Drinking too much

[calguy]

I think I'm falling into a bd pattern of drinking alcohol everytime my frequency starts acting up. It really does help for a couple days if I drink quite a bit but I'm sure it is being counter productive in the long run. The relaxing effect is something I wish I create someother way. Do you think you can create same thing by doing enough relaxation? I will be honest havent really been doing the relaxation and cut back on PT to.

[garyholc]

Trouble with drinking is that your body will get used to it and you will need to drink more and more to get the same effect. You can relax the muscles in other ways too. Try natural herbal remedies to calm anxiety such as "Calms", or thats what they are called in the UK anyway. Also try a relaxing hot bath, music, or doing things which takes your mind of it, such as going out with mates, going for a walk etc. Mine has eased off a little the past 2 days, I am hoping this episode is starting to burn itself out.... but I wouldnt go down the route of drinking all the time.

[strobers]

Hey Calguy,

Have you thought about taking up Yoga? I have found it to be extremely helpful. It's not a cure, but it makes things so much easier to deal with, while at the same time it relaxes the mind and body as well.

I am taking a beginning class in Hathwa Yoga. I love the vibe in the studio. It's tranquil and relaxed. All the teachers look so relaxed all the time; like they don't have a care in the world. Watching them is interesting. They seem to be always in the moment and just flowing through life. They speak almost languidly.

When I took the workshop they offered, I noticed right off that I was the exact opposite of them. I told myself that I wanted what they had, that inner peace and tranquillity that I have only been able to grab and hold on to at intervals. I know it's going to take a while, but I intend to reach that level of relaxation to some day. It may take some time, but the journey of a thousand steps always begins with the first one.

[Sandcrab]

Calguy-

I've also used alcohol as a remedy to help ease my frequency and pelvic pain/discomfort for the last 2 years. I personally haven't experienced any negative side effects from the drinking. I think it depends on how much drinking we are talking about. When my symptoms are acting up, I'll have 2-3 glasses of red wine or about 3-4 beers. It helps take the edge off for me, and alcohol has never been a trigger of symptoms for me like it has for others on here. When I feel good, I won't drink anything to average things out. Alcohol is the only substance that has given me any relief. I was on Elavil for about a month, and drinking has been more effective then Elavil. Again, I know this doesn't work for all or maybe even most - but it has brought me some relief.

[BrettP]

Interesting. I have also found that drinking seems to help as well. However, just to be on the safe side don't do anything sexual. As I tried this and it sent me for an unbelievable trip of pain and agony. I have seen though, and felt, the relaxation effects of booze. Because it makes me piss like crazy (always has once I break the seal) I have switched over to scotch/bourbon/whiskey. . . This way I drink less fluid and get more alcohol content. Also, I make sure to keep hydrated as the alcohol acts as a diuretic. However, the hard stuff doesnt make me act up like a beer. (too bad too as I used to brew my own. . ) Anyways, I agree that booze is a definite relaxer, and can offer benefit. But if you think you are drinking too much, there are other ways to get a relaxation effect. Try deep breathing with your diaphragm, and closing your eyes and doing some visualization.

This may sound crazy but I find this scenario to help me. I imagine floating in space, detached from the earth, just floating in a void, no pain in this void, no noise, no distraction, just relaxation. I breathe slowly and deeply and just engross myself in this world, imaging stars, the earth, the moon. And I swear to god, after about ten minutes of this, I get up and can barely friggin walk as my legs and body are sooooooooo relaxed, literally my legs are shakey sometimes. Thats how relaxed I get.

Also, you can talk to your doctor about muscle relaxers, those can help to but should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor.

I have cut back on PT to ZERO, started to get too expensive, even for someone who makes a good living. I was fine for a while but things started to act back up, so I'm getting back in the stretching and relaxation regimen. So well see what happens. . But try some visualization, whatever is pleasing to you, and I think, if you get deep enough into it, you'll feel the goods.

[garyholc]

I wonder if the alcohol is relaxing the muscles and reducing the feeling in the bladder OR if it is having an effect on the nervous system which is reducing the signals being sent to the brain that you need to pee. I would sooooo like to know the exact cause of frequency, is it muscular, or it is to do with the nervous system, and why does alcohol help so much with this particular symptom....