IC and STRESS

[watata]

So I know there must be a big connection... This week I have been under a tremendous amount of stress (job stress, the stress of signing my baby up for kindergarten, and the stress of accepting the IC lifestyle) I have been sticking to my diet and meds and doing better, but today woke up with pain, frequency and a bit of anxiety. I know the anxiety is due to all the new changes in my life, but the pain just exasperates it 100 fold. Any suggestions on stress reduction and IC? Before I could go out with the girls for drinks and margaritas and now its just torture (me with water and soda crackers and them with margaritas and chips and salsa) I take lots of warm baths and try to do stretching but this is only temporary and minimal at best. Any stress reducing techniques would be appreciated. I start physical therapy next week with a therapist that is specifically certified in pelvic disorders and IC! Looking forward to that as well!
:rant:

[VickiB]

This is my third time today attempting to reply on this. I keep getting interrupted and having to tend to something else! Good grief!

Stress can certainly cause my symptoms to flare. The obvious thing that comes to my mind to reduce stress is first to avoid the stressful situation. Great idea, but not often possible! Warm baths like you mention is a good one. Have you considered Yoga or deep breathing/ relaxation techniques? A peaceful walk in a park, or even just around the block? Listening to a relaxation CD?

I think it's important to have something in your life that takes you away from your everyday realities. I like to go fishing, or go play cards.

I hope things calm down soon for you!

Vicki

[valjean]

Go for a walk in the park? Walking makes it hurt even more. Climbing my own stairs is a killer.
Have you tried Aloe Vera Capsules? I just ordered some and they it was good for IC.

[123456]

Yes, stress is a big trigger and so is this stupid cold weather! I like reading a good book that totally sucks me in. It totally makes me forget about IC for awhile. I hope you are feeling better soon!

[TexasHoney]

Stress is often a major factor in my flares. Reading books and renting movies help me conquer stress. I hope you start feeling better soon.

Hang In There

[ICNDonna]

For me, stress = flare --- I hope you feel better quickly.

Donna

[VickiB]

Go for a walk in the park? Walking makes it hurt even more. Climbing my own stairs is a killer.
I know. Once I'm in a flare I'm not going anywhere! I guess I meant this to be more for stress flare prevention rather than as a symptom reducer after the flare has already set in.

Of course, if walking is also a flare trigger for someone then this wouldn't do.

[wizbe]

Yes, I have discovered that stress = flare as well. I am trying to find ways to de-stress my life. For example, making sure I have quality time for myself each week - helps me to de-stress. However, sometimes ic causes stress itself. You have a meeting and the embarassment of having to leave numerous times, makes you stress! With that being said, a heating pad and a a good book is always helpful!

[watata]

Thanks for all the great responses! I think lack of sunlight here in Nebraska the past 4 months doesn't help matters any! And temperatures making it to 25 degrees at best! Sunshine and warm weather certainly would help :)

I love to read, but simply do not have time. I work 5 nights, 40 hours a week in the Emergency Room Registration Area and am on call sat. I have two beautiful daughters who keep me busy from sun up til I go to work at 430pm. So Sundays are my lazy day, but often ends up filled with laundry, house cleaning and in laws!

I am having lots of stressors at work and am actually trying to find something a little less stressful (if possible) It is a large hospital and we are all basically numbers anyways .

I really miss working out with one of my best friends! We used to work out daily, take our kids to the nursery at the gym , then have lunch in the park or at the zoo with the kids. since my surgeries and pelvic pain/IC has caused me such limitations I am unable to do the exercises I used to before this and am unable to afford the monthly gym membership as well with all my medical expenses. I do still see my friend a lot which helps as our kids are great companions as well. I just wish that I could go back to how I was and it is hard to accept the fact it may never be that way again. I am beginning to look into exercises that don't irritate my IC and so far I've been unsuccessful, but continue as I know how much physical activity is vital to staying healthy. It seems as though I am "disabled" and that makes me sad. I know it is a grieving process and will take some time to accept.

I so appreciate this site and all the information and support it has brought me in this difficult time and you all are truly a blessing to me.

"Everything happens for a reason, sometimes to give us a wake up call just when we think we are safe, sometimes to make us aware of ourselves, sometimes to make us stronger, but most of all it is the people you meet through it all that make this journey called life worthwhile! "
Thank you all...

:)

[VickiB]

I think lack of sunlight here in Nebraska the past 4 months doesn't help matters any!
Here in the pacific northwest our long gray days of winter take a toll on even the most active/ healthy.

It sounds like you have a lot on your plate and not much spare time or money so I don't know if this is an option for you to consider, but I've found tanning booths to be a sanity saver. My work takes me to town a few times a week and so once or twice a week I try to drop in and spend 12 - 16 minutes getting light therapy. The first year that I did this it was so that I would be tan for an early spring vacation. I was completely surprised by the unexpected psychological benefits that went along with it. Now I do it in occasional short sessions through the winter just for the attitude adjustment!