| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Artgal5986 |
Posted - 02/20/2012 : 15:59:28
I am a 25 year old female who has been living with neck and back pain and neck spasms since I was 13. I have visited chiropractors, physical therapists, done massage, accupuncture with only temporary relief. I also suffer from anxiety and perfectionism. I stress myself out over everything which ultimately leads to more neck and back pain. The only physical thing wrong with me are minor bulging discs in my neck which orthopedists believe are probably not the major cause of my pain. This pain impedes on my life and makes it difficult to enjoy things. After reading john sarno's book I felt he was talking about me exactly! I felt better after reading these forums because there are people out there with a similar problem.
I just feel like I accept his ideas and I go to therapy, journal, and am trying to ignore my pain and "talk" to my back but I still have pain. I feel overwhelmed and discouraged and don't know what to do to fix myself. I know I am a perfectionist, oveachiever, and can be a negative thinker....but how do I change what is so deeply engrained in my personality?
Any advice from people who feel the same way and have overcame this obstacle of pain? |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Dave |
Posted - 02/22/2012 : 10:09:12
quote:
Originally posted by lara
I don't see why he doesn't see patients from other states as long as they can afford the treatment,that makes more frustrated and doen't help my TMS!!
The treatment requires mandatory attendance at two lectures, at least one (but typically more) follow-up group meetings, and possibly psychotherapy with one of his affiliated therapists.
Dr. Sarno does not take on patients that may not be able to commit to all of his treatment methods.
In any case, if you have convinced yourself that you need a doctor to give you a TMS diagnosis, then consider that this in and of itself may be preventing you from truly accepting the diagnosis and committing to the treatment.
While it is certainly nice to receive an official diagnosis from a MD, especially from Dr. Sarno, there is really nothing more he will offer that is not already covered in his books and videos. Ultimately, it is up to you to accept the diagnosis and follow the treatment suggestions diligently. |
| tennis tom |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 17:25:37
quote:
Originally posted by lara
Okk ,
I don't see why he doesn't see patients from other states as long as they can afford the treatment,that makes more frustrated and doen't help my TMS!!
What state you in Lara, maybe there's a TMS practitioner in your vicinity?
======================================================
TMS PRACTITIONERS:
John Sarno, MD
400 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-6035
Here's the TMS practitioners list from the TMS Help Forum:
http://www.tmshelp.com/links.htm
Here's a list of TMS practitioners from the TMS Wiki:
http://tmswiki.org/page/Find+a+TMS+Doctor+or+Therapist
Here's a map of TMS practitioners from the old Tarpit Yoga site, (click on the map by state for listings).:
http://www.tarpityoga.com/2007_08_01_archive.html
|
| Stryder |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 15:49:50
Artgal5986 said: I am going to try to find some other way to take the edge off the pain while I am working on myself.
Excellent. Way to go! Get busy, give yourself a good "distraction" and gets things done.
I have Dr. Sarno's latest 3 books. HBP, MBP and "The Divided Mind" (TDM). (There are also some other fine books out there by followers of Dr. Sarno, But I can't speak to those so far.) I first read HBP over ten years ago and that got me hooked on the program. Its served just fine for the initial program and several relapses. MBP is not as centered on low back pain, does overlap somewhat, and covers some new ground. TDM takes on the entire psychosomatic medicine topic and recaps key points covered by the previous books. TDM also has 5 or so chapters written by other docs / therapists that have studied with Dr. Sarno.
Overall, I've have found it helpful to have all three since each has a variation and rewording of like concepts, and sometimnes it helps a lot when doing your daily TMS work to see TMS from a different version of Dr. Sarno's writing. Its also very interesting to to see the changes in the 3 books as time went forward and Dr. Sarno learned more and you can see the concepts progress.
Maybe some others here on the forum can reccommend some of the other TMS authors.
