(Benefits)
We can be friends with our pelvis!
Why is it that we can have empathy for another IC patient but we find it hard to have empathy for ourselves. I cannot speak for everyone but in the last fifteen years I have come across so many IC patients that feel guilty that they are unable to participate fully in life, their children's lives, have spontaneous intercourse with their partner, work outside the home, go to a movie with a friend, or be able to help their aging parents.
The guilt I felt was as chronic as the pelvic discomfort and pain. I hated my body, my life and I wanted to die.
After suffering for more than twenty-five years I finally realized that I had to let go of the things that were nor serving me. I had to learn to live in the moment and accept that I had painful bladder syndrome and chronic pelvic pain. I also realized that it was time for to stop solely relying on my doctors (i mean after 25 years my syndrome progressively got worse not better) and take responsibility for my health care.
As a child I was taught "it is better to give than receive" and I gave to everyone but myself. I remember thinking to myself, why is it so difficult to open up to myself?
I mean it is typical to feel resentful, or at least frustrated when we're faced with chronic pelvic pain that interrupts not only your activities of daily living but your relationships too.
I remember my counselor saying "We all have options regarding how to respond to physical and emotional health"! My first reaction was "defensive", I wanted to rip her head off and scream "I don't have a choice over this chronic pain" but I stopped myself, I listen to what she was saying and she was absolutely right. I had a choice over how I reacted to the pain.
My counselor went on to say " have you ever thought about making friends with your pelvis"? She, recommend that begin doing so by enrolling in a beginners yoga class.
My reply - " how am I going to do yoga with the pain I am in and I cannot afford to have another bill". My counselor pointed out the obvious to me which was if I didn't try I would know and she kindly referred me to a free beginners yoga class that took place on the beach (less than 1 mile from my front door) every morning at 7AM and the public library were I could rent a beginners DVD for free.
I was fresh out of excuses so, I made the phone call and registered for the yoga class on the beach.
Over the years I had developed a negative thought pattern so before attending my first class I became very critical of myself. I was so nervous that I wouldn't fit in or be able to do the poses, and that the other students would have these perfect yoga bodies. I walked into the beach and saw a whole range of people - big and small, young and old, fit and not so fit. I remember thinking, dam-it, I fit in.
After three months of practicing three times a week, I felt stronger and my pelvis was more at ease. My pelvis was no longer in a chronic state of tension, but more important, the critic in my head began to quiet down. I began learning to take the focus off my pelvis and to focus on my breathing and the yoga poses.
I was experiencing the beginning of a longer process: accepting my pelvis as it was in that moment.
Yoga was the beginning of my healing journey and it can be yours too.
Millions of IC patients - most of them women - struggle each day with feelings of shame and inadequacy about their bladder and pelvic pain. In fact, studies have shown that most patients develop clinical depression and or anxiety.
In recent studies we have learn that yoga can help women feel better about their bodies.
Yoga makes a difference because it emphasizes self-acceptance, something that's largely missing for those of us who live with chronic pain. Odd as it seems, the pelvis which gives life, begins to get nothing but our scorn which intensifies our pain both physically and emotionally.
Start retraining your focus and thoughts and make friends with your pelvis.
I highly recommend making yoga part of your lifestyle and if you are practicing yoga at least 3 x per week for 30 Min's you may want to take the next step by practicing meditation.
Caution:
If you are under a doctors care for specific health problems or you are pregnant please consult with your physician before starting any type of exercise program.
Much Love
Gloria Prater, Whole Health Educator and IC Patient
Join the IC Anonymous Fellowship HERE!
