| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| 2scoops |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 16:43:41
Just loaned my copy of the Divided Mind to a psychiatrist with Carpal Tunnel, how cool is that? |
| 13 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| art |
Posted - 07/23/2011 : 13:09:27
2scoops has it down. It really is all about fear. UNderstanding TMS dynamics reduces fear sufficiently that the symptoms subside.
This implies something interesting, which is that strictly speaking the essential element is not understanding, but a reduction in fear. It's almost breathtaking, the rapidity with which my symptoms go away when I truly stop being afraid. |
| JulesJ |
Posted - 07/23/2011 : 12:28:41
2scoops,
Did you ever post your success story in the success forum?
I have been battling a renewed TMS outburst for a little over a year. (I had a book cure 10 years ago, and surgery 20 years ago...) I've got rid of the really bad spasm stuff, but I am locked in a cycle where I have some pain/symptoms on sitting, especially in my home office, and then the pain moves into my back again, etc, before I'm able to defuse it all for a day or two... and then a relapse.
The reason I specifically ask you is because your leg pain, with the tingling in the feet, is exactly what I get when I sit in that home office, and I don't see too many references to it. In retrospect I was getting it mildly for 2 years or so before the big blow-up / relapse a year ago. I also get it in the feet when I first wake. (Don't suppose you used to get extra cold feet, too? I'm sure it's connected).
I'd like to know what you did specifically to get rid of it, you see. Did you do the 12 reminders constantly? Journal? Analysis? I know this can be a big question, which is why I'm hoping you did a success story post you could link to.
I realise all TMS is 'the same', but I think it helps when the symptoms are close to your own, psychologically from a confidence point of view.
Many thanks in advance! :) |
| jjh2go |
Posted - 07/23/2011 : 09:27:37
2scoops, thanks for the response |
| Back2-It |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 17:46:58
quote:
Originally posted by 2scoops
back-2-it,
I can't speak for everyone, but my experience is that a lot of symptoms and illnesses are caused by fear. I really had no help in that, I did not see a TMS doc or therapist. I would have loved to have some help, some guidance, some encouragement. But that did not deter me from seeking out the truth. The TMS theory brought me to look more into my spiritual life. I was raised Christian so it led me to see out my relationship with God and His word. There are many verses in the bible that helped me. It's hard for me to be able to talk about TMS and not include the spiritual things that I have come across.
All I can say with certainty is that fear is torment! Fearful thoughts affect the body, our health, they torment us. Love is the opposite of fear. Love is kind, it is patient, it forgives, there is NO FEAR in love, but perfect love casts out all fears. Fear causes us to compare ourselves to others. I would say that probably many people with ongoing TMS, probably compare themselves to others and they never add up. The mind is always racing, and is hardly ever peaceful.
When we are not loved, it opens us right up for psychosomatic disorders. In my case, it is something that I have always struggled with because I was taught fear my whole life and not love. I have had wrong thoughts my whole life and they eventually became beliefs and my actions followed those beliefs. I have had to take captive my thoughts, like you are not good enough, you will fail, there is no hope, no one loves me, people are better than, you etc. I had to replace those thoughts with things that I now believe are true. Yes, that took time, this definitely take practice and patience, although that doesn't seem to be the traits we TMS prone people seem to have. :) It is okay to fail, if your symptoms don't go away in days weeks, give yourself a break. A righteous person falls seven times, but always pick themselves back up.
One of my new favorite bible verses is this:Romans 8:6
King James Version (KJV)
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
I've had to change the way I think. I have had to renew my mind. Once again, takes time and practice. That's why the12 reminders really work. It is changing the way the mind has been conditioned. We don't have to be best, or do things perfect to be loved or be accepted, we just have to understand what truth is. Like Sarno said, knowledge is the penicillin to treat TMS.
I can appreciate what you are saying. I have revamped my entire idea of myself since my TMS/Anxiety Journey began last fall. I have had to beat back a lot of fear -- fear of many things physical, emotional and mental.
