www.pelvicpain.org.uk

[kjc]

I have have so any diagnosis I will list them here again (have done most of them on intro page) Endometriosis, PID, IBS, fibroids, pelvic congestive syndrome disfunctional womb syndrome irritable bladder syndrome and latest is interstitial cystitis I take codeine paracetomol and dilofenac suppositories none of this makes any difference to my pain I have no quality of life I eat and I sleep. My gynae`s over the years have said they can see no reason for my pain. Im starting to believe I am a hypochrondriac I have been in pain for 23 years I suffer the most horrendous fatigue and nobody is listening. How does one get some decent pain relief? I get prescribed a weeks supply and I have to beg for that and get a regular lecture about the fact that codeine is addictive...I wouldnt take the stupid pain relief if I didnt need to. I am sorry for rambling but I am so depressed but my gp doesnt think me taking anti depressants on top of my other medication is a good idea...

[Leigh]

Hello KJC,

I am so sorry to hear all of that. I have heard that meditation classes which involve little movement can be helpful with pain. Personally, it didn't help me but perhaps that is an option for you.

[kjc]

thanks Leigh,
I am toying with the idea of trying pilates as I feel I may benefit from the relaxation side of it thanks for the reply
Kath

[Steven]

I was recommended a wonderful book by the hospital I attend. It is entitled "Full Catastrophe Living" by Jon Kabat-Zinn, and the front cover then states "How to cope with stress, pain and illness using mindful meditation" You do not have to, but can buy in conjunction with this book, a set of four CD's by the author. Two are on meditation, the other two on very simple stretching yoga. It is a tailored course and I feel I have really benefited from it. Am I still in pain? Yes of course I am - but it does seem to change your perspective and attitude towards your pain.

One of the key messages when you meditate is not to expect anything to change - just take it all in your stride and notice what happens over a period of a few weeks. Good luck, Steven

[lin]

Hello Kath,

I also have the book that Steven talks about. It was recommended by the pain management team at my local hospital who run a series of courses to teach Mindfulness. The book is excellent and is one of those that is very useful to dip in and out of.

Personally, I have not been disciplined enough to follow a daily meditation regime but I have found both the book and the course to be invaluable. I regularly use the techniques taught in the book as it informs you of various types of meditation, some of them only 3 mins which is so useful when I'm in pain stuck in traffic!

I would agree with Steven, mindfulness has helped to change the way I feel about my pain, it is less frightening and I feel in more control. Often, I can change the level of the pain so that it is not so severe.

It would be worth finding out whether a hospital near you runs the course. Mine was run by 2 clinical psychologists and an Occupational Therapist and lasted for 8 weeks, 2 hours each session. Each year, the staff run a refresher day that is open for anyone who has attended the course over the years. The day is very good because it can just remind you of the different practices that were learned and also it is a great way to meet like minded people.

Four of us from my original course decided to carry on meeting when the formal sessions ended. That was 18 months ago and now we are friends. We usually meet once a month and rotate it as to whose house is free. We have very different medical problems but we all have pain. We always discuss how each of us has been coping and we incorporate a meditation into our meeting but then we just chat about the good stuff that is going on in our lives - I can honestly say, we all feel so much better afterwards.

Good luck with your research.

Lin

[kjc]

thanks Steve and Lin for your replies,
I would love to meditate but Im finding relaxation "me" time the most difficult things to do I know I would be able to relax more if I could meditate and if I took time out for me I would be able to relax...its a vicious circle thanks for advice, I will try x