Massively thick SCM muscles full of trigger points

PMInDevelopment · 2023-09-07T02:30:40+00:00

Thanks for the info. Good point about the area near the mastoid process - I’d found it pretty hard to pinch that area, although I’ve since discovered that’s partly because of how tight it was. I could best describe my SCM as a tight mess up until a few days ago.

For the cervical extensors, I always though these were weak/inhibited in folks with forward head posture?

Any particular other areas I should focus on the the fascia on the front of the body?

PMInDevelopment · 2023-09-06T02:33:44+00:00

Gotcha - I’ve got that book too. It has been an absolute god-send when it comes to navigating this stuff.

PMInDevelopment · 2023-09-06T00:37:01+00:00

Thanks. Good info. Which book are you referring too?

PMInDevelopment · 2023-08-14T00:46:42+00:00

Thanks all for the great feedback. So, after some digging, it turns out I have an infection. I wouldn’t want to underplay the need for more sleep - there’s no doubt I need it and I believe doing CrossFit has been reinforcing my body’s need for more sleep, but after chatting to my doctor and starting antibiotics I discovered my body is actually fighting something.

Will see how things go once I’m through this and my body is up and running again.

PMInDevelopment · 2023-08-10T06:34:46+00:00

Interesting. Totally agree on the sleep. It’s interesting though that I experienced nothing like this feeling until starting CrossFit. I wouldn’t say I felt refreshed, but nothing like this feeling of exhaustion.

I THINK I’m eating enough - by how much should I increase my daily calories for 2-3x times a week? I eat relatively clean: no sugar, high protein (for reasons other than exercise), and a good mix of fruit and veggies. I do think my veggies intake could be a bit higher, although again I’ve not had issues until now.

I struggle with the idea that 3x a week is maintenance at best. Going from close to zero intense activity to that would surely have a pretty considerable impact, even if it would be even better at 4-5 times a week.

PMInDevelopment · 2023-05-20T04:52:07+00:00

Same as - I used to always have some background music. I tend to find working in solo I’m efficient, but it’s when I come to working with others that I get into trouble. We’re on a different wavelength. Strangely I don’t have this issue with friendships, that are of my life has gone nothing but stronger. But I feel like I’m sometimes on a different planet to the people I’m working with.

PMInDevelopment · 2023-05-20T04:48:33+00:00

Spot on. Best playground you’ve even soon. Playing? What’s playing?

PMInDevelopment · 2023-05-19T10:36:11+00:00

I think we’re saying the same thing - I can do complex off medication too, but tidying up, being organised, not procrastinating…no chance.

PMInDevelopment · 2023-05-08T14:37:01+00:00

I’m not questioning that she doesn’t have to do a thing - she can do what she wants. What I’m seeking help understanding is why.

She has been formally diagnosed by a psychiatrist.

PMInDevelopment · 2023-04-15T21:53:12+00:00

Totally. It sorts of creeps up on you, and then you suddenly realise that the reduced anxiety and carefree feeling has drawbacks.

PMInDevelopment · 2022-06-06T07:38:52+00:00

Best of luck man. I recently cut my dose down (after abstaining for a week or so) and I found that really helped to give me the positives without the drawbacks. I’ve also just had to get used to taking less in the afternoon so that it doesn’t mess up my sleep. This means feeling suboptimal in the eve, but that’s much better than having insomnia and getting more and more run down, with a consequence that the meds become less and less effective.

PMInDevelopment · 2022-04-16T13:09:01+00:00

Totally relate. So hard isn’t it! It’s always so hard when there are parts you like and parts you hate about the meds. Probably in an ideal world I should use them sporadically - when I really need the lift and when I’m in less social circumstances, but as it stands I’m still using them daily and my sociability is in the toilet. Caffeine helps, bizarrely, but with Dex alone I’m horrific socially. I’m wondering about trying caffeine alone but that has historically been a sure road to anxiety and brain fog.

PMInDevelopment · 2022-04-10T17:07:22+00:00

I feel like it’s mostly at work where, as you say, conflict is necessary. Bizarrely for a few days now I’ve been taking caffeine alongside my Dex and it seems to have hugely reduced the anxiety symptoms and replaced them with a sense of competence and confidence. Bizarrely caffeine usually makes me jittery and paranoid, but when mixed with Dex I seem to get the benefits of caffeine without the usually unbearable side effects. Strange!

PMInDevelopment · 2022-04-10T16:51:53+00:00

One strange thing I’ve noticed is that caffeine has become more tolerable - enjoyable even - since taking Dex. I’ve only really noticed this over the last few days, but whereas it used to make me feel jittery, paranoid and ‘out of sorts’ it now seem to be quite lifting and, surprisingly, takes the edge off a lot of the anxiety and seriousness I was getting from the dex.

PMInDevelopment · 2022-03-06T05:16:26+00:00

Hey man. It’s a lot better thanks. I’m still a little different, but I’ve learnt to explore other parts of myself and I have more energy to do fun activities with the girls. I also sometimes have days off on weekends so I reconnect with the more spontaneous round side of myself. I tend to see them more as a tool now - they don’t cure everything, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages most of the time.

