Poll What Somatic Symptoms Do You Experience?

[ihateusernames]

It was until recently I read it was related to PTSD.

I only very recently made a connection, too @Ahhlia. I never considered they were anything other than physical problems. Until recently I avoided all contact with doctors so I never had any tests run, I just assumed I was made all wrong and doomed anyway, but I'm sure they would have had the same result as yours. Nothing there. I've been on an antidepressant for the first time ever this year and it has both of those things and my headaches down by probably 1/3. That really seals this in my mind as having a psychosomatic connection.

Medicine is far too compartmentalized...

You are so, so right.

 

[greenleaf]

For those people who have muscle problems like pain and tension in neck and shoulders, do you ever also have deep muscle itching?

I have very little pain, an occasional sharp twinge, but for years numerous muscles, mostly on my left side, apparently just stayed very tense. I have exercised a fair amount for decades, perhaps that kept things from getting worse.

I seem to have been having less range of motion in some ways than normal but always assumed I was just not flexible. The last year or so I've been seeing some wonderful therapists, massage, physical, etc. and some of the muscles have much more feeling in them.

But, why so much itching??? Has anyone ever read about any possible reason for that? It's currently driving me almost crazy. The sensation can get very strong, almost overwhelming. The muscles tremble some too but that is hard to get to, it's almost like it can't crystallize out into shaking.

I think I am much less nervous when I see a study or such... even just a mention in some article... might help me understand what to do better, how long it will last. :alien::(

 

[Viosinger]

I do get headaches, but it's hard to pin that on any one thing. Jaw clenching for sure. When I'm really anxious or upset I get terribly nauseated. Sex has been difficult or tricky ever since my assault. My breathing can get shallow and fast when I'm experiencing flashbacks, intrusive memories, etc.

 

[LizBuff]

I've had a deep itching in my calves and used to have dreams that I had cockroaches under my skin. I think I get just about everything else too

 

[Friday]

But, why so much itching??? Has anyone ever read about any possible reason for that? It's currently driving me almost crazy. The sensation can get very strong, almost overwhelming. The muscles tremble some too but that is hard to get to, it's almost like it can't crystallize out into shaking.

My massage therapist said that's caused by the muscle releasing tension & toxins without the need for palpating or physical manipulation (and scratching is enough to push them into the lymphatic system where they belong, but ignore them and they'll filter on their own). She says that's part of why there tend to be massage people & back scratch people, and the two groups almost never mix. People whose bodies release toxins itch, people whose bodies cramp around them, ache & get tight.

 

[aut555]

Not until l came to this post, did l admit to some anxiety feelings, my breathing is short and my chest feels like it will explode. But my anxiety stalks me at night in horrible dreams where l wake up short of breath. Apparently l am really good at stomping down on my emotions during the day, (it must be a control issue l have):)

 

[greenleaf]

@aut555, perhaps part of your mind felt that you needed to avoid those feelings for survival? Our brains have amazing mechanisms to help us survive, and that part doesn't really listen to our cognitions, it's underneath them imho.

However if you can notice what you're doing, maybe you're feeling just slightly safer? Letting yourself feel them might be more an issue of figuring out how to make your whole self feel safe in various ways -- feeling things, getting support, functioning in the world while feeling. Please don't beat yourself up! You have a very good brain. :-)

 

[Elina]

I've had chronic fatigue syndrome since I was 13 years old--I'm 21 now.
I also had chronic pain from age...

Hi!

Did your energy levels from the CFS improve when you did EMDR?

 

[joeylittle]

Elina - just FYI, you’re responding to a post from 2015; that poster may not return in order to answer.

But others might be able to provide some thoughts.