Take care, -Stryder |
| Artgal5986 |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 15:30:25
quote:
Originally posted by Stryder
Hi Erica,
There is nothing wrong for asking your doc for some pain relief to take off the edge, so you can concentrate and get some TMS work done. Dr. Sarno himself does at times say pain meds are warranted. When you are in a lot of pain, and your anxiety amps up the pain perception, the pain can feel worse than it is.
Having said that, I would recommend you stay away from steriod injections. These can reduce swelling, but Dr. Sarno does not believe there is a connection between swelling and chronic pain. (The pain is caused by mild oxygen deprevation, steriods are NOT going to combat that).
Instead, suggest you ask your doc Rx a good oral pain med that has some flexibility in how much relief you need at the moment. Word of caution that you need to think accurately here,,, the pain meds are not going to solve your TMS problem. They are a valid bridge to buy you a break to get your TMS work in gear. They can buy you some short time to think more clearly.
Take this to the bank. Have no fear. You can start now by telling your brain you have no fear of the pain. TMS uses the fear to amp you up. Its like a volume control. You can start to control your fear, then the same pain will feel a bit less. Anxiety drives fear drives pain drives anxiety. Its a cycle that goes round and round.
If you combine your TMS work, with have no fear, you can break out of the cycle. We know you will break out since so many have before you. Stay the course, have no fear.
Which TMS books have your read?
Take care, -Stryder
Stryder, thanks for your response. I think you are right about the injections. I am going to try to find some other way to take the edge off the pain while I am working on myself. I have only read Healing Back Pain by Dr. Sarno...I know he also wrote the Mind Body Prescription....did you read that and find it different than Healing back pain? Any other book suggestions?
Erica |
| Stryder |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 15:19:42
Hi Erica,
There is nothing wrong for asking your doc for some pain relief to take off the edge, so you can concentrate and get some TMS work done. Dr. Sarno himself does at times say pain meds are warranted. When you are in a lot of pain, and your anxiety amps up the pain perception, the pain can feel worse than it is.
Having said that, I would recommend you stay away from steriod injections. These can reduce swelling, but Dr. Sarno does not believe there is a connection between swelling and chronic pain. (The pain is caused by mild oxygen deprevation, steriods are NOT going to combat that).
Instead, suggest you ask your doc Rx a good oral pain med that has some flexibility in how much relief you need at the moment. Word of caution that you need to think accurately here,,, the pain meds are not going to solve your TMS problem. They are a valid bridge to buy you a break to get your TMS work in gear. They can buy you some short time to think more clearly.
Take this to the bank. Have no fear. You can start now by telling your brain you have no fear of the pain. TMS uses the fear to amp you up. Its like a volume control. You can start to control your fear, then the same pain will feel a bit less. Anxiety drives fear drives pain drives anxiety. Its a cycle that goes round and round.
If you combine your TMS work, with have no fear, you can break out of the cycle. We know you will break out since so many have before you. Stay the course, have no fear.
Which TMS books have your read?
Take care, -Stryder |
| Artgal5986 |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 14:58:56
quote:
Originally posted by tennis tom
TAKE THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS TEST
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale
The above will give you scientific evidence for the causes of TMS/psychosomatic dis-ease. Seemingly good things like getting married, buying a home, etc., cause disruption to one's homeostasis, or comfort zone.
Get a dx from a TMS physician or talk with a TMS savy therapist. Keep reading the books, your thought patterns were developed over the course of your life. It's unrealistic to think you can change them overnight. Sounds like you are a catastrophizer, me too.
==================================================
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
==================================================
"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
"Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." Author Unknown
"Happy People Are Happy Putters." Frank Nobilo, Golf Analyst
"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." Mark Twain and Balto
======================================================
TMS PRACTITIONERS:
John Sarno, MD
400 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-6035
Here's the TMS practitioners list from the TMS Help Forum:
http://www.tmshelp.com/links.htm
Here's a list of TMS practitioners from the TMS Wiki:
http://tmswiki.org/page/Find+a+TMS+Doctor+or+Therapist
Here's a map of TMS practitioners from the old Tarpit Yoga site, (click on the map by state for listings).:
http://www.tarpityoga.com/2007_08_01_archive.html
I noticed on your bio that you tried cortisol shots/ steroid shots....that is another thing suggested by my doctor to get some pain relief (facet joint injections, specifically). I know my pain is not physical according to Dr. Sarno, but I am curious if it gave you some temporary relief? I really could use some while I am implementing Dr. Sarno's methods.
