The ABC Homeopathy Forum
Return of old symptoms - what next?
Hi,I'm after some advice on what to do when you have a return of old symptoms. Four months ago I had a bad bout of cystitis but urine tests revealed no infection. After researching homeopathic remedies I found that Staphysagria fitted my symptoms really well and so I took it for 2 weeks in December (30c pillules initially 6 doses on the first day and 4 times a day after that, as advised on the remedy bottle. My symptoms started to get better and then seemed to begin to flare again so I stopped taking the remedy after reading that you shouldn't carry on if symptoms worsen. Since then I have waited to see how my body responds and have still had mild cystitis symptoms and now 2 days of glandular fever type symptoms (I had glandular fever 12 years ago). I'd really appreciate some advice on what is the best thing to do next. Do I try a remedy to treat the glandular fever symptoms or a different remedy to try and clear up the cystitis symptoms? Or do I just wait and see if my body heals itself?
Best wishes
Ashley
ashj77 on 2015-01-15
This is just a forum. Assume posts are not from medical professionals.
Return of old symptoms is a sign of cure. I guess you should wait and watch. Your body is really healing itself.
♡ rishimba 9 years ago
You probably have had too much of the 30c though - 4 times a day is excessive. I assume you have had 60+ doses - way too much. Your aggravation (if that is what this is) may be bigger than expected, and may last longer.
Aggravation should come before improvement. If improvement came first followed by aggravation, you may actually have suppressed your symptoms rather than cured them.
However, as with any homoeopathic treatment, one needs to wait and see what happens. No more remedies, no more doses, be ready to wait 1-2 weeks after stopping before assessing your situation.
Aggravation should come before improvement. If improvement came first followed by aggravation, you may actually have suppressed your symptoms rather than cured them.
However, as with any homoeopathic treatment, one needs to wait and see what happens. No more remedies, no more doses, be ready to wait 1-2 weeks after stopping before assessing your situation.
♡ Evocationer 9 years ago
Yeah, I was afraid of that. If that's the case do you think I may have stopped the healing process rather than encouraged it? I did read around as much as I could before taking the remedy but there seemed to be lots of conflicting advice so I got a bit confused!
I'm happy to wait and see what happens but just wondering, if the cystitis symptoms don't improve do I use the remedy again or try a different one? I've been told by the gp that the symptoms are caused by inflammation so antibiotics wont work...feeling a bit stuck and pretty miserable!
I'm happy to wait and see what happens but just wondering, if the cystitis symptoms don't improve do I use the remedy again or try a different one? I've been told by the gp that the symptoms are caused by inflammation so antibiotics wont work...feeling a bit stuck and pretty miserable!
ashj77 9 years ago
Wait for a week at least, see what happens. Then make a report here. One of us may be able to help you further at that stage after you give your case to us.
♡ Evocationer 9 years ago
Hi, Just wanted to give an update on my symptoms and see what you'd advise to do next. I had the glandular fever type symptoms for 3 days and then just extreme tiredness since then. The sensation of urine dribbling down in my urethra actually went by Thursday last week and was replaced by a heaviness and sagging feeling in my pelvic/pubic region and a tightness/pressure in my lower abdomen. Yesterday my urine started to feel like it was dribbling out instead of flowing when I went to the toilet.
I'm actually on anti-depressants at the moment for anxiety and depression, I've just started counselling and while it feels like it's helping I noticed the cystitis symptoms changed/got worse after my counselling session on Tuesday this week.
Is this just part of the process while emotional healing takes place or is there a remedy I can take to help with this? I'm concerned that the symptoms might get as bad as they were a few months ago where i ended up in bed for a couple of weeks....
I'm actually on anti-depressants at the moment for anxiety and depression, I've just started counselling and while it feels like it's helping I noticed the cystitis symptoms changed/got worse after my counselling session on Tuesday this week.
Is this just part of the process while emotional healing takes place or is there a remedy I can take to help with this? I'm concerned that the symptoms might get as bad as they were a few months ago where i ended up in bed for a couple of weeks....
ashj77 9 years ago
I can take your case if you wish. I can post my questionnaire, which is fairly detailed, and we can work from there.
Homoeopathy works very well with counselling - but you should probably advise your counsellor that you will be doing this as well. There is no interaction with medication however.
Homoeopathy works very well with counselling - but you should probably advise your counsellor that you will be doing this as well. There is no interaction with medication however.
♡ Evocationer 9 years ago
Hi Evocationer, Yes please that would be great. I was still taking staphysagria when I started counselling so i let my counsellor know and she's happy to talk about any changes/progress in terms of the remedies.
ashj77 9 years ago
CASE PRESENTATION FOR CLASSICAL HOMOEOPATHIC PRESCRIBING
General Guidelines:
1. Try to be as descriptive as possible. When describing pains or sensations use descriptions along the lines of feels as if someone is squeezing it with their hand or it is like an insect crawling around inside or it is as if someone is standing over me threatening to kill me. Long descriptions are always better than short ones. One word answers are difficult to use successfully.
2. Another important part of symptom description for homoeopathy are the modalities. These are situations, events, activities or conditions which modify the symptom in some way. We usually refer to this as what makes them better or worse (amelioration/aggravation). The situation may actually provoke the symptom into appearing, make it vanish altogether, or just increase or decrease it in some way. Modalities are vital information for prescribing.
Modalities are typically related to (but not exclusively) the following situations:
A. Temperature, weather
B. Time (day, night, specific times, frequency, periodicity, season)
C. Position, activity
D. Emotions, thoughts
E. Food and drink
F. Drugs, medication
3. How the symptom is perceived is important too odour, appearance, sound, touch. What colour is it, what is its texture? For gestures, describe what it looks like the patient is doing, or what you feel you are doing while making the movement eg. they look like they are swatting flies or I feel like something is pushing my hand upwards or it is like I stick a fork in an electrical outlet which throws my body backwards. Description it is key to accurate prescriptions.
4. When did the symptom or set of symptoms start? The apparent cause can be useful in determining the remedy, although it is not of the same importance as the previous factors. It may have been a specific event, a disease, an accident or even an emotional experience.
5. Use your own words. Do not copy phrases or descriptions found in our various remedy pictures. Try not to use other peoples ideas or thoughts or words. If you are reporting on behalf of someone else, report their exact words, however you can also report your own observations of them (not opinions).
6. Does the symptom occur alongside another specific symptom? Do particular symptoms only occur together? Does a particular symptom occur with a particular thought or emotion? For example, a headache that always comes with visual disturbances, or stomach pain that appears alongside anger, or anxiety that makes you feel like running down the street screaming.
7. Each complaint should be described fully before going on to describe another complaint. Try not to mix different symptoms or complaints together. Each modifying feature must be clearly attached to a particular symptom/set of symptoms. Any mistake you make here is a mistake the homoeopath will also then make.
BEFORE MOVING ON TO THE NEXT SET OF QUESTIONS, DO THIS NOW FOR EACH PHYSICAL PROBLEM YOU HAVE. LOOK AT ANY POSSIBLE SYMPTOM YOU HAVE, NOT JUST THE ONE YOU ARE ASKING FOR HELP IN RESOLVING.
General Guidelines:
1. Try to be as descriptive as possible. When describing pains or sensations use descriptions along the lines of feels as if someone is squeezing it with their hand or it is like an insect crawling around inside or it is as if someone is standing over me threatening to kill me. Long descriptions are always better than short ones. One word answers are difficult to use successfully.
2. Another important part of symptom description for homoeopathy are the modalities. These are situations, events, activities or conditions which modify the symptom in some way. We usually refer to this as what makes them better or worse (amelioration/aggravation). The situation may actually provoke the symptom into appearing, make it vanish altogether, or just increase or decrease it in some way. Modalities are vital information for prescribing.
Modalities are typically related to (but not exclusively) the following situations:
A. Temperature, weather
B. Time (day, night, specific times, frequency, periodicity, season)
C. Position, activity
D. Emotions, thoughts
E. Food and drink
F. Drugs, medication
3. How the symptom is perceived is important too odour, appearance, sound, touch. What colour is it, what is its texture? For gestures, describe what it looks like the patient is doing, or what you feel you are doing while making the movement eg. they look like they are swatting flies or I feel like something is pushing my hand upwards or it is like I stick a fork in an electrical outlet which throws my body backwards. Description it is key to accurate prescriptions.
