| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| lobstershack |
Posted - 01/25/2006 : 15:46:30
I haven't seen much progress symptom wise, but this is because I haven't been doing the work necessary to heal: journaling and reading.
I'm sure there are answers as to why I have been avoiding this, conscious and unconscious alike, but picking them apart is not my intention.
("Starting Here, Starting Now" begins to play softly.)
So this is where it begins; I must fully accept the TMS diagnosis in order to begin seeing progress. This is what I have avoided for so long. But I am ready now, although I do have one question:
Not too long ago I developed testicular pain--this in addition to that urethra burning/irritation that Sarno deemed TMS. Although I have experienced this symptom a handful of years back, and it always went away, I decided to email Sarno just to make sure.
Here was his response: Check with your urologist first. Testicular pain is not a TMS equivalent - it is often a TMS manifestation due to involvement of the first lumbar nerve root on that side.
So I saw another (!) urologist. He found nothing, diagnosed me with prostatitis and gave me two weeks of Cipro--which I'm currently taking.
I emailed Sarno back explaing this: I saw my Urologist last week and based on the symptoms I described, diagnosed Prostatitis. I was given two weeks of Cipro. Assuming that the medication does not clear up the symptom(s), or they return after it is discontinued, is it safe to treat this as TMS
He wrote back: Prostatis is a frequent equivalent of TMS. You will have to decide, but if I had prostatitis I would follow my doctor's instruction and also consider to be a TMS equivalent. Dr. Sarno
What do I make of this? On the one hand he is stating that prostatitis is very often TMS, but then he says to follow my doctor's instruction, which was to call if the meds do not clear up the symptoms. They really haven't done much and I want to end this once and for all, so...HELP!
Perhaps I need another opinion on what Sarno is saying.
Seth |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| art |
Posted - 02/01/2006 : 04:05:12
What fascinating reading. I can identify an awful lot with Seth. I can't add much to what's already been said except to give a little bit of my own experience which is that there's almost always going to be the next symptom...The only thing we can control really is our response to it...
It seems to me Seth that you're looking in the wrong place, meaning outside yourself...Sarno sent you a perfectly understandable answer...translation, ya, probably TMS but on the other hand I can't be a responsible physician and tell you to completely ignore symptoms without seeing you...So check with your doc but at the same time get busy thinking TMS..He's not God, and the responsibility for your recovery lies with you..Life is full of uncertainty, and ambiguity, and one can simply never find absolute safety in this world..If you are to recover you need to accept this and move on with the work
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| savedbysarno |
Posted - 01/31/2006 : 14:46:07
Sorry if maybe I am a little tuff.
I didn't get better till I got some tuff love. It worked for me, so I guess on the off chance it would work for Seth, I said what I really felt.
But I do know that some people need to take longer to go through the steps.
Sorry if anyone felt upset by my reaction.
But I still feel that unless we help ourselves, with others support of course, we will get nowhere |
| drziggles |
Posted - 01/31/2006 : 14:15:52
Hey, let's be nice, people...I think there was a glimmer of hope in Seth's last post, so i would like to encourage to continue that. In your post you listed several major stressors going on right now. When you go through psychological issues in your mind, start there, and let the feelings flow. One problem with some TMS folks (including myself) is that they can have zero connection with their own feelings--the TMS is set up to keep it that way! That can mean being out of touch with one's own sadness, happiness, etc. Part of this process is being able to be aware of your feelings, before you find yourself hurting. It is not an easy thing to do, and for me took a couple of years of therapy... Daily journaling is one important way to do this, but it takes being honest and uncensored, which also takes practice. Get started! |
| savedbysarno |
Posted - 01/31/2006 : 10:54:52
People who are lost often see themselves as victims. Victims feel like things "happen" to them that they have no control over. When you have no control, your life depends on fortune or the whims and ideas of others and not your own. You are a leaf blowing in the wind.
You cannot make a move without other peoples input.
If your foot hurts, you ask if their foot hurts. You need such validation! You are you! It doesn't matter if not one person has the same symptom. Personally I feel that you need to stop reading all of these posts, change therapist if you are even going to one now, and stop whining.
No, I do not think that you cause your pain...but by your words, I do not think that you do anything to stop it either. Don't be lying on your bed reading these posts. Get outside and take a walk! Gosh darn it, go help someone else out there! Change something!
And all of that journaling crap...good for some, but for you it makes you either wallow in it, or feel guilty! You already know what your trouble is!
Just stand tall, consider yourself found, rely on yourself.
No matter what people tell you, you come back with the same questions. Are you here to learn, or just get attention?
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| Dave |
Posted - 01/31/2006 : 10:10:18
Seth, it's obvious but not to you. Maybe you need to read your posts in chronological order from the perspective that "Seth" is actually somebody else.