Erica |
| lara |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 08:25:06
quote:
Originally posted by tennis tom
Lara, no that wasn't me that was the OP, she lives in NY. Dr. Sarno only sees patients who live in the tri-states area. You can correspond with him by snail mail, he will reply. To find a list of TMS practitioners see my sig below.
==================================================
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
==================================================
"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
"Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." Author Unknown
"Happy People Are Happy Putters." Frank Nobilo, Golf Analyst
"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." Mark Twain and Balto
======================================================
TMS PRACTITIONERS:
John Sarno, MD
400 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-6035
Here's the TMS practitioners list from the TMS Help Forum:
http://www.tmshelp.com/links.htm
Here's a list of TMS practitioners from the TMS Wiki:
http://tmswiki.org/page/Find+a+TMS+Doctor+or+Therapist
Here's a map of TMS practitioners from the old Tarpit Yoga site, (click on the map by state for listings).:
http://www.tarpityoga.com/2007_08_01_archive.html
Okk ,
I don't see why he doesn't see patients from other states as long as they can afford the treatment,that makes more frustrated and doen't help my TMS!! |
| Artgal5986 |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 06:12:38
quote:
Originally posted by tennis tom
Glad my tips were of help. I can't take credit for Dr. Schubiner's course that was someone else's advice and I've heard good things about it. If I were you I would see Dr. Sarno and one of his TMS savy therapists, I don't believe cognitive therapy is what he recommends.
It is not contrary to Dr. Sarno's program to take pain killers for symptomatic relief. He does not believe one should suffer. If the Cymbalta is causing you more distress, I would switch to something that makes you feel less anxious then more. I had a bad reaction to Lexapro once that landed me in the ER with what I thought was a heart attack but turned out to be just a panic attack to my great relief. Small doses of anti-depressants have been shown to be effective for helping with TMS back pain. I took a small dose of Celexa for a short period and found it helpful, allowing me to focus better on the issues. I stopped taking it after I felt it did it's job and I didn't like the lack of connection to the now it gave me but had some short term benefit.
If I were you, I would rob a bank, or beg on the street, to get that $1000 and see the Good Doctor! See if you can work out a payment plan. HOW MUCH HAS TMS COST YOU IN QUALITY OF LIFE SO FAR AND FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE? HOW MUCH HAVE YOU SPENT AND WILL CONTINUE TO SPEND ON THINGS THAT DIDN'T WORK? Borrow the money from your fiance. Take the money from your wedding--this is a lot more important.
Why are you skeptical of TMS programs? In the years I've been around this board I've never heard of a TMS program that was a scam. Actually outside of Dr. Schubiner's program I don't know of any others. It may be helpful if you could mention them. I have heard here of TMS'ers having psychotherapy for years and not getting better because they were seeing an ineffective therapist who had no clue as to what TMS was or how to treat someone with it. To educate someone in TMS therapy should take no more than a dozen sessions if they are open to it.
Hope some of this helps,
tt
Tennis Tom,
My only reservation about spending the 1000 dollars is that Dr. Sarno would tell me the same information that is in his book and I would pay all this money for something I could try to do on my own....also the cost of a wedding, the possibility of losing my job ( I am a teacher at the bottom of the totem pole right now), gives me reservations to try it. Also, I am still a train ride a way from new york city which may cause me to take time off work in order to go to the appointments if there are more than one. I know it sounds like excuses, but it is just my reality right now.
I didn't mean TMS was a scam I meant I have seen some programs online that claim to follow Dr. Sarno that cost money and I am not sure if they are telling the truth or if it would be as effective. (In case they were just trying to make money off his idea).