4. When did the symptom or set of symptoms start? The apparent cause can be useful in determining the remedy, although it is not of the same importance as the previous factors. It may have been a specific event, a disease, an accident or even an emotional experience.
5. Use your own words. Do not copy phrases or descriptions found in our various remedy pictures. Try not to use other peoples ideas or thoughts or words. If you are reporting on behalf of someone else, report their exact words, however you can also report your own observations of them (not opinions).
6. Does the symptom occur alongside another specific symptom? Do particular symptoms only occur together? Does a particular symptom occur with a particular thought or emotion? For example, a headache that always comes with visual disturbances, or stomach pain that appears alongside anger, or anxiety that makes you feel like running down the street screaming.
7. Each complaint should be described fully before going on to describe another complaint. Try not to mix different symptoms or complaints together. Each modifying feature must be clearly attached to a particular symptom/set of symptoms. Any mistake you make here is a mistake the homoeopath will also then make.
BEFORE MOVING ON TO THE NEXT SET OF QUESTIONS, DO THIS NOW FOR EACH PHYSICAL PROBLEM YOU HAVE. LOOK AT ANY POSSIBLE SYMPTOM YOU HAVE, NOT JUST THE ONE YOU ARE ASKING FOR HELP IN RESOLVING.
♡ Evocationer 9 years ago
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DESCRIPTION
(Please spend the most time on this section and give DETAILED answers - the homoeopathic remedy is very often decided on the basis of the mental and emotional state of the patient!)
1. What are the issues in your life that bother you the most. Not physical issues but mental or emotional ones. List each one separately and describe why each one bothers you so much and how you cope with them.
2. What emotions are the most troublesome for you? What situations provoke these emotions. How do these emotions make you act? Do you feel any ill effects from expressing or not expressing these emotions.
3. What incidents in your life have had a deep impact on you? Describe each incident in detail and how they made you feel? What did you do in those situations? What effect have they had on your life?
4. What are you afraid of? Especially important are phobias, but it might be objects, situations or events that just produce a high level of anxiety. How do you manage your fears? How do you react when confronted with these fears? What would be the worst situation for you to be put in that would provoke these fears? You may need to talk about each fear/anxiety separately.
5. What hobbies do you have? Why do you like each of these activities?
6. Do you have any persistent thoughts, ideas or beliefs that are difficult to stop or cope with? What are they?
7. Do you have any unusual gestures or movements of the body? Do you feel any unusual sensation or pain throughout your body? What exactly does it feel like is happening in your body?
8. When you experience your fears, persistent thoughts, or difficult emotions, what kind of sensation or reactions do you get in your body?
9. When did you feel at your best in your life? What was that like for you? If you imagine the complete opposite of this feeling or moment, what would that be like?
10. Do you feel like you are stuck in a pattern of behavior, especially when trying to deal with your problems? What is this pattern? THIS IS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION PLEASE CONSIDER CAREFULLY AND GIVE DETAILS.
11. What difficulties or problems do you have in relationships? Talk about your family, your romantic relationships, your spouse or partner, your friends, and your work colleagues. You may need to talk about all of these separately.
12. List 5 positive things about yourself. Are there any situations where this positive attribute becomes negative (is a problem)?
13. List 5 negative things about yourself. Are there any situations where this negative attribute becomes positive (is useful)?
14. Do you have any reoccurring dreams? Describe them in detail, including any feelings that come while dreaming. Dreams are very important in unlocking the deepest truth of a patients case, but it is not enough to simply describe them in a sentence. Give as much information as you feel comfortable doing.
15. Did you have any reoccurring dreams as a child, or earlier in your life? Describe those in detail including any feelings that came with them.
16. What were you like as a child, your character, your personality, your fears, your dreams, your problems?
17. What kind of environment did you grow up in? What problems where there at home, with your family, with your parents, with your siblings, with school?
(Please spend the most time on this section and give DETAILED answers - the homoeopathic remedy is very often decided on the basis of the mental and emotional state of the patient!)
1. What are the issues in your life that bother you the most. Not physical issues but mental or emotional ones. List each one separately and describe why each one bothers you so much and how you cope with them.
2. What emotions are the most troublesome for you? What situations provoke these emotions. How do these emotions make you act? Do you feel any ill effects from expressing or not expressing these emotions.
3. What incidents in your life have had a deep impact on you? Describe each incident in detail and how they made you feel? What did you do in those situations? What effect have they had on your life?
4. What are you afraid of? Especially important are phobias, but it might be objects, situations or events that just produce a high level of anxiety. How do you manage your fears? How do you react when confronted with these fears? What would be the worst situation for you to be put in that would provoke these fears? You may need to talk about each fear/anxiety separately.
5. What hobbies do you have? Why do you like each of these activities?
6. Do you have any persistent thoughts, ideas or beliefs that are difficult to stop or cope with? What are they?
7. Do you have any unusual gestures or movements of the body? Do you feel any unusual sensation or pain throughout your body? What exactly does it feel like is happening in your body?
8. When you experience your fears, persistent thoughts, or difficult emotions, what kind of sensation or reactions do you get in your body?
9. When did you feel at your best in your life? What was that like for you? If you imagine the complete opposite of this feeling or moment, what would that be like?
10. Do you feel like you are stuck in a pattern of behavior, especially when trying to deal with your problems? What is this pattern? THIS IS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION PLEASE CONSIDER CAREFULLY AND GIVE DETAILS.
11. What difficulties or problems do you have in relationships? Talk about your family, your romantic relationships, your spouse or partner, your friends, and your work colleagues. You may need to talk about all of these separately.
12. List 5 positive things about yourself. Are there any situations where this positive attribute becomes negative (is a problem)?
13. List 5 negative things about yourself. Are there any situations where this negative attribute becomes positive (is useful)?
14. Do you have any reoccurring dreams? Describe them in detail, including any feelings that come while dreaming. Dreams are very important in unlocking the deepest truth of a patients case, but it is not enough to simply describe them in a sentence. Give as much information as you feel comfortable doing.
15. Did you have any reoccurring dreams as a child, or earlier in your life? Describe those in detail including any feelings that came with them.
16. What were you like as a child, your character, your personality, your fears, your dreams, your problems?
17. What kind of environment did you grow up in? What problems where there at home, with your family, with your parents, with your siblings, with school?
♡ Evocationer 9 years ago
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
(Symptoms that dont fit anywhere else, but are things that tend to affect all of you as a person, but are not emotions or thoughts)
1. Sleep - what position do you tend to sleep in?
- what position can you not sleep in?
- do you do anything unusual in your sleep?
- any problems with going to sleep, staying asleep, or waking up?
2. Appetite - What foods do you crave/desire strongly?
- What foods do you hate eating (have an aversion to)?
- What foods have a negative effect on you or cause symptoms?
- What foods have a positive effect on you or seem to improve your health or symptoms in some way?
- What is the effect of hunger or fasting on you?
- What did you crave in the past?
3. Thirst - What drinks do you crave/desire strongly?
- What drinks do you hate to take (are averse to)?
- When are you most thirsty?
- When are you least thirsty?
4. Stool - Do you have any problems with your bowels or passing stool?
- What is the shape, color, odor of the stool?
5. Urine - Do you have any trouble passing or retaining urine?
- What is the color, odor of the urine?
- Do you have any sediment or debris in the urine?
6. Sweat - How do you feel about the amount of perspiration you have?
- Where do you have the most sweat?
- What is the odor?
- What color does it stain clothing?
- Does anything in particular cause you to sweat abnormally?
7. Sexuality - Any problems with your sexual desire?
- Any problems with your sexual ability or function?
- Any history of sexually transmitted diseases?
8. Menses (Women)
- How many days is your cycle?
- How many days does the flow go for?
- What is the appearance of the flow?
- What is the odor of the flow?
- What kind of stain does the flow leave?
- Any discharge before, during or after?
- Any pain before, during or after the flow?
- What symptoms come before the flow?
- What symptoms come after the flow?
