Does stress have an impact on symptoms?

[Louise2870]

I’m not sure if I’m imagining it but has anyone else experienced severe fatigue shortly after feeling really stressed or after an argument?

At the time I felt like my heart was bursting out of my chest and I could virtually hear it beating frantically then I felt extreme fatigue afterwards.

Thanks Louise x

[Inca]

Oh yes Louise,stress is our greatest enemy,sometimes after an upset or worry I am utterly out on my feet and must rest. I used to cope with so much easily,my work,exhibitions,my horses , dogs.....not any more.So very frustrating to have to rest every day,when really I want to get on with life.

Recently ,my daughter had an op in U K ( we live in France),the stress of not being able to get to her nearly killed me,the heart pounding and breathlessness,sheer panic.My Dr has suggested that I see a phsycologist,which I will do when my painful sciatica abates a bit, I sometimes wonder what next with our MPNs.Iam P V 9yrs,just changed to Jakavi from Hydrea...still adjusting.....after being quite ill recently.

Sure many will answer re stress,heart pounding etc....goes with the status quo.Best wishes,sorry for long mail,laid on ice packs ......yes worrying!!!!!!!Sally.

[Louise2870 in reply to Inca]

Thanks for your swift reply sally!

It was a scary feeling - felt like I was going to have a heart attack! Sounds dramatic but it really did!

I rarely argue as I’m fairly laid back but think the stress of recently being diagnosed with this has made me a bit over emotional and less tolerant.

Worries me that it will happen every time I get upset/stressed/annoyed as we can’t live our entire lives avoiding confrontation.

Hope you and your daughter are feeling better.

Thanks again Louise xx

[Inca in reply to Louise2870]

I absolutely know the feeling,it's horrible...I think they are recognised as panic attacks.

I do have a mild tranquiliser that helps,not available in U K.My very good caring G P here insists I take it when needed as compared to the poison we take every day it is nothing and if it helps to deal with life's problems,so be it.French health care is very good and all my medics from nurses ,G P and consultant are caring and knowledgable.Thanks ,daughter improving...just me that is the worrier!!!!Try to keep strong and focused on things you enjoy...when I am in my studio ,I am so much calmer even tho the sculpture takes much time and concentration..Keep well s poss.Sally

[Stevesmum42]

Yes Louise. I totally understand how you feel. I live with a passive aggressive man . So arguments are fairly frequent and I do get very stressed. With exactly the same sensations as you, I know it is not good to be stressed out so I try very hard to switch off and take deep breaths .

Its the ‘fight or flight ‘ mode we go into in difficult situations.

So I would say deep breaths, get immersed into something you enjoy. Try to put the argument out of your mind. You sound a gentle soul I too am sensitive, I know just how you feel. Confrontation is horrid.

Try not to let things upset you,

Best wishes Sandy x

[gset]

Hi Louise. I have ET. I have for years felt significant fatigue when stressed. I had got into a long work day, too tired to do anything other than go to bed and work next day. Having recently given up my full time work I notice the increased energy I have and an increased ability to exercise as a result which has a benefit of reducing fatigue of its own. So in my experience even since then if I do have to deal with anything stressful I feel like Inhave been run over by a bus. I face those situations by reducing the likelihood of other stress and the time and by preplanning to reduce unecessary stress.

[Wyebird]

Oh yes stress exhausts me and if I’m not dealing with it I become anxious and have what I call Heebie jeebies in my body. ( shakes)

[Louise2870]

Ah thanks everyone! Now that I’m aware stress has a direct effect on my symptoms I’ll try to avoid it at all costs! I’ll make sure my husband and 4 children understand it too!

It’s probably not a bad thing and might chill me out further!

Take care, Louise xx

[CommonDaisy]

Yes absolutely Louise!!

If I get myself worked up and stressed over something, it can wipe me out for a few days afterwards. Very frustrating

[Cja1956]

I’ve always believed that mental well-being and physical well-being go hand-in-hand. Women, especially being the nurturing one, tend to worry more about others than themselves. Try to find ways to relieve your stress. Stress induces inflammation and takes it’s toll on your body.

Take care.

Cindy

[Ann16]

Yes, definitely! Each time I’m stressed by something, I feel terrible and also need to rest. It usually last for an entire day! Can’t avoid stress though seems like there is always something going on in life. Best wishes, hope it gets better for you.

Ann

[katiewalsh]

Hi. That must’ve been very frightening. It’s the fight or flight response our body does under extreme stress. You can’t avoid all stress nor can we expect those around us to never be cross anymore or short tempered or life not to be stressful. What we can do is change our reaction to stress. I take anti anxiety meds daily for stress & I also try to do relaxation exercises daily. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, tai chai, etc. it’s very effective at keeping us from getting unnecessaryily stressed out when exposed to pressure or stress. They now recommend it to MPN patients. I’m not perfect & have snapped at my spouse during stressful times. But I apologize & work hard to not snap. So far I’m pretty successful. It can be helpful to work with your spouse on how you can both communicate better to avoid it. And if you do get stressed you can walk away until you calm down or take a few relaxing breathes. But I try not to expect my spouse to bend over backwards to be perfect whenever there’s conflict. I will let him know occasionally if I’m having a particularly hard day & ask him to be extra supportive. It’s a lot of adjustment for everyone in a family just like with other major health problems. Hang in there & try some of the great suggestions you’ve received from the many replies. And remember you can turn to us for support or if you need to rant at times. Katie

[Louise2870 in reply to katiewalsh]

Thanks Katie that makes a lot of sense and is very helpful. You seem to have control of your stress. I am definitely going to try meditation.

This site has been a god send - keeps you sane when everything feels so bleak.

Thanks everyone xx

[Chris_H]

Yes, I can work from home all day long without rest, but as soon as I go to my office or go to see clients I have to rest in the afternoons. I read a study somewhere that PV mostly starts in middle aged men under lots off stress.

[Jenny_F]

Stress pretty much affects your body in many ways so its best to find a way to manage it. I have suffered on an off from panic attacks since a teenager and found ways to manage it but what I have noticed is that if I am stressed for a period of time my levels go up. I would find ways to manage it whether its CBT, meditation, yoga etc

[Mal42]

Hi Louise and everyone. I find that having PV, this MPN, stressful enough, never mind all the other stresses in life ( and on top of the we have the B..... word). Taking bloods, measurements, this one up, this one down, chemo, venesections, then my own research. So any extra stress I can have panic attacks that seem attached to exhaustion due to all of the above. I always carry a Valium just in case. I mostly manage with breathing and meditation. Hey, I’m still here, I am so thankful for that and enjoying my life at 77. At my age illness happens, I was diagnosed over 3 years ago. Thank you all for being here, Mal