brain. Pain isolates you, and I was having a lot of anxiety and depression over losing my life, and anxiety increases the pain. This gave me so much hope, that I can still live my life. In reality, the more we isolate and don't move, the more our brain is wired for more pain. Pain is what keeps us safe in normal situations, but it's out of control when it's chronic. The more we show our brain that it's safe to move and interact with people, the less it reacts. It also distracts us from the pain, and we're not thinking about it. I ordered the CBT Pain workbook from the psychologist on the podcast. I also have a video therapy session coming up on Wednesday. It's expensive, so I don't know how long I will be able to continue it, but a few sessions should help a lot. So, the pain may never go away completely, but it can become more manageable.
It had a positive affect on me last night. I have also developed TMJ, from clenching my jaw at night. I sit upright to sleep, which prevents grinding, but then I clench. This morning my jaw was less tight and painful and I felt more rested. I also went 9 hours with no OTC meds yesterday afternoon and evening, because I felt less pain. The pain is a bit worse this morning, from all of that. But it isn't stressing me out as much. I still don't have the pain medication, although the vitamin prescriptions have been sent in. But maybe it was a blessing, as I started researching other things, instead of just taking the meds.
Pam, that is frustrating about the mortgage documents. I hope they get it resolved soon for you. Thanks for the taco rec. my daughter is taking me to Tucson, so maybe she will enjoy them. And I can have some refried beans!
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Sherry
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