| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| shawnsmith |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 07:45:31
Dear all,
From my vantage TMS can be a source of further TMS. Long term suffering- even with the diagnosis of TMS- without any allievation of symptoms becomes enraging and doubts begin to creep in as to the diagnosis and efficacy of the treat programme. If there are not doubts there is most certainly a perplexity as to why the symptoms persist despite all the best attempts to follow the Sarno program. Over time conditioning sets in and it becomes a constant battle just to fight off the pain and cope on a daily basis, let alone dealing with underlying psychological issues. A great sense of discouratment and even depression sets in, especially when you read of others recovering or having a relapse after recovery. Here is what Dr. Sopher has to say on this topic (Ppg. 164-166):
If someone states they truly believe that TMS is the problem, that they have been doing
the mental homework and yet are distressed that their symptoms
persist, they may question whether they have TMS. This has the
elements of a catch-22. If you begin to doubt there is a psychological
cause, that there could be a physical cause, then the work is undone
and the brain’s strategy of creating a physical distraction will triumph.
This is part of what I refer to as The Calendar Phenomenon. By this
time, everyone may know of someone whose symptoms vanished
immediately after reading the book or shortly after seeing a physician trained in TMS treatment. So, an expectation is created in their mind
that their symptoms should recede soon after incorporating this
philosophy. They look at the calendar and become upset as days and
weeks go by. This is where I tell people to look back at their
personalities. The calendar phenomenon is another manifestation of perfectionist tendencies – it is self-imposed pressure to succeed and
succeed quickly. If they can recognize this aspect of their personality
and add it to their “list” of sources of stress, relief will be on the way.
Fear, doubt, the calendar phenomenon and the failure to think
accurately are examples of some of the internal obstacles to healing.
Several external obstacles bear mention.
#1 You have read this book and become convinced that this
approach makes sense. When you mention it to your physician,
he/she either dismisses it out of hand or nods indulgently, and advises
a traditional regimen including medication, physical therapy, etc.
#2 You have read this book and become convinced that this
approach makes sense. When you mention it to your friends, family
and/or co-workers, they look at you as if you have lost your mind.
They, too, may nod indulgently and then recommend a physician,
practitioner, medication, herb, etc.
#3 You have read this book and become convinced that this
approach makes sense. When you pick up a magazine and read an
article discussing symptoms like yours, there is no mention of TMS as
a possible cause. Or maybe, just maybe, there is a brief mention of
Dr. Sarno’s work with TMS, but other quoted sources dismiss it out
of hand. As you trust the members of the media to do their homework
and provide accurate, complete information, you begin to wonder
whether TMS is for real.
These scenarios occur every day. They may contribute to the
conditioning that allows the pain to persist. Even in my own office,
when I am introducing one of my established patients to TMS
concepts, they may get angry or look at me as if I have two heads.
You see, they have come in unsuspecting. They have come in to see
me for evaluation of some physical symptom and did not expect to
hear that it may have a psychological cause. Some are delighted,
enthusiastic and quite willing to think outside of the box. To the
others I explain that I can only expose them to this different way of
thinking, that I cannot make them believe it. I will certainly try to
make my case and be convincing, but it is ultimately up to them to
decide.
*************
Sarno-ize it!
************* |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| shawnsmith |
Posted - 04/26/2007 : 06:05:02
quote:
Originally posted by truenorth
Penny-
Funny thing is, my physical (and emotional) pain is worse since I ended things. Go figure.
Actually, from my limited vantage point, I could see how the intensification of symptoms after the separation could happen. First of all, you invested 4 years of your life into another person yet now you find yourself alone. Second, you may be afraid that you will not be able to find someone else. Maybe you feel unattractive or unlovable which is a painful feeling for anyone to have. Compound that with your current suffering and you have good mixture to whip up a boiling hot pot of rage.
*************
Sarno-ize it!
************* |
| truenorth |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 20:22:57
Penny-
Funny you should bring up the close relationship thing. My therapist and I agreeded that my on and off relationship with my partner of four years (now off for good) was a key source of my rage. Funny thing is, my physical (and emotional) pain is worse since I ended things. Go figure.
I'm not giving up, not by any means. I'm getting closer to some scary feelings and REALLY see how I do repress things and not allow myself ownership of my feelings. That, and finally just saying f**k it to the pain and getting on with my life (like returning to cycling) might just be the key.
Thanks for the kind words. |
| Penny |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 17:50:15
TrueNorth, Have you considered any current close relationships that could be TMS-harmful to you? For me, I've just realized that my TMS root may be my relationship with my husband (and supposed best friend). I've been protecting him for 8 months in therapy, and only just realized.
Hang in there. The fact that you had a good day is really encouraging ... it shows that your body does remember what it feels like to be free.
xoxo
>|< Penny |
| shawnsmith |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 15:29:50
Truenorth
For your own satisfaction go back and have the tests done- which I suspect will show nothing- and then continue with the work. You may have issues with your therapist and require a different one. That is common and natural. I know you have heard all the advice in thw world so I won't burden you with more other than to say DON'T GIVE UP!!!!
Shawn
*************
Sarno-ize it!
************* |
| truenorth |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 13:06:17
I know exactly how you feel. I was diagnosed by Dr. Sarno in 2002, have tried EVERYTHING repeatedly, including seven months with one of his therapists (we both decided today it was not working), and still no improvement. In point of fact, my back/foot pain has been worse the last three months. My pain is chronic. And yes, after all this time, it does make one wonder if it IS physical. Even the therapist said I should go back to the doctor for more tests and imaging work, which floored me.
The therapist said I was "resistant' to giving up the pain. I didn't need to pay her $5000 to tell me that. My inner child is very strong.
Bottom line, I KNOW that my emotions are causing my pain. I sat on my couch Sat. night and really FELT what was inside. I was much better on Sunday (I rarely have a good day, maybe five in four years) and went out & rode my bicycle 16 miles. I've already done 125 miles so far this year. I'm on track to do 1500 for the season.
The Sarno therapist thinks I need to try other things. I'm seeing an EFT practitioner next week here in NYC.
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