Low self-esteem is a pretty common trait among TMS-prone people. Many people don't realize they have it because it is disguised as symptoms. But in your case, it comes through loud and clear.
You need to try to start thinking positive and believing that you can and will successfully battle TMS and learn to stop obsessing about your symtpoms. You need to yell "STOP!" to yourself whenever you are aware of the obsessing and focus on something else.
Take a long-term view and believe that you will conquer this. You are a healthy 24 year old and slowly but surely you need to try to build your self-confidence. Don't expect overnight results. Just take it one day at a time and do the work and you will get better. |
| lobstershack |
Posted - 01/31/2006 : 06:58:26
Can you explain that notion further?
Seth |
| savedbysarno |
Posted - 01/31/2006 : 06:11:33
# 1 STOP thinking of yourself as a lost lamb |
| lobstershack |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 18:53:47
My heart goes out to all those who took the time to address the pleas of this lost lamb. You're so right, and I've got to thinking, this will never ever end unless I put my foot down--which I'm doing right now. (Ok, fine, I'm lying down, so, rather, I'm putting my foot across.
From now on I'm going to try to only use this board to focus on the emotional, not the physical. As I've mentioned previously, I have not been doing the work necessary to heal, I've been obsessing, still.
My sister--an extremely gifted professional ballerina at the tender age of 20--just checked into rehab today for an eating disorder. Her inpatient program will last four weeks. As you can imagine, this has been very trying for all of us. In the end though, I'm so glad she decided to check in.
I spoke to her on the phone this evening and she was in histerics. She's very scared. I feel terrible that she has to go through with all of this, and as you can imagine, my parents were both crying when they came home earlier today. But on the other hand, I feel guilt stricken for not being able to produce tears. It's so hard for me to feel and I so badly want to feel, especially in this instance, but it's as though there's a blockage of sorts. Regardless, I'm going to lend my love and support in her time of need.
And I think, what better a time than to forget all this junk having to do with my body and my pain and my symptoms, because I do not want to look back on this knowing that I could have been there for her, but instead of concentrating my energy on sending love, I was busy obsessing about my symptom du jour.
On top of that, she had a family therapy session today with my parents and what comes out? Nothing other than the fact that my father has admitted to being married TWICE, before he met my mother. My mother was in fact aware of this, but neither ever told my sister or I. I cannot help but feel betrayed, for what else is my father hiding from me?
Anyway, that was my rant and I'm about to rant some more right now in the journal. I'm determined to kick this.
Oh yes, I do have a question, when Sarno says to think of one of the psychological things on your list every time you find yourself focusing on symptoms, how exactly do you do this? Because when I try, I find myself grasping for a thought, one never quite comes to mind. Should I have something picked out at the beginning of the day that I know I can switch to when my thoughts turn to the pain(s)? Or can I just say "STOP!" and go about my business?
Seth |
| HilaryN |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 14:35:57
Don’t get too hung up on Dr Sarno’s contradictory advice. He said you have to decide. My understanding of that is that you have to take responsibility for yourself and do just that. Reassurance is always good, particularly from a medical professional… but ultimately the responsibility lies with you.
I sense you’ve put a lot of faith in Dr Sarno and are feeling a bit let down. Don’t be. Take what you can from him, but remember he’s a human being, not a god.
quote:
But I guess I have no one to blame but myself.
Blame isn’t useful or constructive. Forget blame and just get on with it.
quote:
What I find cruel about my particular TMS situation is there here I am slowly putting myself out there and meeting people, going on dates and the like, but dealing with these distressing symptoms!
You’re not the only one whose TMS seems “cruel” in that it gets in the way of what they want to do. Believe me, it will go away eventually and you’ll be able to be symptom-free.
quote:
(from Dave)
No doubt, once the testicular pain resolves itself you will be inflicted with another symptom that you will question, send Dr. Sarno another note, see another few doctors ... you see what I'm saying? It will never end unless you let it.
Stand up and say "NO! I'm not going to take it anymore!" Focus on your life, not on your symptoms.
I totally agree.
Hilary N |
| Dave |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 14:12:04
quote:
Originally posted by Seth
What bothers me most though was the answer Sarno gave me, it wasn't clear!
You're splitting hairs. Dr. Sarno is over 80 years old and probably does not answer his own E-mail. Maybe something was lost in the translation between him and his secretary.
I think what he is saying is that the testicular pain could be due to TMS affected nerves.
Nevertheless, he said to get checked by a urologist, which you did. You ruled out cancer. You should be satisfied now and ignoring the pain but you're obsessing about it.
No doubt, once the testicular pain resolves itself you will be inflicted with another symptom that you will question, send Dr. Sarno another note, see another few doctors ... you see what I'm saying? It will never end unless you let it.
Stand up and say "NO! I'm not going to take it anymore!" Focus on your life, not on your symptoms. |
| lobstershack |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 14:02:39
What bothers me most though was the answer Sarno gave me, it wasn't clear!
