RussellSue
Not Active
I looked at my Physical Therapist today and said something very much like this:
I have been dissociating while we are working on my stretches. With all the surgeries and painful medical procedures I have had, I expect to be hurt at any medical-type office. You are telling me to make sure I stop before it hurts but I am already spaced out because I'm here for some sort of treatment and I know it is going to hurt. The next thing I know, I have gone too far and it really hurts.
I don't try - I just float away. It's what I do when I see doctors. AND it was VERY helpful for a number of procedures.
But it is not very helpful at PT where I have to be aware of the difference between a stretch and pain. I used my cane for the rest of the day after doing nerve flossing last Thursday because I pushed past comfortable into excruciating enough times to leave myself really sore and limping.
I am glad I told him what was going on this morning because I can already see that he is making an extra effort to make sure I am paying attention which I dearly appreciate. Saying it out loud also makes me have to step up and try harder to pay attention.
Does anyone else do this? Do you have any advice on how to stay present during painful/potentially painful medical situations when you have spent your whole life not being present?
I have been dissociating while we are working on my stretches. With all the surgeries and painful medical procedures I have had, I expect to be hurt at any medical-type office. You are telling me to make sure I stop before it hurts but I am already spaced out because I'm here for some sort of treatment and I know it is going to hurt. The next thing I know, I have gone too far and it really hurts.
I don't try - I just float away. It's what I do when I see doctors. AND it was VERY helpful for a number of procedures.
But it is not very helpful at PT where I have to be aware of the difference between a stretch and pain. I used my cane for the rest of the day after doing nerve flossing last Thursday because I pushed past comfortable into excruciating enough times to leave myself really sore and limping.
I am glad I told him what was going on this morning because I can already see that he is making an extra effort to make sure I am paying attention which I dearly appreciate. Saying it out loud also makes me have to step up and try harder to pay attention.
Does anyone else do this? Do you have any advice on how to stay present during painful/potentially painful medical situations when you have spent your whole life not being present?