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spanmy
Canada
2 Posts |
 Posted - 10/16/2006 : 03:10:13
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Hi,
New to the forum and to the concept of TMS. I have always believed that there is definitely a connection between the mind and body, but had no idea it could be that powerful! For the past 2.5 years I have been in constantly pain and all that comes with that. I grew up as an athlete, good in school and enjoyed challenging situations personally and professionly. My first major diagnosis was chronic compartment syndrome and promptly had fasciotomies for all 4 compartments in both legs... this helped a bit, but still needed modification of activities. Then 2.5 years ago,I started to experience bilateral leg pain to which I decided to take a week of to rest. The week then ended up lasting 3 months. I under went, compartment pressure tests on 2-3 occassions, lots of ultrasounds and CT scans, then also an angiogram after which they decided to give me the diagnosis of bilateral popliteal entrapment... and of course I had surgery, it improved this for about 2 months and straight back to where we left off. I have been on high doses of narcotic pain killers and 2 antidepressants.
I have seen 1 orthopedics, 2 vascular surgeons, rheumatologist, neurologist, chronic pain specialist (psych and rehab, infection control and then an endocrinologist for the Graves disease (auto immune hyperthyroidism) which developed post operatively. All I have left is genetic testing for muscular dystrophy. I broke up with my partner recently due to my not coping/treating my illness. If nothing else it gave me a kind up the bum. I have just started holistic treatment with a local wellness clinic am regularly having chiro, physio, acupuncture, counselling and infrared sauna detox. I have started cutting down meds and looking forward to functioning without mind numbing meds.
I am reading the MBP and like many others... the book is about ME!! I have just found Dr Schechter's workbook and audio CD online... would love to hear people's views. Also does anyone find a difference in success rate and time frame of a patient who is seen directly in a clinic as opposed to working independently with the books and workbooks, CD's, Dvd's Lastly, if there are any medical professionals in this forum... how can such a diagnosis and treatment program be created in a small town... I have a degree in nursing and sports science and live in BC, Canada.
Thanks, I look forward to reading any feedback
Changing my world... one thought at a time ;) |
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shawnsmith
Czech Republic
2048 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2006 : 06:08:53
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Hi Spanmy
You wrote: "I am reading the MBP and like many others... the book is about ME!!"
That is indeed a very good start; your ackowledgement that you fit the personality profile of someone who is prone to TMS type symptoms.
I would suggest you not get too caught up in recovery times as, ironically, doing so can actually impede progress. This is what Dr. Sopher, another TMS doctor, said in his book:
"For reasons that are not entirely clear to both Dr. Sarno and
myself, there is great variability in the time required for symptom
resolution. This gets back to the notion of doubt. If someone states
they truly believe that TMS is the problem, that they have been doing
the mental homework and yet are distressed that their symptoms
persist, they may question whether they have TMS. This has the
elements of a catch-22. If you begin to doubt there is a psychological
cause, that there could be a physical cause, then the work is undone
and the brain’s strategy of creating a physical distraction will triumph.
"This is part of what I refer to as The Calendar Phenomenon. By this
time, everyone may know of someone whose symptoms vanished
immediately after reading the book or shortly after seeing a physician
trained in TMS treatment. So, an expectation is created in their mind
that their symptoms should recede soon after incorporating this
philosophy. They look at the calendar and become upset as days and
weeks go by. This is where I tell people to look back at their
personalities. The calendar phenomenon is another manifestation of perfectionist tendencies – it is self-imposed pressure to succeed and
succeed quickly. If they can recognize this aspect of their personality and add it to their “list” of sources of stress, relief will be on the way." |
Edited by - shawnsmith on 10/16/2006 06:09:40 |
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spanmy
Canada
2 Posts |
Posted - 10/31/2006 : 10:36:57
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thanks for your input. I have just gotten Sarno's new book 'the divided mind' and a workbook by Dr Schechter. I have continued to work with my care providers at the wellness centre 'who use the Psychology of Vision' care map model and just completed my first workshop and I must say that it is absolutely frightening what actually lies in the unconscious mind. I used to think that I had a normal childhood and have been a nice person... forginess and acceptance is the key and since the weekend I have come of the remained of my anti depressants, I have gotten a new job which will focus on wellness within an occupational health framework!
But mostly I am just blown away by how easy it is and to think that I have suffered for two and a half years!!
Changing my world... one thought at a time ;) |
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holly
USA
243 Posts |
Posted - 10/31/2006 : 16:35:54
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| Shaunsmith thank you for that post! The time element that I just posted about under my neuroma thread regarding my polyneurophy in my toes for the past 3 years falls into this situation. I am pretty much convienced that because it constantly persists and has been with me for so long that it means it most likely isn't TMS. I might have to start re-evaluating my on going problem as TMS! Is it worth getting Sophers book too?? I never read that persay (and so well put) in Sarnos book. |
Edited by - holly on 10/31/2006 16:36:56 |
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HilaryN
United Kingdom
879 Posts |
Posted - 10/31/2006 : 16:49:01
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Welcome, spanmy.
quote:
does anyone find a difference in success rate and time frame of a patient who is seen directly in a clinic as opposed to working independently with the books and workbooks, CD's, Dvd's
I think the main advantage of going to a clinic is having the reinforcement and encouragement of a medical specialist, which is very reassuring.
One of the key factors which helped me through was getting encouragement from a couple of people who had already got better through Sarno's method. (I didn't have access to a TMS doctor and I didn't know about this forum then.) Without that encouragement I would never have persevered.
I think that with the help of people on this forum to give you encouragement and answer questions, you'll be able to get through.
Shawn's quote is very true. When I read The Mindbody Prescription I got the impression that recovery (or at least improvement) should be immediate, and many people come on to this forum asking why they haven't got better as soon as they have read the book.
I'm sure you'll get better, and I wish you all the best.
Hilary N |
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Stryder
686 Posts |
Posted - 11/01/2006 : 09:52:31
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regularly having chiro, physio, acupuncture, counselling and infrared sauna detox.
In order to reject any physical DX you need to stop the above treatments except maybe the counselling. These activities are only serving as a distraction to your inner rage, and any percieved benefit is only from the placebo effect.
Take care, -Stryder |
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RN in pain