Example: Monte Hueftle. If you google his name he has a website about TMS. Ever heard of him or tried his program? He claims to have the missing link from Dr. Sarno's book.
For now I am going to try to follow that free program on the link you mentioned and look for a TMS practitioner who maybe is cheaper or in my plan.
Erica |
| tennis tom |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 05:59:09
Lara, no that wasn't me that was the OP, she lives in NY. Dr. Sarno only sees patients who live in the tri-states area. You can correspond with him by snail mail, he will reply. To find a list of TMS practitioners see my sig below.
==================================================
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
==================================================
"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
"Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." Author Unknown
"Happy People Are Happy Putters." Frank Nobilo, Golf Analyst
"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." Mark Twain and Balto
======================================================
TMS PRACTITIONERS:
John Sarno, MD
400 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-6035
Here's the TMS practitioners list from the TMS Help Forum:
http://www.tmshelp.com/links.htm
Here's a list of TMS practitioners from the TMS Wiki:
http://tmswiki.org/page/Find+a+TMS+Doctor+or+Therapist
Here's a map of TMS practitioners from the old Tarpit Yoga site, (click on the map by state for listings).:
http://www.tarpityoga.com/2007_08_01_archive.html |
| lara |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 05:18:16
quote:
Originally posted by tennis tom
Glad my tips were of help. I can't take credit for Dr. Schubiner's course that was someone else's advice and I've heard good things about it. If I were you I would see Dr. Sarno and one of his TMS savy therapists, I don't believe cognitive therapy is what he recommends.
It is not contrary to Dr. Sarno's program to take pain killers for symptomatic relief. He does not believe one should suffer. If the Cymbalta is causing you more distress, I would switch to something that makes you feel less anxious then more. I had a bad reaction to Lexapro once that landed me in the ER with what I thought was a heart attack but turned out to be just a panic attack to my great relief. Small doses of anti-depressants have been shown to be effective for helping with TMS back pain. I took a small dose of Celexa for a short period and found it helpful, allowing me to focus better on the issues. I stopped taking it after I felt it did it's job and I didn't like the lack of connection to the now it gave me but had some short term benefit.
If I were you, I would rob a bank, or beg on the street, to get that $1000 and see the Good Doctor! See if you can work out a payment plan. HOW MUCH HAS TMS COST YOU IN QUALITY OF LIFE SO FAR AND FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE? HOW MUCH HAVE YOU SPENT AND WILL CONTINUE TO SPEND ON THINGS THAT DIDN'T WORK? Borrow the money from your fiance. Take the money from your wedding--this is a lot more important.
Why are you skeptical of TMS programs? In the years I've been around this board I've never heard of a TMS program that was a scam. Actually outside of Dr. Schubiner's program I don't know of any others. It may be helpful if you could mention them. I have heard here of TMS'ers having psychotherapy for years and not getting better because they were seeing an ineffective therapist who had no clue as to what TMS was or how to treat someone with it. To educate someone in TMS therapy should take no more than a dozen sessions if they are open to it.
Hope some of this helps,
tt
Tennis Tom,
Are you talking about Dr Sarno? how do i get an appointment with him,i have heard it's almost impossible to be seen b him,specially if you live outside NY .It's 1000? i can rob a bank or use my credit card? |
| tennis tom |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 05:08:24
Glad my tips were of help. I can't take credit for Dr. Schubiner's course that was someone else's advice and I've heard good things about it. If I were you I would see Dr. Sarno and one of his TMS savy therapists, I don't believe cognitive therapy is what he recommends.
It is not contrary to Dr. Sarno's program to take pain killers for symptomatic relief. He does not believe one should suffer. If the Cymbalta is causing you more distress, I would switch to something that makes you feel less anxious then more. I had a bad reaction to Lexapro once that landed me in the ER with what I thought was a heart attack but turned out to be just a panic attack to my great relief. Small doses of anti-depressants have been shown to be effective for helping with TMS back pain. I took a small dose of Celexa for a short period and found it helpful, allowing me to focus better on the issues. I stopped taking it after I felt it did it's job and I didn't like the lack of connection to the now it gave me but had some short term benefit.
