Interesting conversation to enjoy between you, @ray666 and @johnbishop . I too cannot handle even the teeniest overuse of my muscles. I also have learned to maintain a completely even keel with my emotions. Example: last week I had an early morning appointment (8:30, which now counts as early for me, as I have to treat my nervous system delicately for the first few hours of the day). It was for OT for vestibular therapy for this awful dizziness. I was starting to feel stressed when I got there, no shower ( too much morning activity), worried about having to drive dizzy (requires wearing sunglasses and keeping one eye closed), possibly having diarrhea there (totally unpredictable from autonomic neuropathy). When I learned that it was a PT appointment, not OT, which I can’t have because I already have PT for pain - well, I had a surge of anger and frustration. I argued with the receptionist. I had her repeat herself. I had her call the clinic manager. I perched on the edge of her desk because I needed to sit down. I held up the line of other patients. I tried not to burst out crying.
I felt myself sinking into a downward spiral, so I did what I have always enjoyed. After taking a Percocet and a Baclofen, I got out my mower and rake, and worked outside in the sun for an hour and a half.
Well, I had what I call a “ death night”, woke the next morning very groggy, dizzy and just sick. Ended up canceling all appointments as I struggled, suffered, and slept all day. Saturday was ruined as well. I went into an emotional tailspin.
In the midst of this, I messaged my neurologist, asking for a prescription to calm my nerves in these conditions, in essence create a zombie state, keep my nervous system from flaring. He agreed.
Add another drug to my huge list.
Anyway, just wanted to share my experience of slipping out of my safety zone and trying to be the person I used to be, by working outside in the sunshine!