Gupta programme, Cymbalta & severe pain questions

[Normandy]

Hi everyone!

I’m a newbie. Had CFS over 10 years, finally diagnosed 2 years ago after loads of tests that all came back normal.
Had to give up work but life although must diminished was still manageable until 6 months ago when I became virtually housebound then more or less bedbound for the last 6 weeks.

After visit to my GP (had to be more or less carried there by a kind neighbour) and more blood works (all normal). The GP who really hasn’t a clue what to do with me insisted on giving me an antidepressant. He agreed to prescribe CYMBALTA (duloxetine) as I had read on this forum it could be helpful.

I yesterday received my GUPTA programme pack and have started it straight away with much hope.

My question is: as CYMBALTA increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the nervous system, is taking it compatible with doing the AR?

Another question: as the AR is all about controlling negative thoughts. What about severe physical pain?
I wake up early each morning with the most awful stomach cramps sometimes followed with diarrhea.
How do I deal with the pain?
I am not aware of any negative thoughts at the time as I’m in too much agony to even think!
The “Stop! Stoo! Stop!” doesn’t seem to apply then so should I just accept the pain or maybe do the “Soften and flow” meditation?

Any help, advice, suggestions would be very, very welcome and gratefully received.

Thanks,

Normandy

[CFSGeek]

Hi Normandy and welcome to the forum.

The essence of the AR technique is that all you have to do is stop the negative thoughts, and trust that the symptoms will take care of themselves. I can testify that this works.

So in other words, try not to worry about your stomach cramps, or force them to get better. If you keep applying the AR technique to the negative thoughts or thoughts about the body, the stomach cramps should reduce (this can take days or weeks).

You could also try using the "soften and flow" technique to any pain you have - you'll come across this later in the DVD sessions, although I think that probably works better for ongoing pain rather than cramps which appear at a particular time.

It's well worth taking the time to watch all the DVDs carefully in the right order, once a day as Ashok suggests - there is so much to take in, and it's worth making sure you understand it all.

Best of luck to you!

[trooper]

Hi Normandy,
I just wanted to let you know that at various times over the past 20 years I have also been as sick as you are now. You are probably going through a bad relapse, but in my experience it will pass eventually, so as bad as you feel, don't think this will be forever. If you haven't done so already, consider eliminating certain foods from your diet, even if they were not a problem in the past. Dairy and/or wheat are two main culprits. I hope the AR program helps you and please know that I am thinking of you. I've been there.

[Normandy]

Thank you CFSGeek and thank you Trooper.

It's such a relief that I not longer feel so alone. None of my friends understand, they think I'm just tired all the time. Some have even said "Oh, I think I've got that too!". They don't realise how ILL I feel!

Trooper, thanks for the diet advice but my present problem is I can barely force myself to eat anything at all. When I manage to eat, it's usually something I can just grab from the fridge or the cupboard as I'm not able to cook (making a cup of tea is a major achievement as I can barely stand).

Thanks again,

Normandy

[niaholt]

Hi Normandy,
I would just " go with the flow" right now and not question the Cymbalta too much. It is supposed to be very good for pain and you may need it right now to get over a hump and calm your nervous system down before you can " really " concentrate on the program long term in a calm reasoned manner. With your food, maybe you could get some high quality liquid meal replacements as a stop gap, or some soups preferably without all the additives. I find the "soften and flow technique" calms me more when I have the pain and I tell myself " this too will pass" and it always does. Better days ahead. This forum is great for making us all feel not so isolated and I will be thinking of you too.

[Normandy]

Hi Niaholt

The Cymbalta has definitely calmed me down although I don't sleep too well now.
Very little other side-effects. only made me very drowsy for the 1st couple of days and yes, it helps with the pain - not so much individual pain but the "aching all over" feeling is not so bad now.

I've emailed "info" at the Gupta clinic to ask them whether taking it was compatible with doing the programme. Hopefully they will find time to answer me some time next week after the Easter Bank Holiday.
In the meantime I will follow your advice and stop worrying about it.

Re. diet: I've had a friend buy me some Complan (liquid meal) although I have yet to try it... I seem to survive mostly on bananas! but I must make the effort to feed myself better (difficult when you have no appetite).
I bought some soups too (shopping online with home delivery which is a life-saver) but just the normal, cheap variety. Next time I will buy organic with better ingredients and no additives. More expensive but I eat so little that it's worth paying more if it's going to be better for me.

Thanks for your very good advice.

Normandy

[Kiwi]

Hi Normandy

I take other AD's and would say that as long as the they do not affect you in a bad way it is o.k. to take them. That's my personal opinion though.

Good luck on your process!!!

Kiwi