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DocSprocket
USA
3 Posts |
 Posted - 07/05/2007 : 02:03:08
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I'm starting this thread specifically on yeast overgrowth and parasitical nightmares -- but really it could involve any allergy or immune disorder brought on by TMS. This is directed at Suz, Michelle (molomaf), Jeff, bjmjpl or anyone else who may have travelled down this path --
I have questions about the Sarno technique on internal processes like digestion, intestinal flora and toxic overloads -- and the difference between their mechanics verses simple TMS pain.
I've seen some threads on allergies, acne, psoriasis and especially Candida -- in fact I credit Suz and her quote "I asked Sarno directly and he said that Yeast infections/candidiasis is exactly the same as the back pain. It can be switched off in the same way." with getting me through some real HELL-RIDES lately.
I'm 33, a PRIME candidate for TMS-related symptoms: perfectionist, shame-filled, incredibly shy, insanely polite & overly helpful to every last human being I come in contact with, overly concerned with what the world thinks about my every move, repressed, obsessed, and royally pissed off down to my DNA.
I had a hell of a time as a youngster in school, nerves and anxiety-wise, which resulted in some incredible bouts of asthma. Some of the worst landed me in the hospital for extended stays, stays which docs blasted my system with hardcore antibiotics. I grew out of the asthma, or perhaps didn't need it as a distraction anymore, after I moved out at 18 -- following up in my with 20s with years of cigarette smoking (I know, insane) and serious junk food consumption, and I mean SERIOUS. Horrid nutrition, almost no veggies, almost nothing going in but snack cakes, burgers and candy. I am a sugar JUNKIE to this day (surely an emotional escape).
I should also mention that since about 7th grade, my back and upper body, and to a lesser extent my face, has been plagued with awful scarring acne, which NEVER responded to antibiotics. (I also have white spots all over the place, just under the skin, which I assume is candida.)
ANYWAY, in 1999 I began to get sick, sick in ways I never imagined -- exhausted, breathing problems, food reactions -- no doc could set me straight or figure out what was going on. It was a nightmare. Finallly, I stumbled onto the Candida-Candidiasis theory and never looked back -- it made perfect sense. Though the condition can't really be tested for, and mainstream doctors for the most part disavow it, I'm convinced that's what's been going on with me. The antibiotics knocked out my healthy flora, the junk food fed the yeast and parasites. The stress kept the ship running full-speed. I hooked up with a terrific homeopathic expert and began a strict diet of proteins and veggies, water, kyolic garlic, supplements and probiotics....
...and I would call the period of 2000 to 2006 the worst of my life. If this is the "cure" to Candida, give me a bullet. Give me two. I shrunk down to nothing, was constantly miserable and weak, always obsessed with eating "normal food", always in hell. Often I'll get so sick from the constipation, the fermenting of undigested food, the feelings of toxic overload, or the terrible feelings of choking, breathlessness, blood sugar drops, and insomnia that I'll consider going to the ER. But I'll always ride it out, and live to see another chemically imbalanced day.
I discovered Sarno, THANK GOD, and have been reading both The Mind-Body Connection and The Divided Mind -- and I have no doubt that this condition, this internal set-up, CANDIDA, is a TMS equivalent. I'm still battling through huge emotional-issues in life, so I'm not surprised this is still distracting my every waking moment.
But here's my question:
As of this writing I am still acne-covered, bloated to the point I look like I'm pregnant, have all manners of food allergies, addictions and intolerances. I fluctuate from terrified to furious to hopeful. Sarno's work obviously is set up to battle physical pain -- while he suggests using the same principles for allergies and immune disorders, even OCD. And believe me, I'm doing it. I'm giving it HELL. Day in day out, I'm Sarno-izing it.
But if in fact my system is beat down with Candida and parasites, and I CORRECTLY use the Sarno technique to redirect my subconsious, SHUT DOWN the distraction from my inner rage, if everything goes right...
...what will happen internally? For someone with back or neck pain, the pain will subside. But for me (and folks with these conditions), will the body's immune system come back to life with a vengeance, begin to pick up the slack, forcing the yeast and parasites out? Will this state come in the form of a high fever, or "healing crisis" as my body goes through the "die-off" of the yeast? Or will it all just subside? What's the theory there? Has anyone beat this monster?
I'm looking forward to the day I wake up to a non-bloated belly, no acne, no fermentation or chemical sensitivities, freedom to eat whatever. And of course a healthy approach to the depths of my inner rage. And it WILL COME. I'm going to defeat this. But I tend to overthink things, and since the methods of undoing Candida-TMS aren't so clearly defined in Sanro's books, I thought I'd ask you all.
Thanks! |
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2007 : 08:43:33
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I'm not sure anyone knows what will happen, but here's a possibility you may not have considered: that the immune suppression was always TMS, and not the antibiotics, and the "candida" is just strange symptoms caused by digestive TMS equivalents. (BTW, I have never heard of white skin spots as being candida, but then again I've only heard about it from a friend and my mom. Who both had no or temporary placebo success with the candida diet, hmmm...) That would mean that when you do triumph, nothing much will happen except that you stop getting sick a lot. Which would be pretty cool.