9. Environment How does the weather affect you?
- How does the temperature affect you?
- How does the season affect you?
- What physical activities affect you?
- Is there anything else in the environment you are sensitive to?
10. Anything else you feel is important that hasnt been covered by previous questions?
(Symptoms that dont fit anywhere else, but are things that tend to affect all of you as a person, but are not emotions or thoughts)
1. Sleep - what position do you tend to sleep in?
- what position can you not sleep in?
- do you do anything unusual in your sleep?
- any problems with going to sleep, staying asleep, or waking up?
2. Appetite - What foods do you crave/desire strongly?
- What foods do you hate eating (have an aversion to)?
- What foods have a negative effect on you or cause symptoms?
- What foods have a positive effect on you or seem to improve your health or symptoms in some way?
- What is the effect of hunger or fasting on you?
- What did you crave in the past?
3. Thirst - What drinks do you crave/desire strongly?
- What drinks do you hate to take (are averse to)?
- When are you most thirsty?
- When are you least thirsty?
4. Stool - Do you have any problems with your bowels or passing stool?
- What is the shape, color, odor of the stool?
5. Urine - Do you have any trouble passing or retaining urine?
- What is the color, odor of the urine?
- Do you have any sediment or debris in the urine?
6. Sweat - How do you feel about the amount of perspiration you have?
- Where do you have the most sweat?
- What is the odor?
- What color does it stain clothing?
- Does anything in particular cause you to sweat abnormally?
7. Sexuality - Any problems with your sexual desire?
- Any problems with your sexual ability or function?
- Any history of sexually transmitted diseases?
8. Menses (Women)
- How many days is your cycle?
- How many days does the flow go for?
- What is the appearance of the flow?
- What is the odor of the flow?
- What kind of stain does the flow leave?
- Any discharge before, during or after?
- Any pain before, during or after the flow?
- What symptoms come before the flow?
- What symptoms come after the flow?
9. Environment How does the weather affect you?
- How does the temperature affect you?
- How does the season affect you?
- What physical activities affect you?
- Is there anything else in the environment you are sensitive to?
10. Anything else you feel is important that hasnt been covered by previous questions?
♡ Evocationer 9 years ago
Hi Evocationer, thanks so much for your reply. I've put my answers as follows...
Night sweats not noticed any particular time of the month but these happen roughly 3 times a month. Sometimes it happens more frequently but then doesnt happen again for a while. Ill wake up in the night and be soaked from my neck downwards. It seems to coincide with eating later in the evening or food sitting more heavily on my stomach but not always. I tend to wake up feeling calmer as if something has been sweated out.
Bloating/gassiness has become more of an issue in the last few months since October when I had a severe bout of cystitis and was on antibiotics for the first time in years. Symptoms seem to be related to food and occur after meals with my stomach quickly becoming bloated and sticking out and then lots of burping. After this Im left with a sicky feeling that often stays for a good hour or 2 after a meal. Ive also had a constant feeling of tenderness in my abdomen just below my ribs. My bowel movements are pretty normal. I have recently cut out wheat and dairy from my diet and have noticed an improvement. It makes me feel quite sensitive and irritable, I dont want to be touched much or put pressure on my abdomen when hugging.
Asthma I was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma when I was 15 and only really get flare-ups when I have a bad cold and cough or similar virus. Dust and certain odours also make me start wheezing. Since October I have had to start taking steroid inhalers again which I hadnt needed to for a couple of years and have often woken in the night with anxiety needing to take a reliever inhaler. My asthma is worse with cold weather and I also notice feelings of anxiety and exhaustion that come with it.
Fatigue Ive suffered with ongoing fatigue since I had glandular fever at age 16. It seems to be worse with extremes of temperature and my most noticeable slump is in the afternoon (anytime between 1 and 4pm). Over the years the fatigue has got better and worse on various occasions. Im not really sure what makes it better but it noticeably gets worse at times of stress, heavy workload, increased physical exertion or illness. Since October last year when I had cystitis it has become a lot worse and I struggle to get through the day without a nap. I usually sleep for 8 or 9 hours at night and wake up not really feeling refreshed. An hour or so after breakfast I often feel ready to go back to bed again and have to force myself to carry on with the day and look after my son/do household chores etc. My most awake time seems to be late afternoon or early evening. With the exhaustion comes a feeling of hopelessness, low mood and the feeling that I cant cope (with life). Recent blood tests have shown that I have a low ferritin level (borderline anaemic) and I am now taking iron supplements (for the last 2 weeks) although this has not been flagged in any other previous blood tests.
Bad Back the first time I had a bad back was seven years ago. I was doing quite a physical outdoor job at the time but there was no one thing I was aware of that caused it. I spent 2 days in bed unable to really move and since then its always felt like a weakness. At times any lifting or twisting movements cause it to feel like its going to go and I just have to be careful not to overdo it. Mobilisation exercises help as well as warmth from a bath or hot water bottle. The general feeling is one of incredible tightness in the left side of the middle of my back, which is often made worse by sitting for long periods and stress and this leads to feelings of panic. I have always had a slight curve at that point in my spine but it had never been a problem up until then.
Pale/Yellow tint to skin I have a very pale complexion that tends to have a yellow tint, which comes and goes. Illness and tiredness make this more obvious.
Recurrent cystitis without infection I first experienced cystitis 8 years ago and found that the usual pharmacy sachets didnt clear it up. I was still left with symptoms of feeling like my bladder was full when it wasnt, a trickling sensation down my urethra, a feeling of heat in my urine, some pain towards the end of passing urine and an inability to hold my bladder when sneezing/coughing. Tests showed that there was no infection but these symptoms persisted for a few months until I saw an acupuncturist and took some herbal medicine. Since then the symptoms have come back mildly on a few occasions but gone again by themselves. In October last year I had a severe attack of these symptoms as well as some blood in my urine for which I was given 3 lots of antibiotics with the first test showing there was an infection and subsequent tests showing no infection. I am still experiencing these symptoms mildly despite seeing an acupuncturist and notice that they are worst first thing in the morning and in the evening as well as in the night if wake to go to the toilet. The trickling sensation is often noticeable after I have just emptied my bladder and these symptoms often provoke feelings of panic, anxiety and the need to do something to get help and make it stop. With the last prolonged attack of symptoms it also triggered a really low mood and I often felt like I wanted to go to sleep and not wake up. Sugary foods and caffeine seem to increase any flares in symptoms. Warm baths and hot water bottles help to relieve symptoms.
White spots on nails I nearly always have white spots on the nails on my right hand. The spots decrease in size with the biggest one being on my index fingernail, then middle fingernail and smallest on my ring fingernail. They are usually most noticeable after a period where I have been run down.
Dry hair that falls out easily Since I was a teenager I have noticed that my hair falls out easily and has become increasingly dry and brittle. My hair doesnt fall out so that patches are noticeable but rather seems to have a fast turnover (or something similar?!) so that a small handful always comes out when I wash it or brush it. I hardly use any hair dryers or straighteners and dont dye my hair so its not an outside influence causing the dryness.
Swollen glands Since having glandular fever 12 years ago I regularly notice that my glands are swollen without many other symptoms. This often comes with a feeling of general malaise and being run down and usually increases my anxiety.
Recurring bouts of virus-type symptoms since having glandular fever I have noticed that I get these symptoms on a fairly regular basis (on average twice a year) with aching limbs, swollen glands and a rash on chest and back. The worst of the symptoms last for 2 or 3 days but extreme tiredness and swollen glands often last for at least 2 or 3 weeks after. I tend to get these symptoms when Im most run down but not at any particular time of year. Again, these symptoms come with a feeling of hopelessness, low mood and the feeling that I cant cope.
Faintness since I was a child I have been prone to faintness. Often brought on by illness or too much heat. This has become worse again since I had my son 3 years ago. It often feels like I have low blood sugar or something and its worse when I havent eaten for a couple of hours. This symptom usually makes me feel quite emotional and upset, particularly when I am by myself and can lead to a sense of panic.
Feeling weak and shaky I often have feelings of weakness and shakiness first thing in the morning and after any physical exertion, e.g. a 30/45 minute walk pushing my son in his pushchair. To improve this I will have something to eat and usually feel the need to lie down for half an hour until it passes. As with faintness these symptoms me feel quite emotional and upset, particularly when I am by myself and can lead to a sense of panic.
