It’s been awhile since I’ve shared some truths. Today the emotions are still running high, so I thought this would be a good way to process some of them.
*The doctor says I have TMJ, that it is related to RA, and is likely caused by my poor stress management.
*While I’ve improved in some areas in therapy, stress management is still something with which I’m struggling.
*What I really want is someone to handle these things for me.
*I not only have a hard time telling people “No,” I also have an equally difficult time saying “I can’t do this any longer” when an obligation or responsibility becomes too much for me.
*Right now, the emotional pain of this diagnosis and the surrounding issues are as painful as the TMJ.
*The pain is impacting my ability to eat the food I want, and today it hurts to talk. Or sing.
*My doggy asking to play will never not bring a smile to my face, no matter how much I hurt.
*My doggy waits until I’m in the middle of a post, and knee deep in the writing mojo before he’s ready to play. And he will not take no for an answer.
*Even while things have been rough these few weeks, I’ve been blessed. I’m lucky to have friends who do so much to enrich my life.
*I will overcome this hurdle, just as I’ve overcome everything up to this point. I may need a few days to process things, but I will prevail. And I will smile again.
BecominNeurotic 
I am sorry to hear of your added pain and inability to eat. It’s amazing how stress impacts our bodies, I think its the only factor I can kind of control that impacts how bad I flare. As soon as I start to stress, I can feel the pain permeate my body and then all I can do is read and rest. I can empathize with you and hope your TMJ gets better soon.
Thank you Tanya for your kind words and support. I’m definitely on a mission to find better means of controlling the stress, and therefore controlling my flares. I know this is within my power, and that helps.
Oh my goodness, I am so, so sorry. Please do write it out – we in your online community will support you however we can.
Thank you so much Allison. I will definitely share my story here, as soon as I have some resolution/answers. I appreciate your support, and your kind words ❤
I’m sorry you’re going through all this. Healing thoughts and love your way, as always. This article made me think of you. You are just as important as all the people you help every day. Be kind to you.
http://www.christinecarter.com/community/blog/2014/11/21-ways-to-give-good-no/
I heart you. Thank you for the link, lordy knows I need help saying no. Gonna talk to the therapist about it tomorrow, as well as solid plans on keeping healthy boundaries with family.
I’m being as kind as I can be, I am. And making a conscious effort to, which is huge.
“No.” and “I can’t do this any longer.” are both hard for me. But you know this already.
TMJ. Man, that sucks. But at least it is an answer. It is much easier to treat an answer than a mystery.
Sending prayers for comfort and pain relief for you. And for stress-free days.
Maybe you could use a good smoothie? This was on SITS yesterday: http://www.thesitsgirls.com/diy/healthy-pumpkin-pie-smoothie/
Mmmm smoothies. But alas, we don’t have a blender. Silly, I know. Also, I would probably vote for something other than pumpkin. Maybe strawberry? I do have strawberry sorbet in the freezer, I just might have to bust that out for a little snack…
I’m sorry to hear about the tmj diagnosis! It’s so frustrating to get another diagnosis or have a set back. What helped me the most with stress management was a mindfulness bases stress reduction class. You can find an in person one in your area or look up Jon Kabat Zinn’s book Full Catastrophe Living. I found an online version of the class too… I’ll see if I can find the link.
Thank you for the link, and for a great tip. I’ll be discussing it with my therapist this week 🙂
http://palousemindfulness.com/selfguidedMBSR.html
I am sorry you have another issue that is giving you pain, with auto immune diseases it seems to go like this ‘when it rains, it pours’ rite. Or so I am finding out ughhh I feel ya. Hugs.
I too have a huge issue with stress and how it affects my body. My ability to say no needs some seriouse work. As a matter of fact my counslor has given me an assignment ‘I am to look at ways to say NO to people!’ I am very nervous about this, so much so in fact that I have stepped back from all the people I need to work on saying no too, and who cause most of my stress, sighs…so does this mean I am now running away?? << sorry getting a little off subject…I will most definately be looking at the link about 'ways to say a good no' and I hope it helps you, every one else that needs it and myself!
I wish you alot less stress, less pain, and more Power Behind Your NO'S! Peace, Light, Brightest Blessing Mystical Luna Rose.
Thank you Luna for your kind words ❤ As much as I wouldn't wish this life on others, it's nice to know I'm not alone in my struggles. I will be sharing my path of finding better ways to combat stress, so certainly check back. And if you come across any great tools, I hope you'll share them here as well 🙂 Best wishes!
Having RA is always going to be a bumpy ride emotionally, because it’s a progressive disease and you’re always having to deal with it aggravating your body in new ways. It’s ok to feel bad that you’re in pain and that it’s limiting your life. You don’t need to dwell in that place of sadness forever, but RA is a serious illness and one goes through a serious grieving process with it. Be gentle with yourself.
Just a FYI: RA is not caused by “poor stress management.” Even if you managed your stress perfectly (which is not possible) you would still have problems from RA. It’s just a sucky disease like that. 😦
Thank you for your kind words. I do know the RA specifically isnt caused by poor management. The TMJ was triggered by my clenching my teeth, which is a poor stress coping mechanism for me, so that was what I meant by that. I really appreciate your gentle reminders, though. Sometimes it’s easy to forget what a path we walk.
boοkmarked!!, I love your site!
Thank you so much!