Continuing progress- 95% better

[Viking]

Hey guys

It has been a while since I posted, must have been close to a year now. While I do have some mild discomfort still, I have to say that I am 95 % better. The last few months I have seen significant progress just by being able to totally relax my lower abs which again makes my pelvic muscles relax. So there is definitely a connection there. There have been a few instances where I have started to suck in my abs and pelvic muscles again, and guess what, the pain comes creeping back. I am pretty sure that this tightening behaviour also reduces the blood flow and restricts oxygen from getting to the tissue.

I have also started to do more cardio exercise. Try to do about 20 minutes 3-4 times a week followed by some push-ups and squat exercises for the leg muscles. Before, I was more into weight lifting, but I know that the cardio work is better for me by lowering blood pressure and reducing stress levels. It`s amazing how good and relaxed you feel after a work out session.

The most amazing thing is that I don`t fear this condition anymore. I used to have this feeling that this thing would probably be with me for the rest of my life since it took so long to see a long-term positive effects. Now I know that I am closer and closer to being symptom free and this surely puts my mind to rest.

For those of you who are new with this condition, I would just like to say that be patient with this. Since I discovered this life saving forum a little over two years ago, I have followed the treatment protocol advised by the moderators here, but it takes time to figure out how to make it work for you. Someone here said earlier that being able to relax the muscles involved, is kind of like un-teaching yourself how to ride a bike. It`s exactly true. One would think that just relaxing some muscles isn't hard, but for most of us, is terribly difficult. That is why we have to work at it everyday.

[GP2]

Great news Viking!

I can't believe that you just posted now. I was actually thinking of private messaging you to see how you were getting on as your history is similar to mine. I have struggled at times with the fact that I can't get to see a PT regularly (like yourself I've seen Bill Taylor only a few times) & obviously not being able to get to Sebastopol.

But your post has confirmed for me what I have come to realize myself - with time, patience, and lack of fear this can get better for all of us in our own unique way. I am more competent in some areas than I am in others i.e. relaxation / cognitive work is my forte but I havent the understanding of TP work that Scotsman for example has. But I figured that I could do everything possible to help myself anyway. If I can't get to Sebastopol I'll concentrate on stretching, m-2-m relaxation, committed meditation, dietary changes.

If we're all honest nobody is spot on in every part of the Protocol. Even the moderators will admit they could do more stretching or anther would say he doesn't meditate enough. Some people continue in stressful jobs.

Your post & others I've read highlights IMO how with dedication, persistence & the knowledge of this board we can all get there even if we can't get access to the all singing all dancing SP in its fullest form.

Good luck with your continual improvement

Greg