Vertigo/dizziness this symptom seems to have only begun in the last 4 or 5 years (more so since I had my son). I am not afraid of heights but the dizziness is brought on my being somewhere high up, e.g. on a bridge or by the sensation of dropping down, e.g if I am walking down a hill. I usually have to try and stand still until the sensation passes because otherwise it feels as if I will fall down or miss my footing because of the dizziness. Although the symptom is unpleasant I dont tend to get worried by this anymore but it does make me feel weaker and more susceptible to things.
Buzzing in ears this has happened since my bout of cystitis last October and is pretty constant. I notice it more first thing in the morning or if I am particularly anxious. It can make me feel a bit detached from things. It feels like the same sensation I have before I faint.
Heart palpitations I have had heart palpitations on and off since I was at university (10 years ago). I seem to have them at times of stress (e.g. a stressful situation happening at home/work) but not necessarily when I am feeling particularly stressed in myself. They dont occur very often (probably on average once a month) but tend to make me stop and breathe until they are over. The sensation is as if my heart misses a few beats and then starts again with a very strong beat followed by a couple of quick beats. I dont panic about this anymore (I used to!) but it does make me feel like I need to slow down with whatever Im doing. It usually happens in the day.
Sun spots/Liver spots on face I developed a couple of sun spots on my right cheek 8 years ago. They gradually got slightly bigger and darker but havent changed much now for the last 4 years. I am not a sun lover so this seemed quite unusual to me.
Dry, sore eyes I often wake up with dry, sore eyes which are worse when I am feeling more fatigued. I had several bouts of conjunctivitis when I was a child and have also had 2 bouts of it in the last month.
Weight loss with virus/cystitis symptoms I am quite a slim build (5 6, size 10 and skinny frame) so dont put on weight easily. When I get any virus symptoms or cystitis symptoms my appetite really goes and I tend to lose weight in a short period. In October when I had cystitis I noticed that I lost about 10 lbs over a month and am now struggling to put weight back on. The weight loss contributes to making me feel weak, like I am wasting away and a general feeling that I cant get what I need from food. Anxiety is usually a problem alongside this.
Tight muscles I get really tight muscles in my calves, the top of my glutes and my shoulders. Mobilisation exercises and warmth from a bath or hot water bottle help to alleviate this. Sitting for long periods and anxiety makes it worse. I also notice its worse when my glands are swollen or I am ill.
Blue Veins & Haemorrhoids - In the last few years I have also developed prominent blue veins and spider veins on the back of my knees and on my calves as well. While not painful I find these quite unsightly and they add to my general lack of confidence. I also have haemorrhoids which I've noticed since pregnancy. No bleeding but discomfort and itching on and off.
[message edited by ashj77 on Sat, 07 Mar 2015 10:55:09 GMT]
Night sweats not noticed any particular time of the month but these happen roughly 3 times a month. Sometimes it happens more frequently but then doesnt happen again for a while. Ill wake up in the night and be soaked from my neck downwards. It seems to coincide with eating later in the evening or food sitting more heavily on my stomach but not always. I tend to wake up feeling calmer as if something has been sweated out.
Bloating/gassiness has become more of an issue in the last few months since October when I had a severe bout of cystitis and was on antibiotics for the first time in years. Symptoms seem to be related to food and occur after meals with my stomach quickly becoming bloated and sticking out and then lots of burping. After this Im left with a sicky feeling that often stays for a good hour or 2 after a meal. Ive also had a constant feeling of tenderness in my abdomen just below my ribs. My bowel movements are pretty normal. I have recently cut out wheat and dairy from my diet and have noticed an improvement. It makes me feel quite sensitive and irritable, I dont want to be touched much or put pressure on my abdomen when hugging.
Asthma I was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma when I was 15 and only really get flare-ups when I have a bad cold and cough or similar virus. Dust and certain odours also make me start wheezing. Since October I have had to start taking steroid inhalers again which I hadnt needed to for a couple of years and have often woken in the night with anxiety needing to take a reliever inhaler. My asthma is worse with cold weather and I also notice feelings of anxiety and exhaustion that come with it.
Fatigue Ive suffered with ongoing fatigue since I had glandular fever at age 16. It seems to be worse with extremes of temperature and my most noticeable slump is in the afternoon (anytime between 1 and 4pm). Over the years the fatigue has got better and worse on various occasions. Im not really sure what makes it better but it noticeably gets worse at times of stress, heavy workload, increased physical exertion or illness. Since October last year when I had cystitis it has become a lot worse and I struggle to get through the day without a nap. I usually sleep for 8 or 9 hours at night and wake up not really feeling refreshed. An hour or so after breakfast I often feel ready to go back to bed again and have to force myself to carry on with the day and look after my son/do household chores etc. My most awake time seems to be late afternoon or early evening. With the exhaustion comes a feeling of hopelessness, low mood and the feeling that I cant cope (with life). Recent blood tests have shown that I have a low ferritin level (borderline anaemic) and I am now taking iron supplements (for the last 2 weeks) although this has not been flagged in any other previous blood tests.
Bad Back the first time I had a bad back was seven years ago. I was doing quite a physical outdoor job at the time but there was no one thing I was aware of that caused it. I spent 2 days in bed unable to really move and since then its always felt like a weakness. At times any lifting or twisting movements cause it to feel like its going to go and I just have to be careful not to overdo it. Mobilisation exercises help as well as warmth from a bath or hot water bottle. The general feeling is one of incredible tightness in the left side of the middle of my back, which is often made worse by sitting for long periods and stress and this leads to feelings of panic. I have always had a slight curve at that point in my spine but it had never been a problem up until then.
Pale/Yellow tint to skin I have a very pale complexion that tends to have a yellow tint, which comes and goes. Illness and tiredness make this more obvious.
Recurrent cystitis without infection I first experienced cystitis 8 years ago and found that the usual pharmacy sachets didnt clear it up. I was still left with symptoms of feeling like my bladder was full when it wasnt, a trickling sensation down my urethra, a feeling of heat in my urine, some pain towards the end of passing urine and an inability to hold my bladder when sneezing/coughing. Tests showed that there was no infection but these symptoms persisted for a few months until I saw an acupuncturist and took some herbal medicine. Since then the symptoms have come back mildly on a few occasions but gone again by themselves. In October last year I had a severe attack of these symptoms as well as some blood in my urine for which I was given 3 lots of antibiotics with the first test showing there was an infection and subsequent tests showing no infection. I am still experiencing these symptoms mildly despite seeing an acupuncturist and notice that they are worst first thing in the morning and in the evening as well as in the night if wake to go to the toilet. The trickling sensation is often noticeable after I have just emptied my bladder and these symptoms often provoke feelings of panic, anxiety and the need to do something to get help and make it stop. With the last prolonged attack of symptoms it also triggered a really low mood and I often felt like I wanted to go to sleep and not wake up. Sugary foods and caffeine seem to increase any flares in symptoms. Warm baths and hot water bottles help to relieve symptoms.
White spots on nails I nearly always have white spots on the nails on my right hand. The spots decrease in size with the biggest one being on my index fingernail, then middle fingernail and smallest on my ring fingernail. They are usually most noticeable after a period where I have been run down.
Dry hair that falls out easily Since I was a teenager I have noticed that my hair falls out easily and has become increasingly dry and brittle. My hair doesnt fall out so that patches are noticeable but rather seems to have a fast turnover (or something similar?!) so that a small handful always comes out when I wash it or brush it. I hardly use any hair dryers or straighteners and dont dye my hair so its not an outside influence causing the dryness.
Swollen glands Since having glandular fever 12 years ago I regularly notice that my glands are swollen without many other symptoms. This often comes with a feeling of general malaise and being run down and usually increases my anxiety.
Recurring bouts of virus-type symptoms since having glandular fever I have noticed that I get these symptoms on a fairly regular basis (on average twice a year) with aching limbs, swollen glands and a rash on chest and back. The worst of the symptoms last for 2 or 3 days but extreme tiredness and swollen glands often last for at least 2 or 3 weeks after. I tend to get these symptoms when Im most run down but not at any particular time of year. Again, these symptoms come with a feeling of hopelessness, low mood and the feeling that I cant cope.
