Reged: 07/10/04
Posts: 1176
Loc: Manhattan, New York
phew...I am so glad you wrote...I just sent you an email this morning (you don't need to write back sweetie...don't waste your energy...you said everything in this post)...I am glad that you are going to see a counsellor...I know the decision is so hard. I wish you could see another GI doc. Really really do. The power of a Dr that listens is amazing. My friend who is a physiotherapist explained to me about chronic pain and how debilitating it is...and said it is extra important for people with chronic pain to relax (try to) - to reverse the cortisol drip in the brain. I know its not easy with the situation with your landlord...and I know when you are stuck in a dark place its hard to start...but yoga would be so good for you. you don't need to start with all those difficult positions...just simply sitting and learning yogic breathing to begin with is so powerful. It would be a little something to pat yourself on the back for each day - event to do five minutes of it. I know this is all so much easier said then done, please don't think I am disregarding that. Physical activity is sooo important...especially for depression and gut disorders. Muscle tone is vital in a body that has IBS - and especially conditions of chronic pain. Activity helps release the pent up cortisol and adrenaline and allows us to sleep better, have better appetites and form better stools. Its such a huge effort at first that it seems almost impossible (I always use Lance Armstrong as my inspiration) - but we start with simple things like taking the stairs for one floor and gradually increasing - and pat ourselves on the back for each acheivement and slowly but surely it starts to turn around. If I had to offer you any advice that I was SURE would help your situation (and again, I am not disregarding how challenging it is to do these changes when you are in such pain and feel so hopeless) it would be this: - get a new GI doctor ASAP (you would never let a best friend stick with a Dr like that. BE your own best friend Beth) - start a very gentle yoga programme - I am very willing to send you a book that I love to help you - you can do it at home - it doesn't cost money. - make sure that you walk every single day
I know it may seem like this is the last thing you need to hear right now...but its my honest opinion...I really care about you and am always here to help. Even if I don't always answer emails immediately - it doesn't mean I don't care...its just that I haven't had time. With love, and hope, and wishes for greater health, Dalia XXX
-------------------- Feel the fear and do it anyway!