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FurForksSake · 08/12/2025 20:14

Good evening! I managed hydrotherapy today, knackered and sore now. I also managed a shower at home beforehand, no hair wash, that will have to be done tomorrow as I’ve got physio.

Realisation14 · 09/12/2025 07:40

Morning all, sorry I've been quiet a few days, I am in a flare up (mine chronic conditions are fibromyalgia and IBS, don't think I've ever said!)

The pain levels have been astronomical, I also have a cold at the same time adding to it. I have tried so hard to rest, Saturday I did nothing, Sunday I did go out only for an hour and did nothing the rest of the day, yesterday I only went out for 20 mins and did nothing the rest of the day - these outings are all necessary errands that I can't get around. Sunday evening I actually thought I was dying from the pain and anxiety it caused, I ended up taking a diazepam which are my "only in desperate times pills!"

Sorry just a rant, it's been a while since I've been THIS bad. I think the stress of my sister's anniversary last week has triggered it because it's been known to do that most years. The PTSD I have is from her death so it makes sense.

FurForksSake · 09/12/2025 07:59

@Realisation14 big gentle hugs, that sounds really rough. Have you had any sort of therapy for the ptsd? Any tricks or coping methods you can fall back on?

MewithME · 09/12/2025 08:08

Aw @Realisation14. Sorry things are rough. Just try and think it will pass eventually. I'm telling myself this just now. It can't always feel this crappy. 💐

OP posts:
Realisation14 · 09/12/2025 08:31

FurForksSake · 09/12/2025 07:59

@Realisation14 big gentle hugs, that sounds really rough. Have you had any sort of therapy for the ptsd? Any tricks or coping methods you can fall back on?

I had grief counselling after her death but nothing specific for the PTSD no.

Realisation14 · 09/12/2025 08:33

MewithME · 09/12/2025 08:08

Aw @Realisation14. Sorry things are rough. Just try and think it will pass eventually. I'm telling myself this just now. It can't always feel this crappy. 💐

I really hope you're right! At least we have each other on this thread, people who understand.

I have to go out today again so I know it's going to be a rough day.

TeaAndStrumpets · 09/12/2025 08:47

@Realisation14 so sorry you are feeling battered down by grief. I don't think there's any pattern or timescale to it. Take it easy if you can. Xx

FurForksSake · 09/12/2025 08:49

Ok, so does it help at all to reframe it? To notice and acknowledge what it’s bringing up for you and how it’s making you feel?

Going out is going to make you feel tired and in pain, and afterwards you are going to recover by doing x/y/z? Maybe planning in something restful or restorative, some journaling, eating something delicious and simple that won’t trigger your ibs (weirdly thinking about a really delicious apple, some simple chicken soup or one of your safe foods).

Take a moment and if you are able think about two things, one - what’s in your control right now? Two - what or who can help you release some stress and sadness from your bucket? If you can consciously think about what you can control, maybe wearing something comfortable and bright and let go a tiny bit of what you can’t (you have to go out and get something done) it can help lessen how it makes you feel. For the second there is a good analogy I’m sure you know about a stress bucket. The ptsd will be gushing and filling it up, the pressure of the season and illness will also be adding to it. Then you have taps at the bottom to let out the water, some are bigger than others. Self compassion, gentle exercise or meditation, spending time with loved ones, doing gentle things you enjoy can all help to stop the bucket overflowing.