--
Wherever you go, there you are. |
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h2oskier25
USA
395 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2007 : 10:02:35
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I don't know. I credit the anti candida diet with fixing me up SO much physically, that the only thing left was the pain due to my TMS, which I tackled a couple years later.
The health I gained back from that diet empowered me over my doctors for the first time in my life, and that gave me the roots to take on the x-rays and mri's, and fully cure my TMS.
The anti candida diet was the only thing that remove the bloating, got my complexion back to normal, restored my natural energy, etc.
Believe what you will, but I don't believe man can live on twinkies and ho-ho's and say he's got TMS when he's sickly.
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2007 : 10:17:37
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quote:
ho-ho's
yummie 
Doc, complicated issues, but you're in the right place. It's a journey, and your developing awareness of the role of the mind in all of this is all to the good. I can't tell you when you'll get better, or how, but there's evry chance of substantial improvement. A very large percentage of those who find their way here recovers. |
Edited by - art on 07/05/2007 10:19:06 |
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Jeff
USA
68 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2007 : 10:19:24
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Your anxiety over this issue is exactly what the TMS gremlin in your head wants. It wants you to worry and obsess over this, and to worry whether this is candida, parasites, etc. I went through that same phase, and I have now (largely) climbed out of it. The key is not blaming your conditions/symptoms on physical causes. Once you rule that out, I think you will be in a position to begin recovery. One caveat -- recovery for me has not occurred quickly or in a linear manner (there are setbacks along the way). If you can afford it, I would bet psychotherapy might be useful. The key is to understand and believe that your issues are not the result of physical causes. They are real -- and may even need to be treated by dietary changes, etc. -- but they do not stem from physical casues. Just my two cents.
Jeff |
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Suz
559 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2007 : 15:25:55
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Hmm.. this is an incredibly tough one for me. I don't have any back pain any more - do suffer from occasional insomnia but my biggest problem right now is acne and digestive issues. I am 37 years old and completely sick of having bad skin. I have taken myself off all sugars and grains again and as always happens, my digestive issues go away and my skin glows. So - what to do???? I just don't know.
I do the blood type diet - Dr Sarno said it was a load of nonsense and that diet is the biggest placebo. I just have not been able to beat the acne or digestive issues. However - I have my doubts - why? because I have been on vacation when I am extremely relaxed and have eaten whatever I want, and my skin has stayed clear. I think it might actually be a huge distraction for me - and it is a TMS equivalent - caused by my anger and resentment in my job. I am going to talk to my psychologist about this and see what he says. I am sick of denying myself things. I do love having clear skin and this is such a battle. |
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2007 : 16:00:58
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These are such complex issues. I also do much better when on vacation, which of course says a great deal about the role of the mind right there.
Suz, no doubt old ground for you, but have you been checked for celiac? |
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stanfr
USA
268 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2007 : 10:26:07
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Man, i SO relate to this post! I had acne and was treated for years with strong antibiotics. So when my sinus congestion problems got worse this past year, the candida hypothesis was seductive to me too, and i figured it was a yeast infection, particularly after i tried the infamous saliva test and "tested positive" for overgrowth.
(Aside: why with 10 billion websites there is no definitive source that actually tells you whether this test is actually valid or not makes my blood boil--seems like a simple enough thing to either prove or debunk!)
So, after my septoplasty, when the symptom inmperative kicked in and gave me a rash--i assumed the rash was fungus and began treating it that way--until i went to the dr and it turned out to be psoriasis. When i learned that psoriasis was "stress related" I knew that it was a relapse of TMS (since i had TMS 10+ yrs ago).
I have been intrigued by the candida hypothesis, but my gut (pun intended) tells me its not "perfect sense" but perfect nonsense!
WHy should it be so hard to prove? Either the toxins are getting in or they aint--why can't this be demonstrated scientifically?? WHere is the hardcore research on this?? This aint psychology, its physiology, and unlike TMS their should be black and white double-blind testing to prove "leaky gut". As someone mentioned strict diet is a hugely strong placebo, because it entails a drastic change in your lifestyle. Now, the lifestyle change itself might be a good thing, but there's a fine line where it gets to be that you are relying on the change as a psychological crutch, and that's exactly what the TMS gremlin wants, as pointed out by Jeff. I feel like if i give up my microbrews, it's only gonna convince the gremlin that it has the upper hand, cause its got me to change my personality/tastes.
I would simply like to see real, solid evidence on 'leaky gut'. Where is it?? |
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HilaryN
United Kingdom
879 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2007 : 14:34:31
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What are ho-ho’s? Are they chocolate biscuits?
Great post, DocSprocket. I wouldn’t tie yourself too much to what you consider to be the symptoms of healing from candida. My theory is that it will all just subside – but if you expect certain symptoms, then you’re likely to get them.
Hilary N |
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Stryder
686 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2007 : 17:22:12
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quote:
Originally posted by HilaryN
What are ho-ho’s? Are they chocolate biscuits?...
Basically yes,,, cake rather... http://www.hostesscakes.com/hohos.asp ...basically junk food.
