| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| icelikeaninja |
Posted - 09/29/2005 : 17:07:38
Hi all,
I have been on a huge medical roller coaster diagnosed with everything to acid reflux, gallstones, costochondritis.
It began with pain under my sternum that radiated and moved into diffrent areas from my ribs.
It started when I was sitting down and eating went away then came back a year and a half later and has stayed with me for almost a year now
I have lower and upper rib pains that come and go all day. I went to a specialist a thoracic surgeon to rule out what i thought it might be "Slipping rib syndrome".
The doctor did a test called the hooking manuver to try an ellict the pain but it didnt happen. He said I should get a ct scan of my chest to see what more is going on. He said my sonogram wasnt really good enough.
I visited him today and I feel relief that it isnt what I thought it was but now the search continues.
The funny part is I think that is my last dr visit I dont think iam going to get a ct scan I have already had ultrasounds and xrays as well as endoscopys.
I met Dr Sarno onTuesday. He asked about my history emotionally and psysically. He wrote everything down to a tee and didnt want to exclude any physical problem.
He examined me touched certain areas but it didnt hurt me accept when he touched areas on my ribs. He kind of new where they would be tender by saying "Of course thats where you hurt".
After examination I went back to his office and he proceeded to tell me that I have nothing wrong with me and that I have TMS. He scheduled me for the lectures but also said I would need pyschotherapy so he gave me the number of therapist he only wants me to work with.
I feel things popping and doing wierd things in my rib cage he didnt feel they caused alarm he said my problems are 100 percent tms and that it will take me awhile to get better.
I have been on such an emotional band wangon regarding doctors and diagnosis and just plain lies to get me out of there office.
I trust Sarno but another part of me doesnt and thinks he only wants my money (probably because of my past with doctors).
Dr.Sarno told me to stop reading possible diagnosis and not to take anymore tests or see anymore doctors. He is certain I have tms and he said the inflammation and minimal edema near my ribs is a normal process that will happen to me and that isnt my problem.
He said things they find there would not cause me pain here etc.
I mentioned that I use to have stomach problems maybe 3 times a year since I was 17 where I would puke for 1 day straight and would be dizzy for days after that, I also use to get colds all the time. Since I have had this pain I have had no stomach problems or colds!!! Which makes me want to beleive it is TMS!
Anyway Dr.Sarno gave me a paper and said it was my homework. I started doing it yesterday and I notice the pain is slightly duller. I took out an old notebook I had when I had attempted to journal many years ago and noticed my first entry was about how I did not get along with my brother.
Now this was the last thing on my list of pressures and problems infact I havent even thought about it but instead I decided to write an essay about how I felt that day in 1998 regarding my brother. I got so upset at him for the first time in years! There was just so much to write that I couldnt finish at all last night so I will contiue to do it tonight.
So my question is Dr.Sarno diagnosed me with tms 100 percent and nothing else can I take his words to heart? I just have some trust issues that I have to get over.
Everyone mentions back and knees but can ribs also be tms?
Thanks for reading my story |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| icelikeaninja |
Posted - 12/13/2005 : 08:33:46
Hi, yes I do see one of Dr Sarno's therapists. You don't have too see his exact therapist you just have to have one that is open minded and understands how the mind body connection works.
There are a few people in our follow up meetings who have out of his network therapist and Dr Sarno still talks to each one of these therapist personally.
When you go in for your intake appointment ask your therapist what there take is on mind body disorders. Before I found Sarno I spoke to a few who thought I was getting sick so I can be babied at home. Which pissed me off even more because that is the least of everyones TMS problems. It might be a factor but it is not the whole picture.
When i saw Dr Sarno he told me not to use anyone else and to speak with this one intake therapist who will then set me up with my permenant therapist.
Goodluck the road will be long discouraging and it took me a whole bunch of tests to relize there is nothing wrong with me after seeing specialist after specialist.
I am not ready to take the road back.
Its funny TMS made me have pains all around my body last week and this week it is making me have pain in one area. Its trying to make me think I have this problem and then outta nowhere it turns into another problem.
Nothing is ever consistant with TMS and I always need reminders on that, that is why this board is so great!
D |
| anne |
Posted - 12/12/2005 : 07:45:49
That sounds like you are making a break thru. Did Dr Sarno say you can go to any psychotherapist? I'm having trouble believing my pinch nerve and neck pain that I have from a car ax and now rejuried could be tms. Thought I'd check out a therapist but don't know where to start. |
| icelikeaninja |
Posted - 12/11/2005 : 15:49:09
Hey Anox,
Dr.Sarno will charge you 1,000 dollars for the initial consultation and if indeed he diagnosis you with TMS that 1,000 dollars will include the lectures which is now 1 class that is an hour or 2 long I forgot but when I was attending it I was having a flare with TMS so it was really long for me thats why I bought the tapes as well.
I now believe Sarno is honest for my mother has these wierd neuro symptoms and he told her that he could not help, atleast he was honest.
I do not know if Sarno sees patients in upstate he might just let you attend a consultation I know there are alot of posts that can answer this for you.