TodayIsatrickyone · 09/12/2025 11:21

@Realisation14 I’m so sorry to hear how difficult things are just now but totally understandable with your sisters anniversary last week. Some very wise words and excellent advice from @FurForksSake and the stress bucket analogy is actually helpful to all of us. I’m taking note too.
Sending gentle hugs your way x

TodayIsatrickyone · 09/12/2025 11:32

I like that you mentioned wearing something bright or comfortable @FurForksSake I’d also add wearing something you love. During a particularly bad house/ bed bound spell many years ago I decided to start wearing a beautiful pale pink cashmere cardigan that I had treated myself to before I was unwell for a wedding so it was very much a ‘for best’ item that I’d only worn once but goodness me I loved it! I perhaps looked ridiculous wearing it in bed over pjs but it was always such a mood lifter! I also like a scented candle or to scroll through my fave photos of holidays or pets or my kids ‘ cute’ eras! But I ever only do that if it will bring joy and not add to the sadness by making me wish I could still do X, Y, Z or miss loved ones even more)

FurForksSake · 09/12/2025 11:42

There is something magical about wearing something that you love, that cashmere did exactly what it should have done. Soft, luxurious and warm, perfect! I’ll add to that really good socks, bed socks, house socks or warm going out and about socks. Can completely lift my mood! I’m very sensitive to textures so maybe that’s why.

TeaAndStrumpets · 09/12/2025 12:34

@Realisation14 there is some lovely advice here. I like the stress bucket analogy because normally I think of a bucket of stress overflowing helplessly but the thought of a tap to release tiny bits of stress to stop the flood is really good.
@FurForksSake thank you for that.

@TodayIsatrickyone I do all these things without even thinking of it, it does make sense that it's a way to calm stress. I love cashmere socks even though I have to wash them by hand, also smooth pima cotton nighties and nice down pillows. I am fussy about bedding. My favorite hot water bottle is pink and fluffy!

Lots to ponder. My IBS is bad today, more house viewers tomorrow. DH is cleaning and tidying but I always find it an invasion. We had some people the other week come for a second viewing, but no further word - so have to keep letting people look round.

Realisation14 · 09/12/2025 13:07

@FurForksSake thank you for taking the time to write that to me, I've definitely heard of the stress bucket and the fact that some stress is chronic and can't be emptied out (such as our conditions) but then the daily stressors add to that existing water amount and slowly it builds up til it's overflowing like you say.

Swanhilde · 09/12/2025 17:12

Home from work and in bed with a cuppa.

Completely forgot it was our Team's Christmas lunch today and so I am stuffed with a full turkey dinner, Christmas pud and custard, coffee and a mint chocolate! It was delicious but I'm definitely on a sugar high now! 😬

And no need for anything else to eat tonight so we'll see if I get any sleep 🤞

Gentle hugs to those who need them 💕

FurForksSake · 09/12/2025 17:15

@Swanhilde and a waffeeerrrr thin mint? 🤣

FuzzyPuffling · 09/12/2025 17:53

Ah you're so wise...and definitely a tap on my stress bucket. 🌻

FurForksSake · 09/12/2025 20:41

Went to see my sons singing in their choirs with music centre. Now back on the sofa. Got the same the next two nights. Violin tomorrow and school choir Thursday. I was in agony sat in the audience, but I did it!

TeaAndStrumpets · 09/12/2025 20:52

Well done @FurForksSake it's lovely to be there and cheer them on.

Realisation14 · 09/12/2025 21:03

Well done @FurForksSake I'm sure you enjoyed it despite the pain.

FurForksSake · 09/12/2025 21:06

It was lovely to watch them and to listen to the other bands. I wore a new skirt and a super soft (tik tok shop) jumper, so I felt put together.

ForLoveNotMoney · 09/12/2025 21:10

I am day 9 in hospital so have done nothing but sleep the last 2 days. I am getting closer though I think to the magic drugs I need!

FurForksSake · 09/12/2025 21:26

@ForLoveNotMoney come on magic drugs! Sounds like that sleep was much needed.

FuzzyPuffling · 09/12/2025 21:31

I just got some super news from my son. Happy!
However, I'm such a poor typist it originally said "super bees". What a buzz!

FurForksSake · 09/12/2025 21:35

Christmas tree is looking festive.

I love the idea of super bees!

What are you up to today if you have chronic illness? Thread 3
FuzzyPuffling · 09/12/2025 21:45

That's a beauty, Fur.

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