A great book

[SnazzyD]

I’m taking an age to read a very good book about how the body is affected by trauma and stress. Written by a psychiatrist who wanted to see beyond the standard thinking behind physical and mental disorders. He does that with compassion and his ideas, along with others plus MRI imaging have helped changed how disorders are viewed, including autoimmune. Case histories are on the extreme end of life’s experiences but the science can be applied to all stress and why it manifests physically. It also explains why rehabilitation must involve talking, physical activity and doing things that give joy in order to ‘re-set’ the brain that has become re-wired. It’s called

The Body Keeps The Score - Mind, brain and body in the transformation of Trauma. By Bessel Van Der Kolk

[Ranchero]

Sounds very interesting. Thanks for this. The link between mind and body is so strong and there is so much more to find out. At the moment about the only thing I can do, without the awful fatigue is to keep up my attendance at my little Brass ensemble meetings (I play the trombone). It gives me so much pleasure and I feel buoyed up every time. Hope you have a likewise activity SnazzyD.

[SnazzyD in reply to Ranchero]

It has been a tough time because my main joyous activities were physical ones and gardening. Muscle atrophy stopped it very early on so I’ve had to pare down my goals!

[Ranchero in reply to SnazzyD]

Yes, it’s a constant re-setting of goals, isn’t it? Stay positive SnazzyD.

[HeronNS]

Caroline Myss has written several books about how the body expresses trauma, etc., plus developed a number of techniques to help learn more about one's own self, and how to manage illness.

[linda49 in reply to HeronNS]

Hi HeronNS. Thanks for reminding me about Caroline Myss. I heard her speak at a workshop at Findhorn in Scotland many years ago. Amazing.

[alvertta]

I took up ukulele after diagnosis. Once a week for 90 minutes I meet with 6 other women and practice. And laugh. Great medicine.

[linda49 in reply to alvertta]

I too started to play ukelele with a local U3a group. Unfortunately, the repetitive finger and wrist movements are not good and seem to trigger tendonitis. Agree it is great fun and is uplifting. Hope you continue.

[alvertta in reply to linda49]

We even do concerts. We did a neighbourhood Christmas party and two weeks ago a neighbourhood spring party. I have GCA and my hands do not hurt. Finding this Great therapy.

[linda49 in reply to alvertta]

Great! You and the audience all winners. Hope I may get back to playing one day once PMR has run its course.....😏

[alvertta in reply to linda49]

For sure.

[Hidden in reply to alvertta]

Same as linda49- got the uke but causes finger pain at moment...

[Pongo13 in reply to alvertta]

I play with a group for charity! So rewarding and great fun too x

[alvertta in reply to Pongo13]

Lotsa laughs!!

[Conundrum]

Thank you, sounds interesting.

[Kellthebell]

I'll look it up thanks! May I recoommend also 'Pain is really strange' by Steve Haines. Its mind blowing!

[bunnymom]

I find gardening is the thing that gives me a"brain reset" even the simplest pottering around. I also have three other small groups that I meet with during the week which help keep me engaged since retirement. All very fun and supportive.

[Telian in reply to bunnymom]

Me too Bunnymom - gardening is my saviour. I can forget time when in the garden. I have a beautiful garden I’ve spent many years on and will be leaving it very soon but do have another waiting for me when we move.

[bunnymom in reply to Telian]

I'm so glad you have a new garden to look forward to. Otherwise it would be heartbreaking. Hope new owners enjoy your hard work.

[Telian in reply to bunnymom]

Me too - we’ve had professional photos taken of the house and garden (part of the selling process) for a keep sake.

[Cyclegirl54]

I enjoy a potter in the garden. I’ve scattered wildflower seeds this year to attract the bees and all the lovely flowers are blooming . It’s a bit wild and dishevelled looking(bit like my hair in the morning!) but I love it!