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+--- Thread: Dealing with body changes (/thread-3678.html)
Dealing with body changes - ravensong - 06-16-2017
I had my SPD relatively tamed until recently. I have a bit of messed up proprioreception, and some occasional nerve confusion with tactile input. I have always been sensitive to lights, sounds, smells and touch, but was able to figure out a way to cope with all that, mostly through avoidance or dampening techniques (ear plugs, sunglasses, etc). My coping skills for tactile input no longer work, or don't allow for enough time to get anything done before I am overwhelmed.
Short version: I now suddenly have male pattern and thickness body hair causing new sensations. I have an injury to a sensitive part of anatomy which is used for daily bodily functions (tailbone). I had physical therapy to assist with this injury and change some muscle groups to "normal" but they were always abnormal (I grew up with them that way) and now it feels absolutely horrible. I need to find a way to cope with these sensations because I have come to the realization that I can not change ANYTHING about them.
Long version:
I am female, and recently took some medication that caused sudden hormonal imbalance resulting in my body hair growing thicker, denser, and in new unexpected (and unwelcome) places (think male pattern hair placement). The input from this new more-rigid, sensitized hair is pretty intense, and I'm having problems adjusting to it. It's been many weeks and I'm still not used to it, I'm having trouble with being in air currents because of the movement of hairs, and now have a similar distress caused by wearing clothing as I did when I was a child. As an adult I don't immediately throw a temper tantrum, and it's not at the level it was back then, but I reach overwhelmed a few times a day, and that and my coping with other senses takes more energy than usual. I can't just get rid of the body hairs... they just grow back and are really prickly in the meanwhile.
What is really pushing me over the edge is a recent injury to a nerve-dense sensitive location responsible for unavoidable bodily functions and posture (broken/dislocated tailbone, now pointing towards my belly button). I have almost constant phantom nerve sensations and muscle twitches, from local nerve compression and have had to go for physical therapy. The physical therapist realized my posture and muscle groups were all too tight and/or working incorrectly (now keeping my tailbone from going back or staying in the proper location, but seemed to work ok for me before), and the muscles had been that way for my entire life (probably from the stress of threat of physical contact or proprioception messing up my walking) and my core muscles were also messed up. She did a myofascial release so that muscles would be at the appropriate tensions and in the appropriate places and layer themselves properly. My problem now is that my body has never felt this way before, definitely doesn't like it (I don't care if it's "normal", it all feels loose and kinda foreign), and the realignment of muscles and organs is literally adding insult to my injury. The physical therapy can't just be "undone" and the other sensations aren't about to go away.
I am unable to change any of these three types of tactile sensory input, and having a bear of a time dealing with it. I can't just "get rid of the bumpy socks" that are happening and I am overwhelmed multiple times a day. Pressure therapy (weighted blanket and pressure point massage) helps me get to sleep at night but can't be done all the time. Are there any suggestions?
RE: Dealing with body changes - Jmelda1 - 06-18-2017
Don't know if these will help at all, but a couple things pop into mind.
There's the option of compression garments or a pressure vest that can be used for deep preasure therapy for when you're going about day to day things.
Then there's the Wilbarger brushing protocol that might help with touch sensitivity and as part of a sensory diet that can help regulate yourself overall. But I'd only do in under the direction of an Ocupational therapist who has experience with the protocol. It can go wrong if not done correctly, But speak from experience.
RE: Dealing with body changes - ravensong - 06-19-2017
Good thought, I'll definitely look into compression garments and the like... I might even have a spandex jogging shirt that's half a size too small lying around here somewhere. Can't tolerate leggings but never thought about a top/shirt.
As for Wilbarger brushing, I tried it a few times since I was diagnosed, but could either not tolerate the initial brushing, or felt like things were crawling for hours afterwards. I don't have current access to a occupational therapist (still waiting for a referral to go through) but giving it another go might not hurt since it has been a few years since the last attempt.
Thanks for the ideas, I appreciate it!
RE: Dealing with body changes - Jmelda1 - 06-19-2017
You're welcome
I'm glad I could be of some help. I've had similar issues with the Wilbarger brushing protocol. The first time I tried it, the OT taught me to press the brush too lightly. It was a fine amount of pressure for a child, but not for an adult. The OT also didn't teach me to do the joint compressions afterwards. As a result after I brushed I felt like I needed to contract every muscle in my body, but I was unable to do so. The stress of the sensation even caused panic attacks.
The next OT I saw actually had experience with adults. She taught me to press hard enough and to do the joint compressions. The protocol is useless without the joint compressions. Even so, there was an initial discomfort for the first few days that I just couldn't get past. The initial discomfort is typical and goes away, but I couldn't get past it. I want to try again sometime though.
I guess bottom line. Make sure you're pressing hard enough with the brush and doing the joint compressions afterwards.
RE: Dealing with body changes - ravensong - 08-13-2017
oookay, so the therapist I had been seeing on and off didn't press hard enough to bend the bristles on the brush,it always tickled, and did joint compressions like you hold around the joint and squeeze for pressure... maybe this is why it didn't work? Super hopeful doing it the proper way will help this time!
RE: Dealing with body changes - Jmelda1 - 08-14-2017
Oh wow. Yeah that OT had no idea what they were doing. The bristles, at least on an adult, have to bend over. Also, holding the joints and squeezing are not joint compressions. You need to put pressure from the distal (farther from the body) end of the joint into the proximal (closer to the body) end of the joint. There are different ways to do this, but I would jump up and down to do my legs and do wall push-ups for my arms.
So I can see way it didn't work for you. I'm so glad it's helpful for you now doing it the right way!