Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Is Stress our enemy?

Hi Guys!!

I have observed something about myself in the past few days! Since I have got the all clear on the hospital tests I had last week, my stomach has been great and my aches have been better than they have for awhile. I was fairly worried..naturally... about these stomach pains that I had been having, and had waited for 5 months to have them tested. Now I know that it is nothing serious, they seem to have disappeared. I have come to the conclusion that the stress of the whole things was making matters worse. Do you guys believe that when you are stressed you feel worse?

Cheers

Irene

What lies behind us and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us

Hi Irene,

Yes, stress is a big factor with flares for me. In the past it is typically work related stress that sets me off..... but I have had a new job for last year and half and not one stress related flare do to work. The stress flares for me tend to be prolonged flares.... typically several weeks (probably in part because the stress at work is prolonged).

Take care,

Tim

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it - Helen Keller

Hi Irene.

Like Tim, I also experience more pain when I am under stress. ( like being upset or worried )
Then when I am in more pain, I am more worried and upset ( like " Oh no...... I got things to do and places to go, but I am in bed ! " )
Vicious circle, er?

After depressing moments, then the power of positive thinking kicks in. I'd try to assure myself " This, TOO, will pass. I will be alright ". Then I'd have more energy to start moving.
I am on meds as well, so meds are good for body, and good thinking is good for body and mind. ( Well I try to think that way. Hehe. )

I am so happy to hear that you've been better, Irene !!!

Hope you continue to get better. Take care ~
Jasmine

Hi Irene,

I'm not sure I notice stress as much as I notice overdoing it. If I have too much fun,.....a busy weekend, too busy at work............ I can have a flare for a month.

I have tried to learn to listen to my body and rest when I feel I need it, but sometimes....I get carried away.



hugs,
linda

My wife swears that stress causes me to flare, I agree to a point, but when I'm sore everything seems to stress me a little more !!!
Chaz

Hey Chuck!

Just wanted to say hello and WELCOME to KA!!!

peace
Kathy

"The most beautiful stones have been tossed by the wind and washed by the waters and polished to brilliance by life's strongest storms."

Hi Irene,

Sometimes is difficult to define our "Enemy" but I can assure you that Stress is the one .

So, don't worry - be happy

Hugs,
Sinta

"AND HOW!!!!"
If I want to feel better, I could just visit my Doctors office, not see him, and leave. Just knowing I'm going home, and that I'm ok, seems to get me to feel better. Stress is our nasty element. I hear, deep breathing can also relieve stress. I'll give that a try.

Very much so. Work and personal relationships create the most stress. And going to the doctor. I hate, I worry what theyre going to find wrong etc. Much ,many much pain.
What helps is exercise and diet. I don't want to mention this but......I find a few beers and a evening out helps release some of the stress.
regards
have fun

Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. "Isaac Asimov"

Hi,Marabella I agree with you ,I am always doing this.Pushing myself thinking I should be able to do this then regret it later! Especially when in the garden.

Jill