| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| BruinBabe4ever |
Posted - 07/17/2007 : 12:57:06
I just finished Dr. Sarno's book, and I beleive I'm a candidate for TMS. I'm 25 and was diagnosed with a 7mm disc bulge (I forgot which one(s)) in my lower back in May.
I'm a pretty active girl; I love softball, snowboarding, and cycling. All of which I stopped doing due to pain and recommendations that I should rest. After about 3 weeks I couldn't take the inactivity anymore, so I started playing softball and cycling even with the pain.
I don't remember a specific incident where I injured my back, I just thought my years of snowboarding and sitting long hours at work contributed to my back pain. I now understand that this simply cannot be.
I have begun telling my brain that I have TMS, and it is caused by repressed emotions, and that my back is actually healthy. I've been doing this for a few days while slowly lowering my pain meds. Problem is, I am stillin a good amount of pain, and it hurts to do some of my day to day actitivites without the aid of pain killers.
What else can I be doing to convince my sub-concious to stop giving me physical pain? |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| armchairlinguist |
Posted - 07/17/2007 : 16:19:25
I think when adult stresses just start to hit is one of the prime times for TMS. I started having problems just as I was graduating from college -- sounds like your situation is pretty similar.
Things that are regarded as run-of-the-mill experiences can definitely produce repressed rage. Like art said, you won't be aware of it because it is repressed. It doesn't have to be huge things, it can be a lifetime of small things.
Schechter created a good journaling workbook, so when you go in to see him, be sure to ask about that. Other than that, I would re-read Sarno and think about how the theory applies to you, then listen to Schechter and take his advice. You're lucky to be able to see a TMS doctor -- most of us have to puzzle it out on our own.
Take it in its own time. It may take you a few weeks or even longer before you can comfortably taper pain meds (or it might not). If the hurt is so much that you cannot concentrate on anything but the pain, stick with the meds a while so you can keep your head clear to think psychological.
--
Wherever you go, there you are. |
| art |
Posted - 07/17/2007 : 16:08:45
quote:
Do you have to be under extreme amounts of tension to have TMS?
TMS is about repressed emotions, so these are feelings you tend not even to be aware of. Also bear in mind that insofar as the subconscious mind is concerned, there's no such thing as proportionality. Rage is rage, whether it seems in some rational sense justified or not. |
| BruinBabe4ever |
Posted - 07/17/2007 : 14:37:23
I have my first appt with Dr. Schechter on Monday. From reading The Mind-Body Connection, it talks a lot about repssed anger. I havent really had any traumatic life expereince, pretty much normal teenage expereinces, and adult stresses. I try not to stress out and get anxious. I remind myself that everything will get done, and I'll survive. So what gives? Do you have to be under extreme amounts of tension to have TMS? |
| mizlorinj |
Posted - 07/17/2007 : 13:28:48
There is not likely an incident where you "injured your back." And I am happy to see you understand that!
I agree with H2O. Start writing about what bugs you. Also read the treatment section of Dr. Sarno's books each day. (pick one--I'd recommend The Divided Mind--has the actual study guide he gives out in that book somewhere)
This treatment plan does work. Took me a couple weeks of writing before I saw big changes in my mobility. I was quite anxious at first since I was sick of being bedridden, but then let sink in "it takes as long as it takes".
Dr. Sarno says "our bodies are stronger than we know."
Get out your pen and paper . . .
 -Lori |
| h2oskier25 |
Posted - 07/17/2007 : 13:10:48
Journal, Journal, Journal.
I liked Dr. Schecters CD's and played them in the car a lot when I was recovering.
Best Wishes, Babe. |
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