Faintness since I was a child I have been prone to faintness. Often brought on by illness or too much heat. This has become worse again since I had my son 3 years ago. It often feels like I have low blood sugar or something and its worse when I havent eaten for a couple of hours. This symptom usually makes me feel quite emotional and upset, particularly when I am by myself and can lead to a sense of panic.
Feeling weak and shaky I often have feelings of weakness and shakiness first thing in the morning and after any physical exertion, e.g. a 30/45 minute walk pushing my son in his pushchair. To improve this I will have something to eat and usually feel the need to lie down for half an hour until it passes. As with faintness these symptoms me feel quite emotional and upset, particularly when I am by myself and can lead to a sense of panic.
Vertigo/dizziness this symptom seems to have only begun in the last 4 or 5 years (more so since I had my son). I am not afraid of heights but the dizziness is brought on my being somewhere high up, e.g. on a bridge or by the sensation of dropping down, e.g if I am walking down a hill. I usually have to try and stand still until the sensation passes because otherwise it feels as if I will fall down or miss my footing because of the dizziness. Although the symptom is unpleasant I dont tend to get worried by this anymore but it does make me feel weaker and more susceptible to things.
Buzzing in ears this has happened since my bout of cystitis last October and is pretty constant. I notice it more first thing in the morning or if I am particularly anxious. It can make me feel a bit detached from things. It feels like the same sensation I have before I faint.
Heart palpitations I have had heart palpitations on and off since I was at university (10 years ago). I seem to have them at times of stress (e.g. a stressful situation happening at home/work) but not necessarily when I am feeling particularly stressed in myself. They dont occur very often (probably on average once a month) but tend to make me stop and breathe until they are over. The sensation is as if my heart misses a few beats and then starts again with a very strong beat followed by a couple of quick beats. I dont panic about this anymore (I used to!) but it does make me feel like I need to slow down with whatever Im doing. It usually happens in the day.
Sun spots/Liver spots on face I developed a couple of sun spots on my right cheek 8 years ago. They gradually got slightly bigger and darker but havent changed much now for the last 4 years. I am not a sun lover so this seemed quite unusual to me.
Dry, sore eyes I often wake up with dry, sore eyes which are worse when I am feeling more fatigued. I had several bouts of conjunctivitis when I was a child and have also had 2 bouts of it in the last month.
Weight loss with virus/cystitis symptoms I am quite a slim build (5 6, size 10 and skinny frame) so dont put on weight easily. When I get any virus symptoms or cystitis symptoms my appetite really goes and I tend to lose weight in a short period. In October when I had cystitis I noticed that I lost about 10 lbs over a month and am now struggling to put weight back on. The weight loss contributes to making me feel weak, like I am wasting away and a general feeling that I cant get what I need from food. Anxiety is usually a problem alongside this.
Tight muscles I get really tight muscles in my calves, the top of my glutes and my shoulders. Mobilisation exercises and warmth from a bath or hot water bottle help to alleviate this. Sitting for long periods and anxiety makes it worse. I also notice its worse when my glands are swollen or I am ill.
Blue Veins & Haemorrhoids - In the last few years I have also developed prominent blue veins and spider veins on the back of my knees and on my calves as well. While not painful I find these quite unsightly and they add to my general lack of confidence. I also have haemorrhoids which I've noticed since pregnancy. No bleeding but discomfort and itching on and off.
[message edited by ashj77 on Sat, 07 Mar 2015 10:55:09 GMT]
ashj77 9 years ago
1. What are the issues in your life that bother you the most. Not physical issues but mental or emotional ones. List each one separately and describe why each one bothers you so much and how you cope with them.
Anxiety about health and other issues such as work and my relationships. It stops me being able to make clear decisions and feeling relaxed in life. I usually cope with anxiety by making sure I feel in control of things. This often ends up with worrying excessively about the details of a situation and thinking in advance about the possible outcomes so I feel prepared. I am constantly taking action to avoid feeling overwhelmed or like things are happening to me.
Depression I struggle with low mood and depression, which has been constant for the last few months. I notice it more when my anxiety is low as it is more obvious that my mood hasnt picked up. I have a general lack of enjoyment of activities that I normally would enjoy and I have lost all positivity that is normally a strong part of my character. The depression also seems to have affected my level of concentration, Im forgetting odd things and I often feel like I have a fogginess in my head. I cope with it by being on autopilot and doing the bare minimum to look after myself and my son, but I dont feel engaged with life or that Im looking forward to future events. In particular, my worst time is often before my period when I feel completely hopeless about life.
2. What emotions are the most troublesome for you? What situations provoke these emotions. How do these emotions make you act? Do you feel any ill effects from expressing or not expressing these emotions.
Hopelessness Illness and prolonged fatigue provokes this emotion. It makes me want to hide away from the world (usually under the duvet!) and I become a lot more introverted. Not expressing this tends to increase my physical symptoms of fatigue and increases my inability to make decisions in stressful situations and move forward so Im stuck feeling overwhelmed.
Anger I often have trouble expressing anger so it feels like its building into a tight ball inside of me. My husband says that it sometimes seems as if I go from 0-60 when were having a discussion because I outwardly seem very calm even when angers building inside and then I suddenly snap. If I do express my anger it often feels uncontrollable and all pours out so I get very upset at the same time. If I dont express my anger I tend to feel very resentful and become more introverted.
3. What incidents in your life have had a deep impact on you? Describe each incident in detail and how they made you feel? What did you do in those situations? What effect have they had on your life?
I had my son 3 years ago and found the pregnancy, birth and post-natal period very difficult. I felt ill during most of my pregnancy, extreme tiredness, nausea, heartburn and indigestion with no improvement in the second and third trimester. I went 2 weeks overdue and ended up having to be induced. The birth itself was straightforward and I only used gas and air towards the end. However, 2 hours after the birth I began to feel unwell and went into shock. I was bleeding and clotting internally and it was too late to be taken to theatre so the clots were removed manually without any pain relief. The next morning I was given 3 bags of fluid and after getting a second opinion from a female consultant I was given a blood transfusion with 2 units of blood. I felt incredibly weak and by the following day depression had set in. I struggled with post-natal depression and post-traumatic stress disorder for the following year and a half and am still working through some issues from it with a counsellor at the moment.
I remember all the details of the birth and feel traumatised by the pain and fear of the situation. I felt expected to suck it up and get on with things by the midwives and health visitors and quite often not understood at all. I struggled to bond with my son for the first 8 months and I felt guilty and disappointed that I didnt enjoy the first part of motherhood like I wanted to.
I coped by trying to stay on autopilot and go through the motions of looking after my son. I spent a lot of time out of the house meeting up with people so that I didnt have to be by myself. This period of time has affected my life by making me very defensive of people suggesting I have more children. I am much less inclined to put myself in positions outside of my comfort zone now and I definitely lost confidence in my physical body and my ability to cope with a situation.
4. What are you afraid of? Especially important are phobias, but it might be objects, situations or events that just produce a high level of anxiety. How do you manage your fears? How do you react when confronted with these fears? What would be the worst situation for you to be put in that would provoke these fears? You may need to talk about each fear/anxiety separately.
Confrontations I really dislike confrontations and can feel my anxiety levels rising just by thinking of being involved in a confrontation. I often act as a peacekeeper to try and avoid confrontation and would tone my opinion down to compensate for someone elses. A confrontation would bring on physical anxiety symptoms such as heat in my chest and arms, shallow breathing, my peripheral vision blurring and the sound of blood pumping in my ears. It can also make me upset
Driving I struggle to drive on busy dual carriageways and motorways, especially if Im not sure of where Im going. I often avoid driving or avoid particular roads. If my anxiety is triggered by driving it can lead to a panic attack and the feeling that Im going to faint while driving. Being on a busy motorway by myself in the outside lane and not being sure of the turn off would be the worst situation for me.
Illness I find it really hard to cope with being ill and often notice my anxiety levels increasing as soon as I begin to feel run down or my fatigue gets worse. I have an overwhelming sense that I wont get better and I will carry on having to struggle with my symptoms. The worst situation for me to be in is to feel ill while Im at home by myself with my son.
