PMR Side effect

[Bluerunner]

Hi all I have been having therapy for a few months now with psycholigists (not sure exactly what I am dealing with yet (will see a psychiatrist in March). I has a conversion event in Nov last year and found myself in a sates of collapsed mobility (I don't know how this happened) after 4 hrs I came out of this state. The Hospital Neuro diagnosed this as FND.

I think i am doing some version of CBT but am having great difficulty naming feelings ( for me I still need to look at a list of feelings to name how I am feeling after 6-7 weeks of doing this).

My question is I have also been holding a lot of Physical tension in my arms, neck, head. I have been asked to try to do PMR exercises which I have been doing twice a day for about 6 days. Last night and the night before I blanked out part way through the guided activity. First night last thing I remember was the first few min with the hand crunches, and last night I can remember the face exercises but nothing after that.

Is this normal????

[Tay100]

Hi Bluerunner

It's good to hear you are getting some structured help, but experience symptoms like tension must be frustrating.

From what you have described, it sounds like you may really benefit from a medical opinion- could you tell your GP or the psychologist you've been seeing? You are more than welcome to use this thread to keep us updated as you seek further help- we can also brainstorm ways to make the help-seeking process as efficient and non-stressful as possible. Let us know what you think.

Tay100

[Bluerunner]

Thanks Tay100, I see my psychologist weekly and they are working with my GP. I do communicate my issues weekly,

I also have homework for them which I do with varying success between session.

I see the GP monthly ( but can see them more frequently if required). It did take a while to trust them but I am getting better at allowing myself to get help. Not easy when you have spent many years not caring for yourself. Mainly due to how deeply my pain was buried. And it was not until the extreme physical reaction that I had to stop and take a long look at me. Still scary months down the track ( ironically I tell most people it’s not scary)

[Bluerunner]

Hi all just an update. I Have.been doing some progressive mussel relaxation (PMR). exercises in an effort to reduce muscle tension. I do it in the morning and I feel the relaxed state wait a few minutes like the recommended period and then get going.

However for the last few nights I can only remember 1/2 or less of the 15 minute activity and when I regain awareness ( tonight I am missing about 30 minutes) have to work at reactivating movement which returns slowly to normal. Has anyone else experienced this? I’m confused as to how relaxing can cause immobility???? Any ideas? Could my night time attempt at PMR cause immobility due to increased stress during the day??

[CalmCat]

Hi Bluerunner,

Thanks for sharing such personal post.

I'm not sure that I can answer your question directly, however I have used essential oils and meditation to ease my anxiety. I really recommend frankincense and roman chamomile oil, they helped with my immobility issues relating to anxiety.

Let us know your thoughts.

Regards,

D

[Bluerunner]

Thanks for your reply Doz86, I let my psychologists know what was happening and we will speak about this today. They asked me to stop doing the PMR for now... I will provide an up date after our session.

Cheers

[Tay100]

Hi Bluerunner

I'm sorry to hear PMR didn't work as you'd hoped, however, you are doing the best thing by following your psych's advice- hopefully, your next session opens up another pathway for you. Keep us updated if you like.

Tay100

[Bluerunner]

Hi Tay100, my psychologist is keen for me to expedite my appointment with the psychiatrist. They will speak to my GP and see what they can arrange. I agree but am a bit nervous. No new date at this point. Also we have taken a step back in therapy and will just focus on stability for the next 6 weeks.

cheer

[Tay100]

Hi Bluerunner

Thanks for the update, we appreciate you sharing things. It's good that things are moving along in terms of appointments- hopefully establishing foundations in stability skills in therapy will allow you to keep taking steps again too. How are you managing things day to day?

Tay100