Seth |
| FlyByNight |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 12:40:29
I was just not having any idea HOW TMS persons are obsessive compulsive people ! I now fully agree it is probably our major obstacle to heal !
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| savedbysarno |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 12:08:50
omigod! You've got to stop going over and over these symtoms and asking the same stuff about them over and over. You will never get better this way!
Belive me, I know. Until you just stand up for yourself and take charge, you will be second in command, after your pain.
What's the deal? All of this obsessive behavior just stops you from finding the real truth. You cannot change anything if you keep doing the same things.
Cut it out already and stand tall!
This is said with compassion even if it might not sound like it. But only you can prevent forest fires, and you've got one going that is gonna burn down all the trees and take you with it! |
| lobstershack |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 11:45:01
Dave & Drziggles, you're both absolutely right.
Dave: I went to two urologists and both told me there was nothing wrong--urine was taken but no prostate fluid. One even told me based on my complaints that any other test was essentially "futile." I was just confused at the answer I got from Dr. Sarno. How he noted it was up to me to decide (see my above post).
Drziggles: To liken TMS to an addiction is exactly on point! And while I have already hit rock bottom many years ago, I think one of the main reasons--as is clear from my posts--why I'm still struggling is because I'm buying into them. And I also need to be more vigilant with reading and journaling--I just started both again last night.
What I find cruel about my particular TMS situation is there here I am slowly putting myself out there and meeting people, going on dates and the like, but dealing with these distressing symptoms! Especially the urological ones. It's very upsetting and gets in the way of things.
Seth |
| drziggles |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 10:40:41
One annoying thing about TMS is that the people that need Sarno's theories the most are the ones least likely to believe them. Denial is the nature of the beast--the part of your brain that is producing the pain wants you desperately not to believe that you have TMS. As long as there is doubt, it is doing its job.
TMS is like drug or alcohol addiction in a way, in that many people have to hit rock bottom before they will really buy into the concept and therapeutic approach. This can mean years of tests and ineffective treatments, naturally, before, finally, people will get it. For that reason, I've found that some people with brief duration of TMS symptoms cannot accept it, even if they want to. It's just too difficult, and the underlying issues too painful to deal with, for them to be able to handle them. They have to decide when they are ready. I don't mean this in a fatalistic way, but just to say that it is common to have difficulty dealing with TMS--your unconscious is putting up its best fight. You have to fight back! As you said, look for the underlying reasons why you are having trouble buying TMS fully--those are likely the same reasons you have TMS in the first place... |
| Dave |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 09:32:38
Seth, no offense, but you keep asking similar questions and getting similar answers.
I personally told you that I had prostatitis and that Dr. Sarno told me it was a TMS equivalent and that since I started treating my symptoms as TMS I have not had a relapse of prostatitis.
Based on your post I assume the urologist ruled out testicular cancer and could not find evidence of bacterial infection (he did extract prostate fluid and test it, right?). If this is true then it is highly likely your symptoms are TMS.
Your obsession over your symptoms gives TMS the opportunity it needs to perpetuate itself. You really need to learn how to calm down and ignore the symptoms, or the cycle will continue. Your brain is playing games with you, and it is winning. |
| h2oskier25 |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 09:01:32
Here's how I look at it.
There's only a couple of things serious enough to see a Dr. about. One is ruling out cancer, another is chest pains that could be a heart attack. I'm sure that's why Sarno is having you check it out.
Once it's nothing though (And I might continue to "complain" until I got my ultrasound), you gotta start laughing at it.
Sarno would be remiss if he said your testicular pain was TMS when it was the beginnings of cancer. I think that's what's behind his words.
Regards,
Beth |
| lobstershack |
Posted - 01/30/2006 : 07:24:41
What's upsetting is that I was diagnosed by Sarno with TMS, yet for some reason, am still having all this trouble! I'm in psychotherapy and I just emailed him again this morning asking for some clarification on his answer.
Seth |
| Curiosity18 |
Posted - 01/29/2006 : 23:53:50
Seth,
I was also 24 when I first developed TMS symptoms. It was 15 years before I discovered Sarno's work. I'm so envious of you in that you can really get started working on these issues before you have years and years of unlearning to do (how to sit, how to lift, foods that are okay, etc.). I knew that you're full of doubt, but as Hillary and Pat both said, it really does sound like TMS, particularly the worrying and obsessing over it combined with the fact that no one has found anything physically wrong. Keep at it!
Curiosity |
| Curiosity18 |
Posted - 01/29/2006 : 23:47:20
Seth,
I was 24 when I first developed TMS symptoms. It was 15 years before I discovered Sarno's work. I'm so envious of you in that you can really get started working on these issues before you have years and years of unlearning to do (how to sit, how to lift, foods that are okay, etc.). I knew that you're full of doubt, but as Hillary and Pat |
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