pain as a defense mechanism

[mdmc]

Hey DU - I've noticed my pain (now in my neck, shoulders, hands, hip joints, right knee, and both feet) is far worse when I am under a lot of stress.

Two days ago I had a family emergency coupled with some odd bad shit going on at work. I've been completely "locked up" (right shoulder "frozen), right knee unable to hold any weight.

Doctors cant find anything wrong (still need to see a rhumatologist, gastroentorologist, and neurologist). Could it all be stress?

[Warpy]

1. Being unable to bear weight is serious

and I think the neurologist and rheumatologist will probably be the most helpful. A rheumatologist will be able to tell you if your trouble started with an autoimmune problem.

Usually, rheumatoid arthritis is symmetrical, with pain on both sides. However, mine isn't and never has been. The pain is always worse on one side than the other, although Xrays show about the same level of joint damage on both sides.

Autoimmune diseases are made much worse by stress. There is no way to avoid stress, so developing coping mechanisms that don't rely on substance abuse is absolutely vital. I meditate and do Yoga. Other people have found other solutions.

New pain is a clear sign that something has gone wrong. Chronic pain develops when untreated pain sets up pain pathways that remain active long after the initial cause has been resolved. Severe pain can cause symptoms like nausea.

[mdmc]

2. thank you for all your help / input

Those friday meditation links that you sent me are quite helpful. I still need to find out what is wrong, but I wanted to thank you for your support.


Peace and low stress