| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| flower |
Posted - 10/22/2013 : 14:57:08
Hey guys
I'd like to share my story with you, and hopefully get some guidance. Here goes:
1,5 years ago, I failed my semester at school. My fellow-tms-sufferes; I cant even begin to tell you how devestating that was for me. I took it like, one would react to death..anyway Two days later - when bench pressing at the gym - i tore my supraspinatus tendon partially. Doctors told me, that it wasnt that big of a deal, and that it would eventually heal out.
The days goes by, and suddenly my back keeps hurting me. I cant walk, I cant workout or do anything (the school thing is still bothering me). The pain of the shoulder, and my newly gotten agonizing condition of strange pain in my back drives me crazy, and takes away everything from me. The result is a depression. A really bad one. I am convinced that, I can no longer function as a normal human being ..
eventually my doctor orders me a MRI (of my back) , which shows absolutely nothing - my back is perfectly fine, and a few days later I can walk, run and even resume to my martial arts once again. Life's all good, until everything that I've ever felt of pain before, concentrates around my shoulder.
Once again I consult my doctor, with the hopes of getting some kind of explanation. Now keep in mind, that I own dr.John Sarnos book, and that it did wonders for me - especially with my back issue. It did a lot less for my shoulder. Anyway my doctor gives me an ultrasound-scan of my shoulder, and tells me that everything is super-duper.
Can you imagine how disheartening this was for me? I mean; I am physically fit (apparently), and Sarnos book doesnt help me at all..I love to work out (and to lift), but I feel like its interfering with the things I desire to do..
So the question is:
What should I do? I am so sick and tired of feeling like this! Its been like this for 1,5 years now..I know I am stressed as hell, and I know that the pain is all going on/being produced by my brain as a distraction, leading to oxygen deprivation. But what can I do, now that everything else (including Sarnos teachings) has been tried?
|
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| andy64tms |
Posted - 10/24/2013 : 16:41:29
With a name like “flower”, how can I accuse you of being macho? It’s a great name. Why did you pick it, we all need to know?
Andy
Past TMS Experience in 2000, with success.
Charlie Horse on neck for 20 years, is almost gone.
Books:
Healing Back Pain
Unlearn your Pain
The Great Pain Deception |
| andy64tms |
Posted - 10/24/2013 : 16:34:10
Hi flower,
You got some good answers for a first post, so I’ll try not to duplicate.
Most men have a macho streak. We are competitive, like to win, look good and portray manliness. I have noticed when I am chatting to another guy having a pleasant conversation, that if a third man joins in – the bull **** flows! It’s rather comical, as each try to outdo the other sometimes with explicit and vulgar exaggeration.
I have been described even by a doctor as a “skinny Englishman”, and as such took to the gym with a trainer last fall. It was a great experience for me at the age of 65. I added Working out to Swimming, Yoga and Windsurfing. I don’t always look too good or manly – especially afterwards, but I feel good mentally and physically. I try to be passive, gentle and avoiding focusing or thinking about my painful neck.
Working on looking good physically or academically, it’s not about your appearance, but how it makes you feel inside. I’m sure you know this deep down, but might need reminding.
I hope your pain subsides, diminishes and stops getting your attention.
Andy
Past TMS Experience in 2000, with success.
Charlie Horse on neck for 20 years, is almost gone.
Books:
Healing Back Pain
Unlearn your Pain
The Great Pain Deception |
| flower |
Posted - 10/24/2013 : 15:01:34
Hey guys
Wow - thanks alot for the replies (didnt expect so many of them to be honest)
#TennisTom: I'll definately be looking into that book - I've also heard alot about "the great pain deception" before. Thanks man!
#BarberBoy; thanks alot for your reply. It seems like you're making a good point. I too feel that the workout itself doesnt cause the pain. It is the breaks inbetween the workouts, that are bothering me. Wauw; so I guess that I am not alone on this one! I remember, that Sarno mentioned something about "talking to yourself", or as you've put it; using "mantras". Do they help you? Do you feel differently by them?
#Dave: I did actually accept the concept with my back pain, and it went away. I really cant comprehend the difficulties I am having with my shoulder now. Maybe it is my commitment...I wouldnt know :S
#Peregrinus; Well, when one is desperate everything seems to be an option. I am telling you, the pain was excruciating! By the way; I am proud to inform you, that I am currently taking my masters degree  |
| tennis tom |
Posted - 10/23/2013 : 20:04:01
quote:
Originally posted by Peregrinus
Also try studying more and looking in the mirror less.
