When one chronic illness strikes, one becomes conditioned to fear. I have noticed this consistently over time in treating patients with IC.
What happens every time any one small thing happens is that the possibilites become magnified by many times reality. So, a cut turns into a STAPH or MRSA infection, or tingling in the extremties turns into MS, headaches turn into a brain tumor. One goes to the bad place of fear of the worst. This is completely understandable. It feels as if the body has perpetrated a terrible betrayal upon you and it is logical to become conditioned for more.
Changing one's mind set in getting better is really important though I think, as difficult as that is. Remember, the mind body is a two way street, so just as the body effects the mind, the mind effects the body. Although it is always prudent to rule out anything serious when something happens, assuming it is the worst thing immediately is probably not the best place to go. This will carry you within the perpetual path of high adrenaline--not good. This will drain your body and ultimately weaken it.
Having faith is so difficult, finding strength can be a difficult and dark place to delve into, finding hope is something that often seems unattainable-but try. The power of the mind is more than I think any of us actually know or researchers can prove.
Try to go to the positive and not the negative. It's hard, but, it actually may pay off for you.
Dr.M
Comments
Matia, I think you are
Matia, I think you are writing about me :)
Catastrophizing to the point of no return, but getting slowly better...
So true. I can never be
So true. I can never be reminded enough.
The worst for me is
The worst for me is catastrophizing about my kids. My son has a toothache and it is so upsetting to me. My daughter has a smal rash on her bottom and I worry she is doomed! It is a terrible burden to carry. Thanks for the reminder.
Oh it wasnt about anybody! It
Oh it wasnt about anybody! It was just very general. Listen, I am not judging anyone! This is normal. One becomes so conditioned to believe certain things when they happen. I understand. It just isnt helathy.
Certainly there are times when things must be taken seriously because they are. But, dont go to that place first, that's all I am saying. Most of the time they have passed before you can even pick up the phone to make a doctors appointment.
I remind myself of this often
I remind myself of this often... Where the mind goes energy follows
Guilty as charged, and it is
Guilty as charged, and it is so hard to retrain the brain! Ugh! Amy, so very true!
I had tingling, pricking,
I had tingling, pricking, numbing, muscle pain, other symptoms since the onset of IC. They've been gone for two years. Don't worry yourself to death, new girls. To be honest, questions about serious condition crossed my mind, but it happened rarely. Keep your faith and carry on.