LizGrirl
05-12-2006, 06:04 AM
So, I have been going to this pain management doctor. And he has a psychiatrist and physical therapist on staff.
First of all, if you can get into physical therapy, do it. My muscles started to atropy cause I wasn't doing anything cause I hurt so bad. Even though I am not underweight yet, I am fighting anorexia. That is the reason why I go - 2 times a week - and it still feels like torture. Afterwards though, I know I am in pain. I know I hurt. But I feel so good. I can't even begin to describe it. It is like yeah I know the pain is there and I can feel it but emotionally I feel so good that it doesn't bother me at all. If you get a good physcial therapist, they will work around your IC and come up with exercises that don't cause flare ups.
Second of all, I went to the psychiatrist (mandatory for all new chronic pain patients because of the life changes it causes). He suggested a self help book called Managing Pain Before It Manages You by Margaret A. Caudill MD, PhD. Excellent, excellent book about dealing with the emotional side of pain. And I quote "... pain may be mandatory, but suffering is optional." I was skeptical when it was first suggested to me. But I headed down to my local bookstore and browsed through it to see what was in it. It took me about 5 minutes to decide I actually needed this book. I am not that far into it. But it comes with self help techniques, relaxation exercises... basically the works.
If you are miserable with pain, at least know that there are ways to help yourself get better and feel better about yourself. I went from working and having a career to being unemployed from my IC. Depression, crying myself to sleep, insomnia, anger and what not are just a few of the emotions that I dealt with everyday. Now, I am working on getting my arsenal together to help me feel better. I hope what I suggested helps you too. :)
First of all, if you can get into physical therapy, do it. My muscles started to atropy cause I wasn't doing anything cause I hurt so bad. Even though I am not underweight yet, I am fighting anorexia. That is the reason why I go - 2 times a week - and it still feels like torture. Afterwards though, I know I am in pain. I know I hurt. But I feel so good. I can't even begin to describe it. It is like yeah I know the pain is there and I can feel it but emotionally I feel so good that it doesn't bother me at all. If you get a good physcial therapist, they will work around your IC and come up with exercises that don't cause flare ups.
Second of all, I went to the psychiatrist (mandatory for all new chronic pain patients because of the life changes it causes). He suggested a self help book called Managing Pain Before It Manages You by Margaret A. Caudill MD, PhD. Excellent, excellent book about dealing with the emotional side of pain. And I quote "... pain may be mandatory, but suffering is optional." I was skeptical when it was first suggested to me. But I headed down to my local bookstore and browsed through it to see what was in it. It took me about 5 minutes to decide I actually needed this book. I am not that far into it. But it comes with self help techniques, relaxation exercises... basically the works.
If you are miserable with pain, at least know that there are ways to help yourself get better and feel better about yourself. I went from working and having a career to being unemployed from my IC. Depression, crying myself to sleep, insomnia, anger and what not are just a few of the emotions that I dealt with everyday. Now, I am working on getting my arsenal together to help me feel better. I hope what I suggested helps you too. :)