Hoping everyone left with some new ideas! For those of you who couldn't make it here's what we discussed:
A few additions to the website resources, pool therapy information and finally the crock pot freezer meal links!
Super special thank you to all those who have donated, it is much appreciated.
Central Sensitization: a current perspective into the reason for pain and dysfunction in Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain disorders. Pain is the problem not just the result. Doctors are beginning to understand that pain shouldn't be ignored just because there is no tissue damage or underlying "cause." The pain is the problem and ignoring your pain can actually cause you to become more sensitive to pain stimulus. Pain causing pain causing pain. Make sense? Probably not but that's why there are Resources!
I think this site does a good job of explaining things: Pain is Weird
Pain Catastrophizing: we've all been there, that moment when you're pretty sure the sky is actually falling! Your pain is real and it's bad but maybe it's just an acorn (a really sharp acorn.) It's a nasty habit of focusing on our pain and the negativity that goes along with it. We exaggerate (unintentionally of course, we've learned we need to, sometimes to convince doctors to pay attention, sometimes because we know no other language.) "My leg hurts so bad, I'm pretty sure there are piranhas in my pants, and in a few moments I'll be nothing but bones!" But in reality piranhas can't live in the desert.
Giving into exaggerations and panic can convince your brain that the pain is more. That is not to discount pain or it's intensity but to accurately acknowledge your pain and it's role in your present. We need to learn how to put things into perspective, and teach ourselves how to function despite that pain. Take a few deep breaths and clearly communicate to yourself what you are actually feeling. Am I dying? Is the world going to end? Give it the proper amount of attention and move on.
Rumination = Ruination
Watch this awesome video that explains both of these interesting ideas: Why Things Hurt
(This is the video I wanted to show in group today.)
Next meeting we would like to discuss LDN low dose naltrexone and the amazing potential for Fibromyalgia and autoimmune, as well as, tips for dealing with the holidays.
See you in November!