Psychology

[Angel3579]

After what seems like an eternity living with Fybro with little to no help from the GP, only having various happy pills offered which I didn’t take because of the side effects, having worked with drug addiction I knew what they could do on top of the other issues.

After a really bad time recently I decide I had to try and do something more so I decided to pay to see a professor who specialises in Fibro. He referred me to an amazing lady, a Doctor of Psychology who has been specialising in Fibro for several years.

I can’t tell you how shocked I was with the referral? However I’ve got more insite & information in 3 visits than in the past 20 years!! And I’m understanding the cause & what’s happening with me and how to help reduce symptoms. For the first time I feel positive. I hope you can find the same.

[bobbybobb]

How have you reduce your symptoms.

[Angel3579 in reply to bobbybobb]

Hi, by facing the causes of PTSD which I didn’t know I was suffering with for all my life.

I have to say it’s not easy, I have to look at each part of my life and work on it, ‘Valuing Self’ which covers so much....plays a big part in my life path from childhood to present. Obviously PTSD isn’t the same for everyone but symptoms are the same with the Fibro. I’m becoming more aware of how I speak of myself, and respond to others, I feel empowered by this, ‘valuing self’

Stress & negative actions and words make my symptoms much worse ( relating back to the trauma) so trying to get away from that helps reduce the trauma pains which ravage through my body when it happens, (overload of toxins into the physical body over years have built up causing the response-Fibro)

I hope I’ve made myself clear it’s not that easy to explain. Believe me it’s just the best thing ever to find someone who understands every part of Fibro symptoms.

I know it won’t go away but understanding how I can reduce the debilitating effects myself without drugs ruining my liver can only be a good thing.

Hope this helps?

[bobbybobb in reply to Angel3579]

Oh I think I see what you mean. As a result of treatment for PTSD, in response your Fibro symptoms have improved.

[Angel3579 in reply to bobbybobb]

Yes, as I said I didn’t know I had PTSD, things happen in life and you just get on with it...... then something else and so on until the overload is to much.

As I say it’s early days, when I attended last week I actually felt better than I had in ages,the pain was reduced slightly and my head was clearer doing what I’d been told. However that same evening something happened that took me by surprise and it was like I’d fell from a sky scraper to the pavement......In a split second I felt the pain come on so much stronger through my body the fatigue was so bad the next day and all that goes with it! So sadly it’s not going to be a quick fix but I’m very positive with this, it makes so much sense.

[lesleyann950]

That’s fantastic so having counselling for a core issue PSTD has really helped and as a result helped your Fibro. Well mind and body cannot be separated. I hope the healing continues

[bobbybobb]

I have a book about mindfulness that I have just started reading. I think I will get some benefit from it.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

glad that you have found something that is helping you to manage your symptoms ... and better so that it is a positive result you were not expecting.

many people totally avoid even trying psychological techniques such as cbt, counselling or similar talking therapies -because they feel that by being sent for psychological treatments their health professional is saying that their pain is all in their head.

Pain clinics are increasingly basing their pain management programmes on psychological techniques because research has shown that (1) strong pain medication works best for acute pain not chronic pain and (2) if you are able to mentally cope with your chronic pain you are able to manage it better. (sorry that's badly worded but cannot find words i want).

a friend of mine puts it well .... by using cbt, mindfulness etc she is maybe not able to take away the pain but she is able to deal with all the baggage that goes with it.

[Angel3579 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

I definitely agree, I just feel it’s such a shame I had to go nearly 20yrs to find someone who specialises......but better late than never!

But as she said if sufferers of Fibro were referred to mental health services for psychology after diagnosis rather than being handed happy pills people would manage much better. The problem is finding someone who understands.

I wish you all could find someone as good as she is.

Wishing you all well x

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to Angel3579]

Part of the issue is that people with fibro are being offered psychological support but many refuse it because they feel that is them being told its all in their head

A change in attitude is also required where people accept that physical health conditions can impact your mental health and vice versa xxx

[Angel3579 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

I agree, I have a friend who visited her very newly qualified GP a little while ago who informed her there’s no proof it exists!!! When your up against such ignorance where do yo go? She was devastated, she’s living it every day.

[khaleeseebrown1]

So glad you're getting some help . Keep updating us on how it's going . I have tried CBT it diddnt really work for me but activate your life and mindfulness has helped . I know why I'm like I am but CBT diddnt really help me get over it I keep practicing the mindfulness techniques they do help . I am back on a course for mindfull movement in Jan and ti chia classes . I just want to be in control not controlled by pain good luck xxxx

[Angel3579 in reply to khaleeseebrown1]

Exactly...no good making plans because most of the time your like a wrung out dishcloth! Yes I’ll post my progress.

Thank you & good luck x

[Angel3579]

That’s good, we have to try and it’s far better if we can do our own thing.

Good luck x

[mcglada0]

That’s very interesting. I often wonder if the years struggling with anorexia along with other life challenges ( of my own making ) have been the root cause of my fibro.