Before I left Sarnos office after first seeing him he told me that I would probably need therapy for all the stuff I have gone thru mentally and I am only 22! He kind of gauged even though I was open to him that I would need therapy. He said my mind is scared to death of letting go.
I have been seeing this woman since October and most of the time I am at a loss of what to say to her but when I do come out with things she will mention things to me for instance if I am talking about a bad experience with my mothers abusive husband I will kind of tend to veer off and smile a little while I am talking about.
She said in her experience everyone with TMS seems to not be able to keep a serious face on while talking about something in the past that was bad.
Here is his contact info:
John Sarno M.D.
Professor
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
address: IRM G G-30 street: 400 East 34 Street city/state/zip: New York NY 10016 country: email: john.sarno@nyumc.org phone: +1 212 263 6035
Goodluck and even though i am new I will answer whatever I can.
D
|
| anxo69 |
Posted - 12/10/2005 : 22:48:58
Hi icelikeaninja,
Im also going back and forth with feelings. I was gonna go see dr sarno, Im in upstate NY.
can I ask you a few questions? how much he charged you for the visit and lecture? Are you in the city? and are you seeing the therapist in person? also do you have there numbers?
Thanks again,
|
| pault |
Posted - 12/10/2005 : 05:37:37
icelikeanijna ,try to be patient and allow the theripest some time as your fears are in control at this time(your on a rollercoaster of symtoms right now)what if I have:this or that? Does not amount to a hill of beans! All insecurity which will go as you gain confidence.You will be fine as You are doing all the right things. Get well soon , Paul. |
| icelikeaninja |
Posted - 12/07/2005 : 10:58:38
Update:
So my ribs have been feeling better but now I get this wierd burning feeling on both sides of my groin and on the right side it goes to my mid thigh.
I havebt been journaling at all or havent really dont much reflecting only gone to therapy. And although I have seen results ie last night i started writing and the pain went from left to right.
I cant help but think I have a rare bone diease or something, i guess thats just the tms. But anywhoo I am better then last time I posted
my question is I notice during the day I have a time frame where I am in no pain at all(Usually early in the morning right before I will wake up and take on the day) I cant stop thinking of when or how it will stike me next.
Does anyone have any suggestions to stop me from thinking about pain when I am not in pain?
Thanks |
| Jim1999 |
Posted - 11/05/2005 : 21:39:07
Danny,
I'm sorry to hear that you're going through some hard times, but I'm glad that you are now better prepared to deal with your emotions. Congratulations on making progress with your rib pain! That's a good sign.
Jim |
| n/a |
Posted - 11/05/2005 : 15:17:54
It is very good to keep active as TMS wants you to be incapacitated. Congratulations on your new job... Try to think a bit about the kind of inner stress / tension this new job may be generating inside of you, ie trying to prove you are good or competent.... Allow yourself to go beyond just thinking about those emotions and try to feel them. Then just observe them in a non-judgemental manner and accept the fact that this is they way you react to things without trying to change yourself in any way. |
| icelikeaninja |
Posted - 11/05/2005 : 13:34:56
Well today the rib pains subsided. I have been going thru alot emotionaly and I think thats the reason why. Iam going thru some stuff right now that I have no pain because there is no time for pain.
Now I relize why my body would make me be in pain because emotions and things you cant control are just so bad.
Break-ups, death, etc can make you go mad because there is no control or vent nothing!
Atleast with pain there are always meds that will hopfully aleviate your symptoms for a little while but atleast thats controled. Eventually tms needs to be put in check but now I can udnerstand all of this because Iam dealing wiht it first hand.
In some sick messed up way I think death and break up might get me over my hurdle with pain because I can take these things seriously and Iam dealing with them right now!
So my ribs are hardly hurting me now it seems the pain moves from side to side on my hips and for the past few hours it has been bothering my low back as well.
The other day I had a migraine for 2 days. Honestly I welcomed all those pains just to conclude TMS. I relized today that all my pains have no specific pathway regaurding nerves etc.
Ohh and I got a new job I started on Monday so I keep busy alot.
I will keep you all posted !
Thanks for reading.
Danny |
| icelikeaninja |
Posted - 10/24/2005 : 15:25:02
update----
So I got a job. Instead of trying to run my own business then doing nothing for the past year I decided to go back to the work force.
Iam now working front desk in a boxing and wieght gym. I figure if I see people who are motivated in training etc that I would be motivated to start training and get some of my extra tension out.
Working out always makes me feel better and it really doesnt hurt me when I work out. Iam just hurting when Iam at rest and have nothing really to do. I have no structure is what I mean..
I think with my tms work that iam doing with Sarno and the therapist and getting a fulltime job again with a normal schedule (7-3 Mon-Fri) will help me beat this and it can fade away for good hopfully.!
I really enjoy the gym environment and always wanted to work in one. I thought it would keep me outta trouble and I would get the benefits of being in good shape.
