Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group "Explain Pain" book

Sure, but that's a different situation and giving the jar to someone else would be wise in that case. It was just an example, Sue, of a practical use for a technique like that. You could also use it to walk up stairs, get out of a car, whatever shortterm task that must be done.

Of course, using techniques like this requires that the patient think outside the box, have an open mind to the idea that something other than the 'tried and true' is the only way. Each patient will have a different set of circumstances to deal with, just as each KAer does. All we can do is make suggestions of what we know works. It's up to the individual to assess whether it's practical for him or her.

And I don't think any of us would think your situation were something to laugh at, Sue. The mind cannot overcome ruptures of ligaments, but it sure can overcome a ton of other things. The same technique, for example, can be used to help someone overcome a panic attack. I've seen it work, so I know it's true. Like anything else, it might not work for everyone in a panic attack situation, but in almost six years of leading the Arthritis Self-Management Program, I have yet to see it fail in the case of dealing with shortterm pain caused by a shortterm task.

That said, it should never be used to overcome pain associated with heart trouble/attack. THAT should always be taken to a doctor.

Warm hugs,

sorry kat,

i was just giving the other side kind of, sorry.

i know you are right about using the mind to overcome things.

one of my own examples is that i am phobic of snakes. now one would think, that's not really such a big deal, just don't go where snakes are, that's not so hard in our society, not like i live in the jungle or rainforest or anything. but, i like the out of doors, i like nature, i like taking walks in the woods, in the fields, just don't like almost stepping on something that ends up as surprised as me!

so i decided back in my 20s, i would try to overcome this phobia. so i went to a therapist. she taught me that you can not be scared, can not be nervous if the body is relaxed. so instead of trying to calm the mind, she taught me how to relax the body, how to do deep breathing and how to relax the muscles. i later once again in yoga class learned how to relax the muscles, you probably already know this: first you tighten them as tight as you can, and then let them go, and that totally relaxes them. by doing this, one can no longer feel anxious. and it works.

of course the very best way for me to overcome the phobia was to own a snake. i don't pick her up and have only touched her a few times, but seeing her in her terrarium now and then, i'm no longer phobic of snakes behind glass, but still, when i almost step on them, and they bolt away, still don't like that very much, but now know how to clench the muscles and release them, relaxing the body consciously relaxing the mind.

as for overcoming a panic attack by focussing on something else, that makes sense. not panic attack for me, but nerves, when i was interviewing, had to give a seminar each place, used to make me so nervous. then one time, we were having issues finding a projector (yes, way back before computer powerpoint presentations!) and we were so preoccupied with that, i had no time to get nervous about the talk. so after that interview, i always made sure i made small talk with everyone about whatever, didn't matter until right up to the second i had to start talking. and once i started talking, i was always fine. but learning to distract myself before the talk really completely eliminated the nerves. wish i was one of those people not to get nervous, but at least have figured out ways to get over it.

sorry again, i do understand the point you were trying to make. just was kind of angry at my back when i made that comment earlier. dumb back!........but its getting better.

Sue, you really have nothing to apologize for. You may have been angry at your back, but I was irritated by someone in my family who keeps making excuses not to try things. I guess your anger and my irritation colided. You know, as these things go, we managed to keep it civil, so YAY US!!!

Good for you with the snake, by the way, and for using the progressive muscle relaxation technique in such a way. We all find our own ways of accomplishing these things, don't we.

Warm hugs,

yay us!

luv ya!

Sue, I was just thinking, I have a jar opener that is screwed to the bottom of my kitchen cabinet. It is just a plastic thing with a slot that gets smaller as it goes into the opener. All I need to do is put the lid in the opener, twist a bit and the lid comes off. It works for a lot of different sizes. Have you tried anything like that? Your local Arthritis Society could probably tell you where you can find on. I bought mine from Mileskimball.com They have a lot of helpful gadgets.
Donna

thanks donna! i know what you are talking about, but don't have one, do have a rubber thingy which i'll use if i'm not in a flare, but if i feel "breakable", i just let hubby do it, though i'll look into the one you are talking about too. but i found something even safer, and if i lived alone, this is what i would get, its an electric jar opener:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=17269780

and hey, its a lot cheaper than i remembered! and looking a little further, looks like its around the same price as the thing you use.

thanks for saying something, really for this price, i should get the electric jar opener. i don't need it all the time, but when i do, i do.