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Steve
USA
48 Posts |
 Posted - 08/02/2004 : 09:27:57
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Well, I'm going on over 4 months now that I've been in pretty constant pain - mostly in the form of mouth pain (TMJ, TMD, burning mouth). I know this is TMS because it's moved for fleeting moments to my back, numbness in my hand, headaches, sneezing fits, etc etc.
I believe I made some small inroads of late as I finally "understand" what it means to think psychologically. I spend the first 2 months trying to understand the TMS process and what the "2 minds" are - one physical and one pychological.
However, I notice that everytime I'm ready to start focusing on what is bothering me, I procrastinate. I start watching TV, or surfing the net, or making lists (my form of OCD), or picking my finger nails or whatever. Or I can't get some stupid song in my head that my brain keeps playing over and over. It's like the brain will direct me into these directions so I can't focus on what's really bothering me.
Anyway, I have noticed that by thinking psychologically the pain does really diminish, but only a little. Some modest relief. However, my question is, DO I HAVE TO RETRAIN MY BRAIN TO ALWAYS THINK THIS WAY? It can be hard....I mean, how does one think psychologically when having a conversation?
When I wake up in the morning, I alwasy find myself back to square one, obsessing on the pain. It's like my brain is a magnet that keeps pulling my thoughts away from thinking about all the painful emotional things that have happened to me and back to the physical.
Please help me - I'm starting to get pretty desperate. I really want to know if |
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Susie
USA
319 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2004 : 09:45:20
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| Steve-Your post shows that you are very aware that your brain is trying to distract you. Awareness is the first step. Take the next step and redirect your thoughts at the time your brain is fighting. It is just like a kid plugging his ears and humming and saying "I can't hear you". Thats what your brain is doing. It's trying to plug your ears. You really have the ultimate control. You just haven't exercised it. Yes, you must learn to retrain your brain, but it just takes time and patience. Just as you would think, "I have a headache, I need an advil," now you must think, I have a headache, what's really bothering me?" Then just try to focus on what's bothering you. It really works, myself and the other board members are living proof. In the beginning be prepared to backslide. It happens to all of us. It is a constant tug of war. I know I will be pulling the rest of my life, but it has become much easier and I feel so much better. Once you develope a pattern of thinking that works for you, you can kick it into action when you need it and it will become very natural for you. It just takes practice. Good luck to you. |
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Steve
USA
48 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2004 : 15:58:45
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Susie - that is some great advice, especially the part about "plugging your ears" and not listening. I started journaling 2 weeks ago which seems to help also. But I think the bottom line is that this is constant work.
I've been fighting this demon for over 4 agonizing months now and have been totally miserable, which I realize is nothing compared to others who have battled pain for many years and still were able to cure themselves. To those people, you have my utter admiration for such an accomplishment.
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Carolyn
184 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2004 : 20:04:59
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Steve- You say you have only been journaling for 2 weeks and I think this is a very important part of recovery- after you journal for some time, you will be surprised at the things you dig up. I think also helps you to think psycholgically when the pain arises because you'll have a better idea of what your triggers may be. Often, it may not be what you assume it is. And besides it seems to be this process of digging into past hurts and relationships that helps to tame the TMS. I know that for me it was a gradual process but I always found that when the pain increased, if I journaled for a few nights in a row, i could get it back under control. Now that my pain is much less, I seem to be able to keep it down just with turning my thoughts to the psycholgical most to the time. Just keep at it, keep reading, keep journaling and keep thinking psychologically. So many people have recovered this way so it's certainly worth the all-out effort.
Carolyn |
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Irish Jimmy
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2004 : 20:47:20
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Steve, as Carolyn mentioned journaling is very benefitial. My advice to you would be to set aside some time each day to journal. If this means giving up the TV or computer for a half-hour, give them up. The benefits of being pain free far outway anything on TV.
You might also want to try having a phrase to repeat when you feel pain when your busy and going about your day. When I'm aware of pain, and I'm working or talking to someone, and I really don't have the time right then and there to think too psychological, I simply say to my unconscious "Knock off the distraction, I know this is TMS". This has helped me alot. I hope this helps you, Good Luck. |
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GeeWhiz
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2004 : 23:55:37
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I agree with all of the above. I have suffered mightly since about my mid 20s and I just turned 68. It's funny to realize that I actually stopped a lot of the pain on my own years before I heard of Dr. Sarno. I made a big realization that I liked the attention I got when I was in pain. Then, too, I also remember as a child I finally figured my mom spanked me to make me cry. The sooner I cried the quicker she stopped...really good advance training for TMS.
There have been times when I hurt so bad and was so tired of being in pain that I would threaten my unconscious with, "Leave me alone or I'll commit suicide then you won't be able to hurt me anymore." That also has been helpful.
For the past few weeks I have been mostly pain free. However, every time I get up from my Lazy Boy I sort of expect my right hip to give me trouble. I am surprised the time when it dosen't hurt but I can only feel uncomfortable pressure. I find myself saying as I take that first step. Hummmm, it seems to be doing better and better all the time. Why, because it is getting better and better.
Also, I have a lot of old people pain. I have begun to wonder how much is ligit and how much is TMS. Guess what, even that pain has begun to lessen.
Keep up the self talk. It will work. One day you will be pleasently surprised. Then you can say to your unconscious, "See, I told you so." |
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mode of thinking - please help