I think if i work out I will be in the same amount of pain as I am in now so I might as well. My family always tells me the gym probably did this to me but ya no I dont remember hurting myself and it lasting this long.
If I hurt myself it would last 4 days max.
TMS certainly has made me more paranoid and I think pyschologically i am unstable but I dont avoid things at all anymore.
Has anybody ever had this problem? When you first discovered Sarnos techniques you went through a downward mental spiral before it went upward again?
Let me know
Thanks! |
| icelikeaninja |
Posted - 10/24/2005 : 11:58:27
Hey Steve,
Did the pains gradually go away or did it come and go till it was just gone or did it stay full force and you just woke up one morning without it?
What was the final relization that made you full accept tms?
Thanks
Danny |
| Steve |
Posted - 10/20/2005 : 14:26:49
quote:
Originally posted by icelikeaninja
Hey Steve thanks for replying.
How long did it take you to beat the pain?
I think I was a slow learner, at least slow to accept the diagnosis. It took me about 2-1/2 years from the initial pain, however, I had the pain for a full year before I saw Sarno. So about 1-1/2 years. From what I've read on here though, most people become pain free much quicker.
I have not had pain in that area since, although like I said, I'm current battling burning mouth now. |
| icelikeaninja |
Posted - 10/19/2005 : 15:27:37
Hey Steve thanks for replying.
How long did it take you to beat the pain? |
| Steve |
Posted - 10/13/2005 : 11:56:52
Several years ago during my first bout with TMS, I also had a very strange pain that started in my shoulder and moved into my chest and ribs. It radiated all around...it would literally slowly migrate each day do a different place in my chest, maybe half an inch from the previous day. It felt like it was just under my skin in the muscle areas, most of the time around my chest and ribs. It was a very intense burning sensation.
Anyway, I was scared because I previously had surgery done in the area years before and thought the pain was complications related to that. I saw Sarno and he told me it was TMS. Eventually, with much "TMS work", the pain completely went away.
Unfortunately, TMS pain came back recently in the form of mouth pain/burning mouth syndrome, but I am working on that issue now. My point is that I believe what you have is TMS because I experienced somewhat similar symptoms. |
| Jim1999 |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 22:12:53
Good luck, Danny! I'm glad to hear that you've started therapy. I remember being paranoid about illness when my TMS was bad. I suppose my unconscious mind wanted me to be paranoid about illness so that I would be distracted from my repressed emotions.
I think you should tell your psychologist that illness worries are worst when you first get up. I wonder whether your dreams might be contributing to the paranoid feelings. This might be a clue that your psychologist would find helpful.
Jim |
| elise8 |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 14:22:27
Just want to thank you Danny for posting. I find your posts very helpful to me as I also tend to jump to conclusions if I suspect anything is wrong with me. Fear of disease is a big factor in my TMS problems.
I hope you continue with your posts and let us know how your therapy progresses. You are very fortunate to have Dr. Sarno as your doctor.
Good luck,
elise
Elise8 |
| redskater |
Posted - 10/07/2005 : 15:17:16
good luck, let us know how you progress.
Gaye |
| icelikeaninja |
Posted - 10/07/2005 : 10:59:24
Well my first therapy appointment today wish me luck. Dr.Sarno's intake therapist found somebody I can work with who isnt too far away.
Hopfully over the course of the next few weeks we can figure out where my trust issues are stemming from and why Iam so paranoid about diease and sickness.
|
| icelikeaninja |
Posted - 10/05/2005 : 16:17:36
Hey Dave thanks for the insight. I know and am beginging to trust this dianosis. Iam jsut worried that i could have some arthritis of some sort and thats what worries me.
But thats not even the case I will admit I had thought it was other things as well because it described them to a T but I always turned out wrong.
Anyway hopfully working with the therapist will shed some light on why I cannot trust anything anybody said. I am jounaling and writing over and over in a seperate notebook "there is nothing wrong with me body I am fine" that seemed to work today.
Sarno said if I get pains take a tylenol and stop thinking about it. the tylenol has worked to take the edge off which means its probably nothing serious if it can do alteast that much.
thanks for your support I admit I have some mental issues that need resolving.
We are taught for so many years dealing with ourselves and our relatives that medication and surgery are the only ways to go and even then you are still not 100 percent.
All my life all of my familiy members have been on meds of some sort for things that I see clearly are TMS, but why cant I see so easily that what I have is also TMS?
Why do I always think iam the rare person who slipped all the doctors etc?
Arthritis is what is going thru my mind tonight, later on it will probably be a tumor or something else.
Thanks for listening guys |
| Dave |
Posted - 10/05/2005 : 07:12:06
You are now a patient of Dr. Sarno. If he believes there is a chance something is seriously wrong he will order the appropriate tests.
Follow his program, and take a long-term view. In all likelyhood you are a healthy 22-year old with TMS and a boatload of anxiety. Work on your psychological issues with your therapist and try to forget about the symptoms. Laugh them away. You have your whole life ahead of you. You can afford to work for 6 months, a year, or however long it takes, to eradicate your TMS. |
