are you getting enough sleep? if not, that might be causing it.

I was told that during the grief period is is typically normal to feel headaches, pains, heart palpatations, everything. Just make sure you have everything medically checked out. Stress wrecks havoc with our bodies. Take care, Alice

Thanks, guys. Lizzy--yes, sometimes when I don't sleep well, the pain's worse. Mainly, I think I need to laugh more! It's what my brother and I always used to do, watch funny movies and laugh! I've been trying to get back into the rythm of doing all the things he and I used to do...without him. Watched Smokey and the Bandit today; Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T. Justice "one of the most distinguised officers of law in order (punch) in the United States of America!" always tickles my funny bone. I feel better now that I watched that and took a bike-ride. But I'll probably get into a doctor too. Thanks, ladies!

While grief can cause many physical symptoms, one thing that most grief counsellors suggest is following up on any that don't go away in a week or two. Huggs, Rainbow

After Mom passed away January 10, 2007 I dealt with severe chest pain, stomach upset, headaches, etc. Your whole body grieves - body, mind & spirit.
If you're concerned about the pain, a check up by an MD wouldn't be out of the question. Just set your mind at ease however you can.
Blessings your way,
Stacie

You just recently hit the year anniversary of your brother's death and may be experiencing biological memory or sympathetic pains. It is not uncommon for people to relive the anxiety they felt one year earlier when their loved one was passing; or oddly enough, sympathetically take on that person's pain as they remember the anniversary. Since you've gotten a clean bill of health from your doctor and the cause isn't physical, it must be psychological. I experienced a lot of physical anxiety symptoms when it was the year anniversary of my mother's death to the point where I relived sensations to such a degree that I was worried I might need psychiatric help. Fortunately the sensations went away after about 4 days but it was very frightening there for a while. I think our whole body--every cell--remembers the trauma, not just our minds. The one year mark is a huge milestone and we cannot help but remember and relive. Have you thought about consciously celebrating the year mark by doing something to honor your brother like make a donation to a charity in his name or visit the grave? Maybe your body is telling you in its own way to slow down and reflect on this year, how hard it's been, how much you miss your brother, and how there must be an end to the grief so that you can give way to mourning. The massages are very therapeutic and you should continue them. I hope your symptoms subside on their own and that you can begin the second year after a loss, in which mourning hopefully replaces grief. Good luck.

maura: WOW! I think you are absolutely right. I very much experienced "sympathetic pain" when my brother was dying, because he related exactly what his body was feeling, like it was pins and needles stabbing all around and within his mid-section, and the "memory" was stamped in there. I'm going into get a deep rub-down from my neuromuscular therapist this week, and that has always worked wonders the past year--due to the holidays, I couldn't get into see her. Yes, it seems the pain of grief has subsided into the more deep and subtle effect of mourning. I don't hurt so much or so often. Now there's generally a deeper sense of appreciation for life and the love I've got in family and friends. Thanks so much!