Are emotions brought on by pain, choices?

I often wondered why sometimes I can handle excruciating type pain better on somedays than others...is it a state of mind? Do we choose how we react to pain? Emotional stress has to be linked somehow to our pain. I'm not saying it is all in our heads, but why is it that when we are feeling down, pain is just harder to cope with.

Maybe it is only natural to be able to go so long dealing with pain and at some time the body just crys out for a break....a point where we need to release all our pent up emotions. I am typically a very positive thinker, but I still will be hit with these days where the pain seems overwhelming...and it is the same pain that I can handle on other days.

I tell myself that this is normal and it will pass as it always does but I wish there was a way to prevent it. In a few short days, I'll be going to Wisconsin to visit family and friends for 10 days....traveling alone, hubby has to work.

Do you ever feel when you are visiting loved ones, that you try to act as if you are feeling fine because you don't want them to worry.

They know about my conditions but I don't really discuss it with them.  My focus is just to have a good time while I'm there and I know I will.

Today, is just one of those crazy days and I know you all been there and understand...I'm glad someone does.

Hugs, Robin

Hi Robin- Sorry that you are having a hard time.

I known that when I am going to travel, which is usually to visit family, I often get very tired with all the preparations, etc. I hardly ever share with family how I struggle with fibro. Probably that too adds to the strain.

I hope that you have a good trip.

Hope

I agree, Robin - there are days, when I'm buoyed up by something, that I can handle much more in the way of physical pain - and the reverse is also true. The head-body connection is a powerful thing.

Everyone's family dynamics are different. Is yours supportive? I don't really try to keep quiet about my conditions, but I don't say a whole lot either, because I feel most of my extended family doesn't want to know. I'm talking about my husband's family - they never ask, and if I do mention my fibro or back, or whatever -they'll give me the same old platitudes, like, "Well, it could be worse, right?", or everyone's favorite, "You look fine."

What's left of my own family - brother, sis-in-law, and their kids - have chronic pain problems of their own, so they do understand. We have other issues, but not about that.

Anyway, I think it's really very considerate of you to not want to worry your family. I guess I just figure "they can handle it."

Debbie

Thanks ...

Living in Arkansas and my family being in Wisconsin, I don't see them very often...usually 3 times a year. I only have one child, a daughter, SIL and a sweet 3 yr. old grandaughter who loves to play with Grammy. Being the oldest of 6 kids there is a lot of family to visit with. My time with them goes quickly and I do try to stay as active as I can...they will plan family gatherings around my visit. I stay at my daughter's and we are on the go almost constantly. When I hit the bed at night...I am out and will get a good 8 hours sleep. When asked how I'm feeling, I'll say fine but will tell them if I need some rest. My Mom is elderly and spent so much time worrying about my Dad, I don't want her to worry about me.

My daughter wants to wait on me hand and foot while I'm there and sometimes, I let her :) She is 36, a wonderful daughter, mom and wife. My entire family is great....I am very blessed!

Hugs, Robin



My family does know

Hi Robin,

I've found the weather affects me which makes sense because I have osteoarthritis. What I eat affects me. Yesterday I had wheat and my stomach began hurting.I had a flare-up and this caused me to have trouble falling asleep...

Stress and feeling overwhelmed also affects me. Luckily now my life is peaceful and quiet.

Take care.