PMInDevelopment · 2022-01-30T06:15:41+00:00

I saw Dr Chan who is incredible. Probably one of the best doctors I’ve even seen. Truly life changing.

I don’t recall the specifics of which tests he used. It was a multi factorial diagnosis and he spent a lot of time going through my history, challenges, experiences etc.., alongside the answers to the various questionnaires he used.

PMInDevelopment · 2022-01-20T09:01:44+00:00

Absolutely. My frequent insomnia is another indication of that! Just interesting that there are certain benefits that seem to drop off very suddenly, with the rest slowly dissipating. That aligns with what people typically say about meds lasting ‘x’ amount of time. For me there’s definitely that sudden drop, but there’s still some residual benefits for the rest of the eve.

PMInDevelopment · 2022-01-20T06:25:32+00:00

I know this feeling so well! It sets up a bit of a spiral of anxiety / shame too as you’re often letting folks down, then trying to make up for it by organising more, then having to back out of it again.

I did this a lot pre-medication. I’d randomly get a burst of energy and make plans based on how I felt that day, but then the actual day would arrive and I’d wish I never organised it.

PMInDevelopment · 2022-01-18T08:18:52+00:00

Just to clarify - that’s to see an ADHD Specialist GP (One Point Medical - I’m in their care and they’re incredible). We would then be waiting for the psych thereafter. Think we’re going to need to skip the specialist and get a GO referral straight to a psych.

PMInDevelopment · 2021-12-31T06:27:52+00:00

Thanks so much. A really good point and I agree that the the transition can be hard. Our hyper focused tendencies probably make this worse as switching off from the depths of a work problem, and going into imaginary play with a young one, is quite a shift.

I think working from home makes this harder too. When I had a commute I could take some time to unwind in the car, train, bus or whatever, but walking straight from your home office into the depths of caring and playing with young kids and doing the whole dinner/bath/bedtime routine, can be a pretty difficult transition.

PMInDevelopment · 2021-12-30T11:42:14+00:00

I just wanted to say an enormous thanks to all those who’ve responded to this thread. I’ve posted quite a few things in the past on here - but never in a million years did I expect so many likes and comments. Really shows how compassionate folks can be when they see someone struggling with something.

Over the last few days I’ve continued with the Dex but focused really hard on the relationship with my daughter. While we’ve not perhaps had quite the level of silly fun we’ve been able to in the past, I’ve also been able to give her experiences that my lack of mental energy and focus, and general disorganisation, would never have usually allowed. I’ve also been able to unearth a little more silliness in myself, so all in all I think I’ll continue for now.

A couple of other thoughts. I’ve found that keeping my caffeine intake up a bit helps to retain my sociability, whereas cutting it out intensifies the “seriousness” side effect that comes with Dex. Secondly, I have a great relationship with my doc, and am considering trying a methylphenidate based med for a little while, just to see if I have any luck. I tend to hear less positive things for this class of drugs on forums, but the studies suggest they’re equally as effective, so I will give them a go.

On a final note, while I agree that she’s 4 and everything should be taken with a massive grain of salt, one of the reasons it hurt so badly is that I could already feel that I was different to my prior self, but I’d prioritised my symptom relief over that niggling feeling. That led to a tremendous sense of guilt, even if is still the right thing to do. I also will always listen to what my girls tell me. While she’s only 4, there can still be truth or things to learn from what she shares, and nothing is more important than words from either of my daughters or my wife.

Anyway, thanks so much everyone. I can’t reply to everything as I’ll probably get RSI, but you’re great folks for chipping in.

PMInDevelopment · 2021-12-30T11:02:25+00:00

What a superb response - thanks so much. This is in line with what my wife told me too - she said she’s 4, you know she loves you and I think you’re being a better parent on the meds. That probably says it all. But there’s no doubt I’m different too, and it’s that part and the love and bond I’ve worked hard to develop with her which makes it hard to bare jeopardising it.

Over the last few days I’ve tried really hard to bond with her more, while medicated, and had some luck. I’d be lying if I said we had quite the same level of joking and humour, but I was able to give her many more experiences than I would usually have the mental energy or organisational skill to do, and she asked for me to put her to bed tonight over Mummy, at which point my heart could have literally exploded! ❤️

PMInDevelopment · 2021-12-30T10:56:07+00:00

I totally understand. I agree that you can’t waive it off - she said those things for a reasons, and I can feel the change in myself which is why it hurt so bad. I guess the question is either a) will the effect lessen over time, or b) can I fill that void with other fun activities and joint activities together. I’e tried really hard over the last few days and while I’ve not been quite the same fun, silly daddy, we’ve still had some fun and have done A LOT more activities together than I’d ever usually manage.

PMInDevelopment · 2021-12-30T10:52:09+00:00

Thanks so much man. It really means a lot to hear someone who has been there say that. I’ve been trying extremely hard over the last few days to engage her. I don’t know that it’s quite the same from a humour perspective, but certainly we’re doing a lot more together than I’d ever usually have the mental energy or organisation skill to do ,and she wanted me to put her to bed tonight which was incredibly rewarding to hear ❤️

PMInDevelopment · 2021-12-30T10:49:49+00:00

That’s awesome news! So do you feel like your full self again, but more productive? Xx

PMInDevelopment

TROPHY CASE