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optimism
44 Posts |
 Posted - 06/08/2006 : 08:35:14
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Has anyone been in the situation that after the most of pain is gone (which lasted more than 10 years), you don't know how to live the normal life again!! If you know what I mean. While I had a pain, I spent most of my time thinking about the pain and didn't have a time or energy to do the "normal" staff. So I forgot what the normal life looks like and don't have much interests now.
Where to start now, I feel really confused?
What is your opinion on this? |
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n/a
560 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2006 : 09:02:49
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I am not pain free, but I would be interested to understand what you mean by the term "living a normal life." Obviously, for you it does mean living a life not obsessed with pain all of the time, but beyond that what does the term "normal" mean? What are some things you dreamed about doing when you were in pain but could not? For me, sheer joy is just sitting in a coffee shop drinking coffee or sitting by the water watching the water or riding my bike, or doing fun activities with my dear wife. These are all precious times for me. What are some things you like to do? Perhaps you could picture yourself with just a short time to live (sorry to sound so morbid) and you are filled with regrets that you did not do certain things. Maybe you can start doing them now. Paint a picture, take a course, go on a trip, join a club of some kind, get involved in volunterring, re-kindle an old friendship, write your life story and try to publish it, etc. The possibilities are endless. You are free. You have been given a second chance, and you are so lucky.
Yes, Optimism, the fact that you recovered from years of TMS pain is a source of inspiration and encouragement for others, especially those on this board who are struggling. You have something to share and others would like to hear about your joy. |
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optimism
44 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2006 : 10:06:31
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Peter, thanks for your reply. No, I am not pain free completely yet, but feel much better, at least not obsessing over the pain most of the time (still do sometimes). I can say I am back pain free 80% of time, still find that the pain travels to other areas or feel depressed sometimes, so I am still on my way to recovery. I do the journaling, have read all the books over there. I think journaling helped me the most, I didn't even had an idea what I felt until I started uncovering my past.
Back to my original question, one of the major things I would like to do is to change my job, but I just feel stuck! Actually, I would like to do something else than what I do right now (I am in computers), but don't know what and where to start from. And sometimes when I think about these changes I get the pain back and then stop thinking about the changes and focus on pain. So, I find it really hard to get unstuck and lead the life I want! And sometimes is that I even don't know what I really want.
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2006 : 10:08:27
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Hi Opti,
Peter gives some good advice. I would add to it what works for me and has always pulled me out of depression, (too much time to think dark thoughts), is physical activity.
I used to be a runner, (13 marathons). I would religiously run a minimum of 30 minutes a day no matter what, rain or shine, (a positive addiction). It gives some structure to the day, clears out the cob-webs, and maintains physical and mental strength in order to face life's TMS creating stressors.
Sarno says to return to "normal activity". What is "normal" will vary individualy, depending upon one's physical condition. I didn't start out running 30 minutes a day, but built up to it, one block at a time. It takes about two weeks to get adaquately conditioned to doing most anything--including brain-surgery.
Find a physical, aerobic activity that works for you. Walking, running, bicycling, rowing, swimming. Something aerobic that you eventually do automaticaly without having to think about it. You should be able to breathe through your nose and not your mouth. When you do that form of breathing it triggers a connection to your involuntary brain creating a natural pace. You shouldn't have to breathe through your mouth and huff and puff.
My sport, tennis, doesn't do this for me because it is stop and start. I supplement it now with pool work, using an Aqua-Jogger, and run in the pool for a 30-50 minutes a day, do to my "bad" hip.
The aerobic exercise will give you a feeling of over-all well being inorder to face and deal with life's daily pressures.
Good Luck,
tt
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Jim1999
USA
210 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2006 : 23:23:10
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quote:
Originally posted by optimism
Back to my original question, one of the major things I would like to do is to change my job, but I just feel stuck! Actually, I would like to do something else than what I do right now (I am in computers), but don't know what and where to start from. And sometimes when I think about these changes I get the pain back and then stop thinking about the changes and focus on pain. So, I find it really hard to get unstuck and lead the life I want! And sometimes is that I even don't know what I really want.
Optimism,
If you don't know what type of job you want, there are various ways to explore your options. There are tests you can take to see what type of job would be good for your personality type, interests, etc. I've taken the Myers-Briggs test (http://www.myersbriggs.org/) twice and think that it is a good one for personality type. Some colleges offer seminars on career changes, including how to figure out what career you want to pursue. I'm sure that there are some good books and websites on the subject, but I don't have any other specific ones to recommend.
There are a lot of options. If you find it hard to choose, it might be more important to just pick one and get started, rather than try to find the best one. You can always explore others later.
Good luck!
Jim
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optimism
44 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2006 : 09:29:54
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Thank you, TT - you seem to be a very strong spirit! I will take your advice.
Jim, thank you very much for that link. It is great. I went over it quickly and it has some great information. |
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Jim1999
USA
210 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2006 : 23:05:17
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| You're welcome! |
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How to live the normal life again??
