Stress & relapse…
Hi everyone, I’m new on here and new to having an MS diagnosis. Prior to all relapses (which I now recognise as relapses) I have been extremely stressed at work. When I was on the ward having Ocrevus infusions and chatted to other MS patients, we all seemed to be making a link between stress and relapse. I’m wondering if any of you have experienced the same??
I have to say… this diagnosis and the impact it’s had on my life coupled with a high stress job has really made me reevaluate things… I’m now looking to reduce my hours to part time & focus on my wellbeing. I think it’s been a long time coming! Anyway, it would be lovely to hear from you & thanks in advance for any replies! Kx
Oh, definitely! Work stress was always worse for me on an ongoing basis, but emotional stress plays a part sometimes, too. I suffered multiple losses (3 deaths & a divorce) in 9 months' time, and shortly after that I had a serious relapse that lasted several months. More recently, I wound up spending most of a month in bed after my father died, even though we hadn't been close in years. Over all, changing jobs and then reducing my hours made an enormous difference in my life, and I wish I'd done it sooner.
Hi @KellyChurch, there is a definite link between stress and exacerbation of symptoms. A couple of times following a phone call or if I get wound up, I literally feel the stress wash through me, and find that when I stand up I can barely move! It's ok when I calm down, but the first time it happened I got to see just how our body deals with shock, stress and agitation. The good news is that I've leant to manage stress in a more effective way, and recognise the triggers now. I focus on minimising the possibility of becoming stressed in every way I can.