Which came first? Chronic pain & the emotional toll

[CinnaGirl94]

How does one with chronic pain conditions know which came first? And, what makes which worse? The emotional toll physical pain brings, or the emotions making me hurt worse..

 

[Friday]

If you haven’t read The ptsd cup explanation yet? It cuts through a LOT of the noise, with solutions.

I’ve had chronic pain since loooooooong before my trauma history started, as well as stuff tied up in my trauma history, & new stuff which both complicates the old …as well… as increasing PTSD symptoms because increased pain = stress = increased symptoms. (And increased symptoms = pain = stress). And round and round we go

Finding ways to throw a spanner in those f*cked up works? So. Much. Relief. As well as power, instead of being helplessly along for the ride, even if I’m just able to take the edge off, or redirect some infuriating things into useful things, or fun things? Priceless skill set to master.

 

[arfie]

hello cinnagirl. welcome to the forum.

which came first? to me that would be a chicken/egg question. i can't say i much care which came first. both are with me now and undeniably connected. treating both as undeniably connected gets me further than the academic debate.

why did the chicken cross the road?
to avoid another grilling over which came first, the chicken or the egg.

 

[Lost in the Woods]

Oh boy, what a can of worms. I have central sensitization so I am no stranger to pain. I had never heard of central sensitization until I was at the Mayo pain clinic. The doc goes over all my pain issues and then he asks me if there was trauma in my childhood. I said some and he hands me a brochure on central sensitization. Who knew? So central sensitization magnifies the perceived pain. It can happen to anyone who deals with chronic pain and particularly if they have had childhood trauma. Central sensitization can cause other sensitivities too, like to cleaning products or pharmaceuticals. I have found only one book on central sensitization and that was by a woman who had a severe sensitivity to cleaning products and her life was hell. Imagine trying to find and live in an apartment that hasn’t been doused in cleaning products. I have a severe sensitivity to medications which has almost done me in several times. If I try a new drug I have to start with half a juvenile starter dose. It is really bad. I hope this helps you out.