Pregnancy & birth The idea of going through another pregnancy and giving birth again fills me with dread. When confronted with the idea of this I often get angry and upset and feel as if I somehow might be forced to do it. Being pregnant again would be the worst situation for me.
5. What hobbies do you have? Why do you like each of these activities?
At the moment Im not really spending much time on my hobbies because of my low mood and lack of interest.
Dancing it makes me feel free and alive. Im good at it when I have enough energy!
Gardening I enjoy being outdoors and find gardening really therapeutic.
Home crafts I like having ideas for home projects and getting to create them
Listening to music I love finding a song for every emotion, it helps me to get out emotions and feel relaxed.
6. Do you have any persistent thoughts, ideas or beliefs that are difficult to stop or cope with? What are they?
The persistent thoughts I have are what contribute to my patterns of behaviour, that Im not going to get better and that I cant cope with life like this if things dont change.
7. Do you have any unusual gestures or movements of the body? Do you feel any unusual sensation or pain throughout your body? What exactly does it feel like is happening in your body?
When I was pregnant I felt really ill and weak like the baby was a parasite (even though he was very much wanted). I still often feel like that even though Im not pregnant, like something is sapping my energy and the vitality and strength underneath it all just cant come through.
8. When you experience your fears, persistent thoughts, or difficult emotions, what kind of sensation or reactions do you get in your body?
Heat in my chest and arms, shallow breathing, tense shoulders, lots of sighing (as if to get more air).
9. When did you feel at your best in your life? What was that like for you? If you imagine the complete opposite of this feeling or moment, what would that be like?
When I was a teenager. I had a balance of school, social and hobbies and enjoyed lots of things. Most of all I felt healthy and strong. I danced 2 or 3 times a week and also went mountain biking, snowboarding and did gymnastics. I had a lot of stamina and had a lot of confidence in my physical ability.
10. Do you feel like you are stuck in a pattern of behavior, especially when trying to deal with your problems? What is this pattern? THIS IS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION PLEASE CONSIDER CAREFULLY AND GIVE DETAILS.
I feel like Im stuck in a pattern of wanting to find an answer for my problems over the last 10 years, in particular my health problems. The pattern is that I start with a burst of motivation, feel disappointed and hopeless when nothing seems to change and then feel like Ive given up before the cycle starts again.
11. What difficulties or problems do you have in relationships? Talk about your family, your romantic relationships, your spouse or partner, your friends, and your work colleagues. You may need to talk about all of these separately.
My parents are very loving but I struggle with feeling controlled by my mum and find it hardest to deal with any disagreements or confrontations with her. My Dad isnt very demonstrative and doesnt express his feelings very readily, I often feel like I crave more time and attention from him.
I have a really strong relationship with my husband but I find it hard to be affectionate with him and often feel that there is an emotional block when it comes to being intimate.
I have a large group of friends and they often comment that they feel they can easily talk to me. I also enjoy connecting with friends but never feel as close to them as I could, as if I have a wall up that I dont let them through.
12. List 5 positive things about yourself. Are there any situations where this positive attribute becomes negative (is a problem)?
Im creative.
Im a good listener.
Im sensitive this becomes a problem in some situations when I take things to heart too much
Im kind
Cant think of a 5th!
13. List 5 negative things about yourself. Are there any situations where this negative attribute becomes positive (is useful)?
Im uptight
I cant be impulsive
I worry too much
Im a perfectionist can be useful in work
Im not very good with change
14. Do you have any reoccurring dreams? Describe them in detail, including any feelings that come while dreaming. Dreams are very important in unlocking the deepest truth of a patients case, but it is not enough to simply describe them in a sentence. Give as much information as you feel comfortable doing.
I often have a dream that I go to the doctors and find out Im pregnant and quite far along in the pregnancy with no choice but to go through with the birth. I start to panic and look for ways out of the situation, usually feeling like the only way out is suicide. I always wake up before the birth itself and feel an incredible sense of relief.
15. Did you have any reoccurring dreams as a child, or earlier in your life? Describe those in detail including any feelings that came with them.
I do remember a dream where Id be sliding down a huge wooden slide in a rainforest and it would go on and on with a building sense of trepidation until Id go shooting off the end and wake up with a jolt, my heart beating fast.
16. What were you like as a child, your character, your personality, your fears, your dreams, your problems?
I was a well-behaved child, I liked to do as I was told but found it difficult if a situation felt unfair. I was not affectionate as a child but knew when I needed comfort and would make sure I got a cuddle from my mum (usually without cuddling back much). When tired or upset I would grow more quiet and introverted. I often observed before joining in with a friends or an activity if I was unsure and this sometimes came across as aloofness to others. I enjoyed physical activities and did a lot of physical hobbies from a young age. I didnt show my emotions much so while I appeared calm and content outwardly it was wasnt always what I was feeling inside. I had a good group of friends and never fell out with people, rather I would just spend a bit less time with someone if I was finding them difficult to get on with at some point. I enjoyed being friends with girls and boys. I was a bit of a tomboy and didnt like the girliness of some of my classmates, being precious about what they looked like etc.
17. What kind of environment did you grow up in? What problems where there at home, with your family, with your parents, with your siblings, with school?
I grew up with my parents (still married) and my younger brother and sister. I was a grade A student at school and felt that my parents were always there for me. In high school I remember my Dad struggling with work (his own business), his Dad being ill and then passing away and my parents arguing a lot. My relationship with my siblings was ok growing up but I often felt like the only sensible and responsible one and felt the need to compensate for their demands on my parents financially etc. My mums expectations for me at school and in hobbies were high and it often felt that what I was happy achieving wasnt always what she was happy with.
Anxiety about health and other issues such as work and my relationships. It stops me being able to make clear decisions and feeling relaxed in life. I usually cope with anxiety by making sure I feel in control of things. This often ends up with worrying excessively about the details of a situation and thinking in advance about the possible outcomes so I feel prepared. I am constantly taking action to avoid feeling overwhelmed or like things are happening to me.
Depression I struggle with low mood and depression, which has been constant for the last few months. I notice it more when my anxiety is low as it is more obvious that my mood hasnt picked up. I have a general lack of enjoyment of activities that I normally would enjoy and I have lost all positivity that is normally a strong part of my character. The depression also seems to have affected my level of concentration, Im forgetting odd things and I often feel like I have a fogginess in my head. I cope with it by being on autopilot and doing the bare minimum to look after myself and my son, but I dont feel engaged with life or that Im looking forward to future events. In particular, my worst time is often before my period when I feel completely hopeless about life.
2. What emotions are the most troublesome for you? What situations provoke these emotions. How do these emotions make you act? Do you feel any ill effects from expressing or not expressing these emotions.
Hopelessness Illness and prolonged fatigue provokes this emotion. It makes me want to hide away from the world (usually under the duvet!) and I become a lot more introverted. Not expressing this tends to increase my physical symptoms of fatigue and increases my inability to make decisions in stressful situations and move forward so Im stuck feeling overwhelmed.
Anger I often have trouble expressing anger so it feels like its building into a tight ball inside of me. My husband says that it sometimes seems as if I go from 0-60 when were having a discussion because I outwardly seem very calm even when angers building inside and then I suddenly snap. If I do express my anger it often feels uncontrollable and all pours out so I get very upset at the same time. If I dont express my anger I tend to feel very resentful and become more introverted.
3. What incidents in your life have had a deep impact on you? Describe each incident in detail and how they made you feel? What did you do in those situations? What effect have they had on your life?
I had my son 3 years ago and found the pregnancy, birth and post-natal period very difficult. I felt ill during most of my pregnancy, extreme tiredness, nausea, heartburn and indigestion with no improvement in the second and third trimester. I went 2 weeks overdue and ended up having to be induced. The birth itself was straightforward and I only used gas and air towards the end. However, 2 hours after the birth I began to feel unwell and went into shock. I was bleeding and clotting internally and it was too late to be taken to theatre so the clots were removed manually without any pain relief. The next morning I was given 3 bags of fluid and after getting a second opinion from a female consultant I was given a blood transfusion with 2 units of blood. I felt incredibly weak and by the following day depression had set in. I struggled with post-natal depression and post-traumatic stress disorder for the following year and a half and am still working through some issues from it with a counsellor at the moment.
