| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| jdshetterly |
Posted - 02/20/2008 : 22:30:16
Hello all. I'm brand new to this message board and I think it's a great support place, BTW. However, I am not new to TMS. My major TMS "back attack" happened over Christmas 2007. I had Dr. Sarno's book (HBP), but hadn't fully done the program or read the whole thing since I bought it 10 years ago (never had a MAJOR attack, always went away with chiropractic care). Soon after visiting 2 orthopedic surgeons over the holidays, the MRI confirmed I had a ruptured disc (disc had come out of the membrane, not just bulging) between L5,S1. I've read some posts and know many of you suffer from this as type of protrusion as well.
Now, I've read and re-read both of Dr. Sarno's books, HBP and Mindbody Prescription. Both are great and I'm convinced 95% that I have TMS. I've been working the treatment like an SOB, journaling, focusing on the psychology when I feel pain. It IS working for sure. I'm about 75-80% on the way to pain-free. However, occasionally, like today, I get some DOUBT about whether or not I may fall into that small, exceptional category of suffering actual pain from my disc rupture. Classicly, I have pain in my left buttock, left leg sometimes, and occasionally in the lower left side of my back. Also, I have weakness in my left leg (can't do calf or toe raises with that foot 100% yet). My pain is the worst in the morning, which helps to convince me that it's illogical for the disc to be causing pain. I'm not yet able to bend down to touch my toes without some pain or hamstring stiffness. My attack was a slow onset, and started with just some minor hamstring stiffness, then it slowly worsened.
Today I felt like when I touched my lower back and pushed on it or dug my knuckle into it, I felt some shot of pain into my leg. This made me wonder if it was anatomically possible to touch my herniated disc through this deep massage or just pushing in that area. I do not think it is possible, but wondered if anyone could verify that for me. I believe that verify that my disc problem is NOT physical is the final piece for making me 100% pain-free. I have some MAJOR life things happening now, which seem completely related to my TMS...job loss, job search, engagement, moving to the new city, supporting my fiance's mother's recent death, and living off my savings before I move and get a new job. Ha, there's some stress, I suppose!
Thanks! |
| 2 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| jdshetterly |
Posted - 02/21/2008 : 10:04:36
Thanks Lori. That is really helpful to hear that information, esp that your massage therapist couldn't touch the disc. I figured that was the case, but you know perfectionists, they want 100% of the facts before believing something. Incidentally, I saw an incredibly helpful thread on this forum that really relieved me last night. Similar case to mine and it was really refreshing to hear others have the same questions. I also Googled and found another site that said it was impossible to touch a disc. The combination of this info and just feeling like there were so many others with the same questions I've had, made a great deal of my pain go away last night. It was the first time that I could keep my legs straight and touch my toes...that relief was so amazing, I can't even articulate it. I've been doing just what you said, studying the book, not just reading, and I've written so much down in my journal, that I'm sure it's been working. Now I feel like I'm well on my way to being pain free in a few weeks or less |
| mizlorinj |
Posted - 02/21/2008 : 07:05:00
When I had the "large" herniation at L5 S1 and was getting a massage (before knowing about Dr. Sarno, or the herniation for that matter) my therapist told me discs are way deep in there and there is no way she could actually manipulate or touch anything. I clearly saw on the MRI pictures that it was moved to the side and did not appear to have any of the gel in it anymore either. Was pretty cool I could see that BUT it didn't help me and kept me in fear.
My herniation was to my right and I had right butt cheek pain. Someone stabbing me in the deep middle of the butt cheek. BUT when Dr. Sarno pressed points on the left lower back, it hurt worse than the right. So I doubt anything was reached by touching or poking the back.
Not to mention that back pain is the current epidemic and our brains are jumping on the bandwagon. I work w/ someone who had MRI for something else and the doc said "oh, btw, you have a herniated disc." That was a year ago; she still has no back pain.
I would re-read Dr. Sarno's books so it sinks into the brain. A guy at a recent seminar I attended (not health-related) said "don't just read--study the books" and that made sense.
As you will read on here often from me, WRITE! Get the pen out and start writing about the things going on in your life and how you FEEL about them. It's ok to be angry you're stressed! Getting the feelings out is paramount to healing the past/current pressures/ hurts. But don't get stuck on the negatives. Balance the stresses with things of joy--no matter how small they may seem. For me, it's enjoying lobster! A walk in nature. Enjoying the "now."
Check out success stories on this forum.
-Lori |
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