See link below for great article on pfd & stress.

[izazen]

http://www.remedyfind.com/ratinglong.aspx?RatingID=63332

[rosesitty]

This was very interesting. I know I have PFD, but internal and external trigger point work cause severe pain. I tale valium, soak every night and use a stress reduction CD, but it just seems to be maintaining a status quo. I have been working on reducing stress - with acupuncture and massage - but unfortunately I have a job that is just plain stressful. I guess knowledge is power and understanding what is exacerbating your symptoms could potentially help eliminate those things that are causing the prolem. Unfortunately it can be a vicious cycle and hard to break.

[dminton]

Interesting post, thank you!

[mela414]

Yes, it is an interesting post but I have yet to get substantial relief. Stress does paly a big part as do so many other things. Staying regular (BM's) is very important! The minute that becomes upset everything goes crazy on me! I am having the worst time after BMs lately. The pain starts shortly after and will escalate all day from burning to pounding throbbing ppain. I cfan can feel the knot on one side tightening an pullling. I've recently started Soma....it helps a little....but then again I only take a quarter of a tab as I am so sensitive. I also take ativan .5 but never with the soma as it is way too strong for me and gives me side effects. I am waiting for my ativan suppositories to come in and pray that will afford some relief. I also experience burning in my legs and feet as the day goes on. I guess the muscles get so "spazzed" out that they "fire" up those nerves and set everything off!
The PT did not fare well with me but I am at the end of my rope. My dr wants me to go immediately to Botox but I am so afraid of the pain afterwards that I am considering holding off on my Jan 4th appt. I had horrible pain after trigger point injections that I could not get out of bed. I fear the same thing might happen as i cannot take being manipulated there! I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't!
I don't know what to do anymore but this PFD is NOT letting up!
:(

[izazen]

After I had a severe attack of Ulcerative Colitis I begged the MD to "give me a note" to bring back to work as my job was driving me bonkers and I thought it might help me get a transfer to a different, less "high pressure" position. He told me he wouldn't do it as part of life is learning to cope with pressure. I was p.o'd at him but realize now he was right.
I'm still battling away to this day but am still hopeful I can master stress/anxiety - in fact I got a meditation cd for Xmas that I have high hope for, also, I ordered a sound/light machine for daily relaxation. I'll let you know how it goes.

Trying to avoid western medicine.....

[mela414]

I hope the tapes work for you. I always find them very relaxing. Have you tried taking a warm bath to relax?
I too do not like taking medications and have a lot of reactions to so many of them..........but....the pain has been getting pretty bad lately and I gave in and took a quarter of a soma pill tonight.
Let's see what tomorrow rings.
I read in one of the reports that taking a stool softener helps so I took one after dinner but have been having cramps all night! ughhhhhhhhh

[rosesitty]

Mela - I am always in search of the perfect BM. Constipation and diarrhea both will trigger symptoms. I'd rather be in search of the Holy Grail, but I guess the BM is my lot in life. I did not fare well with PT either. ANY trigger point work, either external or internal, causes severe symptoms. External - hip and back pain. Internal - whacked out my period and had increased burning and spasming. I'm still going, she's taken a different tact, and I'm scheduled to see the uro/gyno next week.
The Valium, soaking and relaxation tape helps maintain the status quo, but I'd like to get over this roadblock. I'm going to my counselor to see if I de-stress the old noggin too.
I'm sorry that things are not working so well for you regarding getting the PFD under control. I feel your pain.
Stephanie

[mela414]

Stephanie,
Have you considered Botox?
I'm glad the valium suppositories help a little. I am looking forward to getting my ativan. I don't do very well with oral valium so we decided not to do the suppositories and instead are doing the ativan which I do OK with orally.
I had a knot on the right side which got progressively worse all day and turned into a pulling throbbing pain. It wound up spreading over the enitre pelvic area.........this morning it is still there but not as bad. I fear if I have a BM then things will be set in motion again. As you I has to try to get regular with gentle BMs. I do for a while and thne things grt out of balance for whatever reason and it sets off the whole PFD chain of events.
I hope your new tactics in PT also give you some relief. Keep us posted.

[mela414]

I just got my ativan suppositories in the mail today so I will try them tomorrow morning as prescribed by my dr. 30 suppositories cost $70 plus shipping. Is that about what anyone else has paid? has anyone been able to get reimbursed by ins.?
I cancelled my Botox appt for Jan 4th because I want to wait and see how the ativan works. I'm also taking soma at night. All this and lots of flaring too!
Something has got to give!

[izazen]

Report so far on relaxation devices/methods:
THe tapes (a "poor man's" TM program) haven't helped my anxiety so far (4th day) but my husband is having good luck with them (!)
The sound/light machine is WAY overdue - supposed to be here before Xmas. Grrrrr.....