I remember all the details of the birth and feel traumatised by the pain and fear of the situation. I felt expected to suck it up and get on with things by the midwives and health visitors and quite often not understood at all. I struggled to bond with my son for the first 8 months and I felt guilty and disappointed that I didnt enjoy the first part of motherhood like I wanted to.
I coped by trying to stay on autopilot and go through the motions of looking after my son. I spent a lot of time out of the house meeting up with people so that I didnt have to be by myself. This period of time has affected my life by making me very defensive of people suggesting I have more children. I am much less inclined to put myself in positions outside of my comfort zone now and I definitely lost confidence in my physical body and my ability to cope with a situation.
4. What are you afraid of? Especially important are phobias, but it might be objects, situations or events that just produce a high level of anxiety. How do you manage your fears? How do you react when confronted with these fears? What would be the worst situation for you to be put in that would provoke these fears? You may need to talk about each fear/anxiety separately.
Confrontations I really dislike confrontations and can feel my anxiety levels rising just by thinking of being involved in a confrontation. I often act as a peacekeeper to try and avoid confrontation and would tone my opinion down to compensate for someone elses. A confrontation would bring on physical anxiety symptoms such as heat in my chest and arms, shallow breathing, my peripheral vision blurring and the sound of blood pumping in my ears. It can also make me upset
Driving I struggle to drive on busy dual carriageways and motorways, especially if Im not sure of where Im going. I often avoid driving or avoid particular roads. If my anxiety is triggered by driving it can lead to a panic attack and the feeling that Im going to faint while driving. Being on a busy motorway by myself in the outside lane and not being sure of the turn off would be the worst situation for me.
Illness I find it really hard to cope with being ill and often notice my anxiety levels increasing as soon as I begin to feel run down or my fatigue gets worse. I have an overwhelming sense that I wont get better and I will carry on having to struggle with my symptoms. The worst situation for me to be in is to feel ill while Im at home by myself with my son.
Pregnancy & birth The idea of going through another pregnancy and giving birth again fills me with dread. When confronted with the idea of this I often get angry and upset and feel as if I somehow might be forced to do it. Being pregnant again would be the worst situation for me.
5. What hobbies do you have? Why do you like each of these activities?
At the moment Im not really spending much time on my hobbies because of my low mood and lack of interest.
Dancing it makes me feel free and alive. Im good at it when I have enough energy!
Gardening I enjoy being outdoors and find gardening really therapeutic.
Home crafts I like having ideas for home projects and getting to create them
Listening to music I love finding a song for every emotion, it helps me to get out emotions and feel relaxed.
6. Do you have any persistent thoughts, ideas or beliefs that are difficult to stop or cope with? What are they?
The persistent thoughts I have are what contribute to my patterns of behaviour, that Im not going to get better and that I cant cope with life like this if things dont change.
7. Do you have any unusual gestures or movements of the body? Do you feel any unusual sensation or pain throughout your body? What exactly does it feel like is happening in your body?
When I was pregnant I felt really ill and weak like the baby was a parasite (even though he was very much wanted). I still often feel like that even though Im not pregnant, like something is sapping my energy and the vitality and strength underneath it all just cant come through.
8. When you experience your fears, persistent thoughts, or difficult emotions, what kind of sensation or reactions do you get in your body?
Heat in my chest and arms, shallow breathing, tense shoulders, lots of sighing (as if to get more air).
9. When did you feel at your best in your life? What was that like for you? If you imagine the complete opposite of this feeling or moment, what would that be like?
When I was a teenager. I had a balance of school, social and hobbies and enjoyed lots of things. Most of all I felt healthy and strong. I danced 2 or 3 times a week and also went mountain biking, snowboarding and did gymnastics. I had a lot of stamina and had a lot of confidence in my physical ability.
10. Do you feel like you are stuck in a pattern of behavior, especially when trying to deal with your problems? What is this pattern? THIS IS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION PLEASE CONSIDER CAREFULLY AND GIVE DETAILS.
I feel like Im stuck in a pattern of wanting to find an answer for my problems over the last 10 years, in particular my health problems. The pattern is that I start with a burst of motivation, feel disappointed and hopeless when nothing seems to change and then feel like Ive given up before the cycle starts again.
11. What difficulties or problems do you have in relationships? Talk about your family, your romantic relationships, your spouse or partner, your friends, and your work colleagues. You may need to talk about all of these separately.
My parents are very loving but I struggle with feeling controlled by my mum and find it hardest to deal with any disagreements or confrontations with her. My Dad isnt very demonstrative and doesnt express his feelings very readily, I often feel like I crave more time and attention from him.
I have a really strong relationship with my husband but I find it hard to be affectionate with him and often feel that there is an emotional block when it comes to being intimate.
I have a large group of friends and they often comment that they feel they can easily talk to me. I also enjoy connecting with friends but never feel as close to them as I could, as if I have a wall up that I dont let them through.
12. List 5 positive things about yourself. Are there any situations where this positive attribute becomes negative (is a problem)?
Im creative.
Im a good listener.
Im sensitive this becomes a problem in some situations when I take things to heart too much
Im kind
Cant think of a 5th!
13. List 5 negative things about yourself. Are there any situations where this negative attribute becomes positive (is useful)?
Im uptight
I cant be impulsive
I worry too much
Im a perfectionist can be useful in work
Im not very good with change
14. Do you have any reoccurring dreams? Describe them in detail, including any feelings that come while dreaming. Dreams are very important in unlocking the deepest truth of a patients case, but it is not enough to simply describe them in a sentence. Give as much information as you feel comfortable doing.
I often have a dream that I go to the doctors and find out Im pregnant and quite far along in the pregnancy with no choice but to go through with the birth. I start to panic and look for ways out of the situation, usually feeling like the only way out is suicide. I always wake up before the birth itself and feel an incredible sense of relief.
15. Did you have any reoccurring dreams as a child, or earlier in your life? Describe those in detail including any feelings that came with them.
I do remember a dream where Id be sliding down a huge wooden slide in a rainforest and it would go on and on with a building sense of trepidation until Id go shooting off the end and wake up with a jolt, my heart beating fast.
16. What were you like as a child, your character, your personality, your fears, your dreams, your problems?
I was a well-behaved child, I liked to do as I was told but found it difficult if a situation felt unfair. I was not affectionate as a child but knew when I needed comfort and would make sure I got a cuddle from my mum (usually without cuddling back much). When tired or upset I would grow more quiet and introverted. I often observed before joining in with a friends or an activity if I was unsure and this sometimes came across as aloofness to others. I enjoyed physical activities and did a lot of physical hobbies from a young age. I didnt show my emotions much so while I appeared calm and content outwardly it was wasnt always what I was feeling inside. I had a good group of friends and never fell out with people, rather I would just spend a bit less time with someone if I was finding them difficult to get on with at some point. I enjoyed being friends with girls and boys. I was a bit of a tomboy and didnt like the girliness of some of my classmates, being precious about what they looked like etc.
17. What kind of environment did you grow up in? What problems where there at home, with your family, with your parents, with your siblings, with school?
I grew up with my parents (still married) and my younger brother and sister. I was a grade A student at school and felt that my parents were always there for me. In high school I remember my Dad struggling with work (his own business), his Dad being ill and then passing away and my parents arguing a lot. My relationship with my siblings was ok growing up but I often felt like the only sensible and responsible one and felt the need to compensate for their demands on my parents financially etc. My mums expectations for me at school and in hobbies were high and it often felt that what I was happy achieving wasnt always what she was happy with.
ashj77 9 years ago
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
(Symptoms that dont fit anywhere else, but are things that tend to affect all of you as a person, but are not emotions or thoughts)
1. Sleep - what position do you tend to sleep in?
On my side with one leg bent up to my stomach
- what position can you not sleep in?
On my stomach
- do you do anything unusual in your sleep?
Not that I know of
- any problems with going to sleep, staying asleep, or waking up?