If I were you, I would rob a bank, or beg on the street, to get that $1000 and see the Good Doctor! See if you can work out a payment plan. HOW MUCH HAS TMS COST YOU IN QUALITY OF LIFE SO FAR AND FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE? HOW MUCH HAVE YOU SPENT AND WILL CONTINUE TO SPEND ON THINGS THAT DIDN'T WORK? Borrow the money from your fiance. Take the money from your wedding--this is a lot more important.
Why are you skeptical of TMS programs? In the years I've been around this board I've never heard of a TMS program that was a scam. Actually outside of Dr. Schubiner's program I don't know of any others. It may be helpful if you could mention them. I have heard here of TMS'ers having psychotherapy for years and not getting better because they were seeing an ineffective therapist who had no clue as to what TMS was or how to treat someone with it. To educate someone in TMS therapy should take no more than a dozen sessions if they are open to it.
Hope some of this helps,
tt |
| Artgal5986 |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 02:07:54
quote:
Originally posted by tennis tom
TAKE THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS TEST
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale
The above will give you scientific evidence for the causes of TMS/psychosomatic dis-ease. Seemingly good things like getting married, buying a home, etc., cause disruption to one's homeostasis, or comfort zone.
Get a dx from a TMS physician or talk with a TMS savy therapist. Keep reading the books, your thought patterns were developed over the course of your life. It's unrealistic to think you can change them overnight. Sounds like you are a catastrophizer, me too.
==================================================
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
==================================================
"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
"Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." Author Unknown
"Happy People Are Happy Putters." Frank Nobilo, Golf Analyst
"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." Mark Twain and Balto
======================================================
TMS PRACTITIONERS:
John Sarno, MD
400 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-6035
Here's the TMS practitioners list from the TMS Help Forum:
http://www.tmshelp.com/links.htm
Here's a list of TMS practitioners from the TMS Wiki:
http://tmswiki.org/page/Find+a+TMS+Doctor+or+Therapist
Here's a map of TMS practitioners from the old Tarpit Yoga site, (click on the map by state for listings).:
http://www.tarpityoga.com/2007_08_01_archive.html
Tennis tom:
It is very true that even life's successes can add stress to your life. That stress test link was very interesting. While I was fooled to think they would help me find peace because I was checking things off of my life "to do" list they don't because what I really need to do is change how I adjust to life and its changes both good and bad. I am also dealing with a mother who has been going through a major depression for the past two and half years. She has always been such a great deal of support for me and it is so hard to see her suffer and try countless things to get better. I think she is going through "empty nest" but also has a history of bipolar depression from when she was my age. She has always been "super mom" to me and it is hard to see her seem weak and not as excited about the big changes in my life such as buying a house and getting married. I am sure this is a big contributer to my anxiety right now even though it is something I have been living with for a few years now.
Anyway "back" to TMS (pun intended)haha...just adding a little humor. The links you gave are excellent resources. I particularly like http://tmswiki.org/ppd/Structured_Educational_Program because it is
structured and free. I have seen many TMS programs that cost money and I am always skeptical. I even called Dr. Sarno because I live in NY and he costs 1,000.00 for a consultation visit and my insurance doesn't cover it. I did get to speak with him for two minutes haha.
I will definitely start this free program and let you know if it works. 
Erica
P.S what does everyone think about anxiety meds such as cymbalta? I am trying to get on a low dose to help with my anxiety and it is supposed to help pain (which I know is probably against Dr. Sarno's advice because it still makes my pain seem like a physical problem), but I was on it once before and it did give me some help to be able to get more out of my cognitive therapy...however, this time it has been increasing my anxiety and heartbeat for the first 9 days now (which my doctor said it could take two weeks to adjust to my body). Crazy how it did not do this to me before. That's why I hate medication, but I thought I would give it another chance and stay on a low does (20mg).