Sorry, but that's pretty funny. |
| Peregrinus |
Posted - 10/23/2013 : 16:39:25
quote:
Originally posted by flower
5 years ago, I failed my semester at school. ...Two days later - when bench pressing at the gym - i tore my supraspinatus tendon partially. ...The days goes by, and suddenly my back keeps hurting me. I cant walk, I cant workout or do anything ...The pain of the shoulder, and my newly gotten (sic) agonizing condition of strange pain in my back drives me crazy, ...a MRI (of my back) , which shows absolutely nothing - my back is perfectly fine, and a few days later I can walk, run and even resume to my martial arts ...
with the hopes of getting some kind of explanation... my doctor gives me an ultrasound-scan of my shoulder, and tells me that everything is super-duper.
... I am physically fit (apparently), and Sarnos book doesnt help me at all..I love to work out (and to lift..
Flowerboy:
Let's see you lift weights, run, practice martial arts, and love to work out. It sounds perfect! So perfect that you seek a doctor's confirmation. But wait, you flunked out of school! That's not being perfect. But maybe it's the fault of Sarno's book.
The reason your failure at school was so troubling was that it showed that you are not the person you think you are. Get a handle on that and you problems will go away. Also try studying more and looking in the mirror less. |
| Dave |
Posted - 10/23/2013 : 08:32:29
quote:
Originally posted by flower
Can you imagine how disheartening this was for me? I mean; I am physically fit (apparently), and Sarnos book doesnt help me at all..
Afraid that last statement shows a lack of commitment.
Dr. Sarno's book is not a magic cure. The majority of people do not experience total relief simply by reading the book. It takes work.
Your experience seems consistent with TMS. Your brain has found a symptom (shoulder pain) that grabs your attention. This time around simply reading the book will not "do wonders" for you. Your brain has upped the ante, and you have to do the same. You need to truly commit 100% to the treatment and do the work. Take a long-term view and do not put a timetable on your recovery. Trust that over time the symptoms will fade on their own as long as you make the commitment and stick with it. |
| barberboy |
Posted - 10/23/2013 : 06:27:47
Hi flower, welcome aboard.
I can totally relate to your problem. I too LOVE to lift. I've being doing so for over 20 years now. I'm sorry to hear about your shoulder. Been there...done that. I'm by far, not an expert but the only advice I can give to you is to try to work around it, while keeping in mind that your pain isn't physical. Try to find a couple of exercises that don't bother it. If you take time off from the gym, it'll only reinforce any lingering doubts you have about your pain being psychological. I'm in the midst of some horrible tennis/golfers elbow right now but I force myself to the gym almost everyday & hammer away at it. It actually feels better when I work it out but the pain increases significantly once I stop (conditioning). The thing that keeps me going is that despite all this training, my elbow hasn't gotten worse. Try to concentrate on a body part that feels good when you lift. I know that's very difficult to do but you have to shift your attention away from the pain. I always use some mantras while I'm setting up for a lift. "Everything's ok" "I'm perfectly healthy" "There's nothing wrong with my elbow", etc, etc. I find that these help. You have to give it time & try not to try too hard. Just try to relax & let it happen. It'll probably take a bit of time but that's ok. Don't stress yourself out by trying to rush the healing process. It has worked for my shoulders in the past & it'll work for yours. Try to keep the faith.
Anyway, I hope I helped a bit. You've come to the right place though. There are some very knowledgeable people on this forum & I highly recommend going back in the archives & digging around.
Take care. |
| tennis tom |
Posted - 10/22/2013 : 17:38:08
There's a TMS Wiki book group phone-in tonight discussing your topic "SI", the SYMPTOM IMPERATIVE. It's Chapter 10 of Steven Ray Ozanich's book "THE GREAT PAIN DECEPTION". If Sarno isn't helping you any longer, SteveO's great TMS book might. Here's a link explaining how to connect to it, it's not as difficult as it may seem:
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8837
G'luck!
tt
==================================================
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
"The hot-dog is the noblest of dogs; it feeds the hand that bites it." Dr. Laurence Johnston Peter
"...the human emotional system was not designed to endure the mental rigors of a tennis match." Dr. Allen Fox
======================================================
"If it ends with "itis" or "algia" or "syndrome" and doctors can't figure out what causes it, then it might be TMS." Dave the Mod =================================================
TMS PRACTITIONERS:
John Sarno, MD
400 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-6035
Dr. Sarno is now retired, if you call this number you will be referred to his associate Dr. Rashbaum.
"...there are so many things little and big that are tms, I wouldn't have time to write about all of them": Told to icelikeaninja by Dr. Sarno
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/ppd/Find_a_TMS_Doctor_or_Therapist
|
|
|