My comments were meant to be more editorial, in that for many more people to be helped by the ideas put forth by Sarno and others, there will have to be a larger acceptance between the effects of emotions on the body and physical maladies. In so many cases, there is a bodily symptom, which is quite normal and caused by anxiety, then there is sensitization of the symptoms and finally more fear. Then the pain is "learned" and is very hard sometimes to unlearn.
That there are normal reactions to stress and anxiety is unknown to so many. Imagine if basic instructions in effects of anxiety and stress were part of every health class in grade school?
In addition, an objective evaluation of a person's physical condition by a doctor familiar with TMS/Anxiety problems would go miles to shortening any trial and error treatment.
Some can do it very well by DIY and some need help. Some people can find what they need by deepening their spiritual life and some cannot. Any way you get there is good.
"Bridges Freeze Before Roads" |
| 2scoops |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 14:55:04
back-2-it,
I can't speak for everyone, but my experience is that a lot of symptoms and illnesses are caused by fear. I really had no help in that, I did not see a TMS doc or therapist. I would have loved to have some help, some guidance, some encouragement. But that did not deter me from seeking out the truth. The TMS theory brought me to look more into my spiritual life. I was raised Christian so it led me to see out my relationship with God and His word. There are many verses in the bible that helped me. It's hard for me to be able to talk about TMS and not include the spiritual things that I have come across.
All I can say with certainty is that fear is torment! Fearful thoughts affect the body, our health, they torment us. Love is the opposite of fear. Love is kind, it is patient, it forgives, there is NO FEAR in love, but perfect love casts out all fears. Fear causes us to compare ourselves to others. I would say that probably many people with ongoing TMS, probably compare themselves to others and they never add up. The mind is always racing, and is hardly ever peaceful.
When we are not loved, it opens us right up for psychosomatic disorders. In my case, it is something that I have always struggled with because I was taught fear my whole life and not love. I have had wrong thoughts my whole life and they eventually became beliefs and my actions followed those beliefs. I have had to take captive my thoughts, like you are not good enough, you will fail, there is no hope, no one loves me, people are better than, you etc. I had to replace those thoughts with things that I now believe are true. Yes, that took time, this definitely take practice and patience, although that doesn't seem to be the traits we TMS prone people seem to have. :) It is okay to fail, if your symptoms don't go away in days weeks, give yourself a break. A righteous person falls seven times, but always pick themselves back up.
One of my new favorite bible verses is this:Romans 8:6
King James Version (KJV)
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
I've had to change the way I think. I have had to renew my mind. Once again, takes time and practice. That's why the12 reminders really work. It is changing the way the mind has been conditioned. We don't have to be best, or do things perfect to be loved or be accepted, we just have to understand what truth is. Like Sarno said, knowledge is the penicillin to treat TMS.
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| Back2-It |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 13:38:41
The psychiatrist I had seen early on believed that some physical problems were "somatized". That said, he offered little advice as to what to do with that information. He said that once I believed that my mind created the problem it would go away. Okay...but how do I get to that point?
Sarno does not give much in the way of instructions, either. You either "get" it and accept it easily and the pain is gone, or you need therapy. Good therapists are hard to find, and it just chatting it out with your rented friend does not always cure it. Cognitive behavioral work is needed, especially if the pain has been your companion for a long time. When your body learns the pain, it has to be taught how to "unlearn" it. Sometimes DIY works and sometimes I think you need more help than you can give yourself.
Sometimes -- and this is TMS heresy-- I think a person needs instruction and guidance and observation in how to move, breathe and think correctly (while doing moving and breating) -- all at the same time. Find that mix someplace. I don't think it exists.
For instance, physical bracing is done unconsciously, and you may need an independent observer to tell you that is what you are doing.This is the mind and the body approach, but for purists involvement with any --call it what you wish-- movement therapy, is not kosher.
"Bridges Freeze Before Roads" |
| 2scoops |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 13:25:24
@jjh2go,
I had lower back soreness, burning in my butt, through both leg and down to my feet. Mt feet would burn and tingle constantly, worse when I would sit. My left leg would get weak, and I almost had the feeling that my leg would give out. At one point, my left knee would have similar symptoms.