Thoughts?
(Jeeze, I seem like a mess...but I promise I do have it somewhat together haha) |
| Artgal5986 |
Posted - 02/21/2012 : 01:42:56
Thank you everyone for posting! You have gave me so much to think about and a lot of support. All these responses are really helping me feel like I can do this. Keep them coming!
Erica |
| Back2-It |
Posted - 02/20/2012 : 21:13:15
Hi Artgal5986,
1. Understand anxiety and what it does to your body and any body.
2. Work to get anxiety under control. Read Dr. Claire Weekes, "Hope and Help for your Nerves". There is a fear, anxiety, increased fear escalator. If you understand what anxiety does to a body -- any body-- you will better know how to deal with your problem.
3. Take care of current stressors, which are, most likely, the result of a lifetime of stressors.
4. Believe that your doctors are correct -- that your minor bulging discs are not the cause of your pain. Just believe it! Are you that much smarter than the orthopedists? Accept that the pain is not dangerous, will not be with your your entire life, and is a warning that some life changes must be made.
5. Relax. Meditate, pray, daydream. Give yourself a break in life. Take a vacation and leave the internet connections at home. What are you in a race to achieve? What are you missing with the nose to the grindstone?
6. Observe your thoughts, especially during painful moments Negative thoughts? Stop them; change them to positive. This take practice, but can be done.
7. Know that the pain you are experiencing is and has been experienced by millions of people due to anxiety/depression and stress.
8. Believe Sarno when he talks about the strength of the spine through millions of years of evolution. Your muscle tension alone could be causing discs to bulge.
9. Never, ever get an MRI again for your back, unless you are involved in a horrific accident.
10. Let go. Live. Force a smile, even when you don't feel it, because the feelings will follow the physical action.
"Bridges Freeze Before Roads" |
| andy64tms |
Posted - 02/20/2012 : 20:02:39
Hi Erica,
I too suffer from similar neck pain, and I return from the year 2000 when I had a TMS episode in my lower back. You can read my success story from then "success 2000". In those days there was no forum that I know of, and I was completely alone with Dr Sarno’s book “Healing Back pain”. I was terribly skeptical and cynical about the book. At first read I think I got two chapters in and put it down for several months. I had a hard time absorbing facts, especially about emotions. Eventually I read it through cover to cover. My sweetheart wife also read it through to me one weekend, this really helped and allowed me to just absorb.
My tad piece of advice can be extracted from your last sentence, remove the word “pain” and replace it with “your brain” Your brain is where your issue is. Dr Schubiner has four great videos on his web site that explain how the thought cycle works, they really helped me. www.unlearnyourpain.com They are perfect for you and they are free.
When you get discouraged log on and find a long time poster that you feel comfortable with and read-read.
Good Luck and don’t leave, I want to hear your success story, but it may or may not take time.
|
| tennis tom |
Posted - 02/20/2012 : 18:56:59
TAKE THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS TEST
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale
The above will give you scientific evidence for the causes of TMS/psychosomatic dis-ease. Seemingly good things like getting married, buying a home, etc., cause disruption to one's homeostasis, or comfort zone.
Get a dx from a TMS physician or talk with a TMS savy therapist. Keep reading the books, your thought patterns were developed over the course of your life. It's unrealistic to think you can change them overnight. Sounds like you are a catastrophizer, me too.
