Recognising pain signals before a full flare
Photo Nikko Macaspac/Unsplash
Do you ever have a few days where you’re constantly riding on the edge of annoyance, or maybe tears?
It happens to me when I am experiencing a pain or disautonomia flare, but I haven’t yet consciously recognised that.
We spoonies spend so much of our lives trying to ignore or push through pain that, of course, our tolerance for ‘pain’ is much higher than others. It doesn’t mean we don’t experience the increasing pain, just that it annoyingly buzzes in the background, louder and louder till suddenly we register what’s happening.
In those times, the first warning bell is that I have a much lower threshold for noise, smell, and touch. Sensory overload and heightened, hard-to-pinpoint anxiety comes hand-in-hand for me with flares and I am now recognising that it usually manifests like that in its earliest phase.
Here might be some other early warning signs your nervous system is working hard to ebb or deal with an imminent or gathering-pace flare…
Irritability
Forgetfulness
Insomnia/painsomnia
Difficulty focusing
Sensory sensitivity or overload
Anxiety, heightened emotions
Restlessness
So with that in mind, here are some of the things I’ve found helpful.
It’s not easy or always possible, but if you can, increase your rest and recovery time. This might mean more little breaks during the day, or even a cat nap. It could, like me, mean heading to bed earlier than usual.
Low sensory input activities like reading a book. I use the kindle app on my phone and prob it in a gooseneck mobile phone holder next to the bed or sofa so I don’t further hurt my wrists or sublux my elbow holding it.
Don’t let guilt seep in. Targeted rest is a proactive approach to managing chronic pain and fatigue.
Adaptive pacing.
Counselling. Be gentle with yourself emotionally. What you’re coping with is hard.
A medical plan to manage breakthrough pain. Mine includes things like strong painkillers or sleeping tablets to help me manage/break/cope with the pain flare.
Friends and loved ones who understand and can support you. Also, cancel those plans baby. You gotta take care of yourself.
Big love
Punteha x