I have spondylolysis, so my ortho said since my vertebrae is cracked, that the bone tries to heal itself, but that tissue could grow in their and press on the nerve. He then told me my leg weakness was permanent. Over coming all the misinformation that I got was my biggest obstacle to overcome. That's why Sarno put in the 12 reminders. He understands that the mind needs to be renewed and not focus on the pains or diagnosis we receive. I now have full functionality from my leg and knee. I know longer carry that fear.
Let me encourage and say that you can get full functionality from your leg and don't let anyone tell you any different. Many people say negative things from their own experience and fears. The tongue has the power to give life, or it has the power to cause fear and pain.
I am not sure if you still research your "condition" or not, if so you must stop. The internet can cause a cycle of fear! Your body wants to heal, don't allow those thoughts to steal your health. |
| 2scoops |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 13:04:22
@TT, I don't think many Psych's would associate psychosomatic pain with carpal tunnel though, many consider that a physical disorder. Just got off the phone with him and he is going to some mindbody workshop, just has not heard of Sarno. |
| jjh2go |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 12:54:14
Question for 2scoops,
You said you had leg weakness. Just curious what your symptoms were. My calf muscle doesn't really work anymore. My gluteus max muscle was completely sagging as well, but it is coming back. I did have surgery, but I believe that my weakness is really due to TMS. I have subjective numbness, and my entire right foot is numb. Sciatic pain, pain around the hips, knee pain, etc. All must be TMS. It never went away after surgery. Anyway, I was just looking for encouragement. The weakness is really getting to me, and I know that is what my brain wants. Still walking with a cane to keep me stable. That lack of control really generates fear in a young mind. |
| tennis tom |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 10:38:02
quote:
Originally posted by 2scoops
He made the statement, "so your saying more or less my thoughts are creating the pain."
For a psychiatrist to be so unaware of psychosomatic pain is frightening to me. I live in a hot-bed of psychologists and mind-BODY practitioners and have yet to meet one who has ever heard of Dr. Sarno nor shows the least bit of interest.
DR. SARNO'S 12 DAILY REMINDERS:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0dKBFwGR0g
TAKE THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS TEST
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale
Some of my favorite excerpts from _THE DIVIDED MIND_ :
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605
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"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
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| 2scoops |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 09:34:58
I work in a health clinic so I am very excited that he was open to it. We were talking for about 15 minutes! He knows that I had really bad back pain, and neurological symptoms along with leg weakness. He made the statement, "so your saying more or less my thoughts are creating the pain." I thought that was an insightful statement.
I believe he will read it because he knows that surgery most of the time is not successful. He is right and I have been doing research on this for the last 4 to 5 months, but our thoughts are so powerful. We all have hundreds of thoughts everyday and many times we accept these thoughts as truth. If we take those thoughts captive and replace them with truth, than the body will be more relaxed and we can heal. |
| Back2-It |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 07:20:24
When I went off the TMS/Anxiety wagon and was looking for structural causes, word came back from the massage therapist from an associate of hers about my "case" --that she was reading a book by Dr. John Sarno and that her client (me) should understand that stress causes most pain and that I should stop scouring the internet and visualize the type of life I want. This associate of my MT had no knowledge about me as far as my beliefs. I asked my MT if she had mentioned Sarno; she had not. I had asked the MT to send ask her associates about, other MTs, mostly, about massaging a neuroama.
Everywhere I drive today I'm seeing pain clinics sprouting up -- that and a chiropractor on every corner, crowding out the Starbucks.
Maybe there is a growing acceptance that the mind and the body are not two separately functioning systems? Well, maybe. But full acceptance is another century away, I think.
I hear so many stories about people with anxiety and stress maladies, but most are not open to thinking about an emotional connection. I guess I can't blame them. In our specialized society we seldom see the bigger picture.
"Bridges Freeze Before Roads" |
| Baseball65 |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 06:04:45
If he reads it it will be very cool.
I used to have a standing offer with my friends that if they read HBP and didn't get better, I'd buy the book back at twice what they paid... I don't recall ever having to pay... |
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