==================================================
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
==================================================
"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
"Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." Author Unknown
"Happy People Are Happy Putters." Frank Nobilo, Golf Analyst
"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." Mark Twain and Balto
======================================================
TMS PRACTITIONERS:
John Sarno, MD
400 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-6035
Here's the TMS practitioners list from the TMS Help Forum:
http://www.tmshelp.com/links.htm
Here's a list of TMS practitioners from the TMS Wiki:
http://tmswiki.org/page/Find+a+TMS+Doctor+or+Therapist
Here's a map of TMS practitioners from the old Tarpit Yoga site, (click on the map by state for listings).:
http://www.tarpityoga.com/2007_08_01_archive.html |
| Darko |
Posted - 02/20/2012 : 18:30:39
Hi Erica,
Welcome! I'd advise you to have a read through some of my older posts as I have written many times about negative thoughts in the mind
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2529&SearchTerms=karma,yoga
You sound much like myself! I am now 35 and have had anxiety most of my younger life. I am better now and the only way is to get control of the "scumbag" voice inside your head. It's called the scumbag because it talks to you like youre a scumbag.
I get the feeling you will understand the following statement, if you don't let me know.
All of our "problems", suffering and anxiety are a result of our perspective, which results in mind chatter!
The situation "just is" we perceive it in a certain way, usually negative, and then the negative thoughts come. Negative thoughts lead to negative feelings like anxiety and anger. Negative feelings are suppressed because we don't know how to connect, feel and allow them correctly based on stories we're feed as children. So the mind tries to protect us.....thus TMS is born.
Treating TMS is a two part process in my experience. step 1 = Get control of your mind, or you will spend too much time doing step 2 and will ultimately have tms return as most people do. Step 2 connect, allow, feel your emotions. That doesn't mean allow them you overpower you and become an emotional crazy.
In other words, take away the fuel for the fire, then allow the fire to burn out and the smoke to clear.
The "work" in done in your head...not on your body. Allow the pain and make peace with it as it's just a guide to tell you that the way you're living right now doesn't work well. Use TMS to help you evolve as a person, and then you will see that TMS is the best thing that ever happened to you! 
Good Luck
D
Oh, much of our negative thinking is spawned by deep, negativity beliefs and stories of ourselves in our subconscious minds.
Expose these beliefs and stories so you are aware of them.
This may also help you
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7131&SearchTerms=negative
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| Artgal5986 |
Posted - 02/20/2012 : 18:29:45
quote:
Originally posted by stevep
I've been having pain on and off since about your age. I just turned 30. Now I'm not saying this to discourage you. Quite the opposite actually. I only discovered what TMS is a few months ago. And I had success not a month after reading Healing Back Pain. I became virtually pain free for about two months. But this is where I screwed up. I became complacent and am now having a relapse (see my current relapse thread).
But once you overcome your brain's tricks, and you will, I promise you you'll feel so much better. But only as long as you keep at it while you're feeling better. Don't make my mistake.
I feel like i am in a similar situation as you. After reading the book and going through the steps to ignore the pain and focus on the emotional, I felt like I was getting better and started to exercise again and then I was worrying about losing my job ( I am a 4th year teacher and am always on the chopping block due to the economy and cuts) I had a horrible neck spasm that made me miss a week of work. It was and is very discouraging so I can relate to your previous posts. I guess I was just falling back into my usual negative thinking routine.
Erica |
| lynnl |
Posted - 02/20/2012 : 17:37:26
Erica, I will go out on a limb here and predict that if every sufferer who ever posted here, or other success story from Dr Sarno's books, will be truthful about it, every single one, with NO EXCEPTIONS, will say that when they first picked up one of the books and started reading, their thoughts were "...well yeah, it probably worked for those other people, but I'm just afraid or I doubt, etc. ...that it will really work for me."
And I'll bet you've had similar thoughts. Well, forget that! It will work for you too!
Lynn |
| stevep |
Posted - 02/20/2012 : 17:14:44
I've been having pain on and off since about your age. I just turned 30. Now I'm not saying this to discourage you. Quite the opposite actually. I only discovered what TMS is a few months ago. And I had success not a month after reading Healing Back Pain. I became virtually pain free for about two months. But this is where I screwed up. I became complacent and am now having a relapse (see my current relapse thread).
But once you overcome your brain's tricks, and you will, I promise you you'll feel so much better. But only as long as you keep at it while you're feeling better. Don't make my mistake. |
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