I often have problems staying asleep and rarely sleep through for a whole night. My husband says Im like the princess and the pea because I have to have exactly the right conditions to be able to fall asleep e.g. Not too hot or cold, no lights on, no noises, door shut, pillows right etc
2. Appetite - What foods do you crave/desire strongly?
Sugary foods and dairy (which Im not eating at the moment)
- What foods do you hate eating (have an aversion to)?
Pureed soup, smoothies, shakes, fresh juices
- What foods have a negative effect on you or cause symptoms?
Wheat, dairy, sugary foods
- What foods have a positive effect on you or seem to improve your health or symptoms in some way?
I feel most nourished by hearty hot meals with lots of vegetables, e.g. a roast dinner, casserole etc
- What is the effect of hunger or fasting on you?
Faintness, shakiness, weakness, lack of concentration
- What did you crave in the past?
Same as above
3. Thirst - What drinks do you crave/desire strongly?
Hot drinks, herbal teas and black tea
- What drinks do you hate to take (are averse to)?
Fizzy drinks, smoothies and anything cold
- When are you most thirsty?
In the evening
- When are you least thirsty?
During the day
4. Stool - Do you have any problems with your bowels or passing stool?
No
- What is the shape, color, odor of the stool?
Usually fairly soft, mid-brown, quite smelly
5. Urine - Do you have any trouble passing or retaining urine?
Not at the moment, was having real problems with feeling like my bladder was full when it wasnt and needing to go with only a small amount of urine.
- What is the color, odor of the urine?
Pale, clear and quite smelly.
- Do you have any sediment or debris in the urine?
Not at the moment (was getting white stringy bits in it until a couple of months ago)
6. Sweat - How do you feel about the amount of perspiration you have?
Its relatively normal in the day, excessive at night.
- Where do you have the most sweat?
Under my arms
- What is the odor?
Can be quite smelly
- What color does it stain clothing?
Yellow
- Does anything in particular cause you to sweat abnormally?
Anxiety and night sweats
7. Sexuality - Any problems with your sexual desire?
Yes, its non-existent at the moment (has been for the last few months and on and off for the last few years).
- Any problems with your sexual ability or function?
No
- Any history of sexually transmitted diseases?
No
8. Menses (Women)
- How many days is your cycle?
Usually 30
- How many days does the flow go for?
Usually 6
- What is the appearance of the flow?
Brown/rusty at the beginning and end and red in the middle with small clots.
- What is the odor of the flow?
Not sure what but quite smelly
- What kind of stain does the flow leave?
Brown/rusty
- Any discharge before, during or after?
Yes, before
- Any pain before, during or after the flow?
Usually some cramping just before and on the first day or 2. Also since having my son I often get really heavy aching in my pubic region, similar to how it felt after giving birth. This lasts for 2 or 3 days during my flow.
- What symptoms come before the flow?
Lower back ache, irritability, low mood, tiredness, headache sometimes.
- What symptoms come after the flow?
None that I notice
9. Environment How does the weather affect you?
Dull grey weather tends to make my mood lower. I feel more anxious when its windy. I feel calmer when its a sunny, still day. I dont like being out in the sun if its a hot day, I seem to burn much more easily now than when I was a child.
- How does the temperature affect you?
I dont like being too hot or too cold. Heat or coldness make me very lethargic and irritable. I often wear layers so I can be just the right temperature!
- How does the season affect you?
I enjoy spring and autumn most because I cope with the temperatures and weather better. I struggle more noticeably in the winter with lack of daylight, which affects my mood.
- What physical activities affect you?
At the moment any physical activity exhausts me. I dont feel energised by being active and the more I do the more I feel the need to rest.
- Is there anything else in the environment you are sensitive to?
10. Anything else you feel is important that hasnt been covered by previous questions?
(Symptoms that dont fit anywhere else, but are things that tend to affect all of you as a person, but are not emotions or thoughts)
1. Sleep - what position do you tend to sleep in?
On my side with one leg bent up to my stomach
- what position can you not sleep in?
On my stomach
- do you do anything unusual in your sleep?
Not that I know of
- any problems with going to sleep, staying asleep, or waking up?
I often have problems staying asleep and rarely sleep through for a whole night. My husband says Im like the princess and the pea because I have to have exactly the right conditions to be able to fall asleep e.g. Not too hot or cold, no lights on, no noises, door shut, pillows right etc
2. Appetite - What foods do you crave/desire strongly?
Sugary foods and dairy (which Im not eating at the moment)
- What foods do you hate eating (have an aversion to)?
Pureed soup, smoothies, shakes, fresh juices
- What foods have a negative effect on you or cause symptoms?
Wheat, dairy, sugary foods
- What foods have a positive effect on you or seem to improve your health or symptoms in some way?
I feel most nourished by hearty hot meals with lots of vegetables, e.g. a roast dinner, casserole etc
- What is the effect of hunger or fasting on you?
Faintness, shakiness, weakness, lack of concentration
- What did you crave in the past?
Same as above
3. Thirst - What drinks do you crave/desire strongly?
Hot drinks, herbal teas and black tea
- What drinks do you hate to take (are averse to)?
Fizzy drinks, smoothies and anything cold
- When are you most thirsty?
In the evening
- When are you least thirsty?
During the day
4. Stool - Do you have any problems with your bowels or passing stool?
No
- What is the shape, color, odor of the stool?
Usually fairly soft, mid-brown, quite smelly
5. Urine - Do you have any trouble passing or retaining urine?
Not at the moment, was having real problems with feeling like my bladder was full when it wasnt and needing to go with only a small amount of urine.
- What is the color, odor of the urine?
Pale, clear and quite smelly.
- Do you have any sediment or debris in the urine?
Not at the moment (was getting white stringy bits in it until a couple of months ago)
6. Sweat - How do you feel about the amount of perspiration you have?
Its relatively normal in the day, excessive at night.
- Where do you have the most sweat?
Under my arms
- What is the odor?
Can be quite smelly
- What color does it stain clothing?
Yellow
- Does anything in particular cause you to sweat abnormally?
Anxiety and night sweats
7. Sexuality - Any problems with your sexual desire?
Yes, its non-existent at the moment (has been for the last few months and on and off for the last few years).
- Any problems with your sexual ability or function?
No
- Any history of sexually transmitted diseases?
No
8. Menses (Women)
- How many days is your cycle?
Usually 30
- How many days does the flow go for?
Usually 6
- What is the appearance of the flow?
Brown/rusty at the beginning and end and red in the middle with small clots.
- What is the odor of the flow?
Not sure what but quite smelly
- What kind of stain does the flow leave?
Brown/rusty
- Any discharge before, during or after?
Yes, before
- Any pain before, during or after the flow?
Usually some cramping just before and on the first day or 2. Also since having my son I often get really heavy aching in my pubic region, similar to how it felt after giving birth. This lasts for 2 or 3 days during my flow.
- What symptoms come before the flow?
Lower back ache, irritability, low mood, tiredness, headache sometimes.
- What symptoms come after the flow?
None that I notice
9. Environment How does the weather affect you?
Dull grey weather tends to make my mood lower. I feel more anxious when its windy. I feel calmer when its a sunny, still day. I dont like being out in the sun if its a hot day, I seem to burn much more easily now than when I was a child.
- How does the temperature affect you?
I dont like being too hot or too cold. Heat or coldness make me very lethargic and irritable. I often wear layers so I can be just the right temperature!
- How does the season affect you?
I enjoy spring and autumn most because I cope with the temperatures and weather better. I struggle more noticeably in the winter with lack of daylight, which affects my mood.
- What physical activities affect you?
At the moment any physical activity exhausts me. I dont feel energised by being active and the more I do the more I feel the need to rest.
- Is there anything else in the environment you are sensitive to?
10. Anything else you feel is important that hasnt been covered by previous questions?
ashj77 9 years ago
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Important
Information given in this forum is given by way of exchange of views only, and those views are not necessarily those of ABC Homeopathy. It is not to be treated as a medical diagnosis or prescription, and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation with a qualified homeopath or physician. It is possible that advice given here may be dangerous, and you should make your own checks that it is safe. If symptoms persist, seek professional medical attention. Bear in mind that even minor symptoms can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and a timely diagnosis by your doctor could save your life.