Stress and Pain Cycle

[plmokn]

Hi all,

I have been having a really tough time as of lately. I am a senior in college and have an extremely stressful like right now. I am working on a senior research project that constantly weighs down on me and stresses me a considerable amount because I feel like I am never making any progress. Plus three other classes and waiting to here from medical schools I applied to.

In addition for the last three weeks I have been having a rather large amount of flares. What seems to be happening is I get really stressed which causes a flare, (during which time it is hard for me to get any work done either because I am in pain or on pain meds which make me nauseated). Then because I could not work for a day or two I am even further behind and get stressed again causing yet another flare.

I feel like I cannot get a grip on anything and time is running out. I am feeling much more depressed about the IC than usual as well and I just want it to GO AWAY!!!!!!

I am incredibly grateful that my IC remains under control with my meds and a strict diet 70% of the time and allows me to go to college and hopefully to medical school. But right now I am at my wits end trying to keep up with this much pain. I constantly want to scream or punch something or just cry

[ICNDonna]

Unfortunately it can be a vicious cycle: stress = flare= stress = flare --- you may need to see your doctor for something to help you relax and break the cycle.

Sending gentle hugs,
Donna