Mmmm.
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Edited by - Stryder on 07/06/2007 17:23:00 |
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Scottydog
United Kingdom
330 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2007 : 17:55:19
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Hi DocSprocket,
I had a year and a half on a gluten free diet. This was before I'd discovered Sarno but after helping my elderly parents, one with terminal bowel cancer and the other with kidney failure. So, a very stressful time but also angering (hard to admit you are angry at a time like this when it's your own poor parents) as all the responsibility landed on me when I am one of five.
I suffered from severe bloating and wind - so bad I thought i'd have to give up my part time work! - but the wheat free diet appeared to fix it. On reading Sarno, then working out what the repressed anger was from, I am fully cured now and can eat anything. Although I was convinced it was TMS I still had some severe cramps and worse for a few weeks when I came off the gluten free diet but persevered.
I still have yeasty problems, mild dandruff, itching between toes but nothing worth worrying about.
Keep journalling and if you can figure out what the underlying cause of the problem it will help you overcome your TMS.
My middle daughter had acne, the only one in the family. I think it was middle child syndrome - the eldest is the first born which gives then some kudos, the youngest is the baby and gets spoiled, the middle one gets ignored! (in their eyes).
Anne
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2007 : 18:17:21
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quote:
suffered from severe bloating and wind - so bad I thought i'd have to give up my part time work! - but the wheat free diet appeared to fix it. On reading Sarno, then working out what the repressed anger was from, I am fully cured now and can eat anything. Although I was convinced it was TMS I still had some severe cramps and worse for a few weeks when I came off the gluten free diet but persevered.
I've a friend who's been diagnosed with celiac. There seems to be a pretty definitive test for this. Is it real, or yet another in a long, long list of psychosomatic ills? |
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yowire
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2007 : 19:51:30
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Hi DocSprocket
I went through the whole candida thing many years ago. Like you, I thought for sure that candidiasis was the reason for all my numerous symptoms, many of which are the same as what you describe (exhaustion, breathing problems, chemical sensitivities, food reactions, bloating etc.)
Like you, I also pictured myself being overrun by yeast, parasites and toxins. I found Doctors who would treat me with long courses of anti-fungal drugs and I was put on an anti-candida diet. These regimens did absolutely nothing, of course.
I realized later that the reason for their ineffectiveness was because I had no Candida problem. If I was a betting man, I would bet everything I owned that you also do not have Candidiasis.
While I am not a Doctor and cannot diagnose you over the internet, I just can't help but reply to you because your personality description and accompanying symptoms are so very similar to my own. The good news is that all of these symptoms go away. They are TMS equivalents.
Here is what you must do.
1. Get rid of the image of yourself that you are infested with yeast, parasites and toxins. It is almost surely completely false.
2. Do not fear your condition or have any other emotional reaction to your symptoms.
3. Continue to read DR. Sarno's books and apply his treatment program.
If you do these things your future will be very bright. I only have a few very minor symptoms anymore which don't affect my life in any real way.
Yowire |
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HilaryN
United Kingdom
879 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2007 : 15:37:01
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Thanks for the explanation of ho-ho’s, Stryder!
Hilary N |
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DocSprocket
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2007 : 12:05:10
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I can't thank you all enough for the responses -- they're as inspirational (and equally helpful) as the actual Sarno texts -- just knowing other folks have battled similar symptoms AND BEAT THEM is a great weapon in my Rambo-style arsenal against the subconscious.
I took a week to experiment, just going all-out -- reversing course from fear and my expected reactions to food (and life) -- and it's proven to be an eye-opening 7 days.
But first some quick replies:
Armchair -- I'm going with your take on things, hoping the symptoms just die off, subside, are forgotten.
h2oskier -- thanks for the input, I appreciate it. I think it may be a classic "different strokes for different folks" as far as the diet goes: I was on a strict protein and vegetable diet from 2001 till about 4 weeks ago. No sugar, no bread, milk, processed anything, nada, zip. Took all the vitamins, supplements and anti-fungals you can image, pro-biotics, a product called Aqua-flora... I bring this up to illustrate if ANYONE was going to have given his intestines and GI tract time to recover and heal from an actual candida overgrowth or leaky gut, it was me. And yet, surprise, I was as sick & miserable last December as I was December 2002. Zero body fat (ha!) -- but just as sick, bloated and miserable. I'm going to hafta put that into the "candida as distraction" pile -- because it never made any sense -- I should be a healthy, yeast-free SOB about now... and I never got close! (the frustration was what ultimately led me to Sarno... so all's well that ends well!)
Art -- yeah, I'm figuring the more light I shine on my subconscious and its game, the less I even THINK about intestinal balance, yeast mutations, parasites -- the easier this is gonna get.
Jeff -- Ha, yeah, thanks for that. As evidenced by the length of my original post, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: I've taken this anxiety to an insane level. I took the TMS ball and ran with it!
Suz -- Thanks for the scoop -- endlessly interesting. I had a 3-day vacation at Disneyland in 2004, ate "normally" for the first time in 3 years, AND WAS FINE. Only when I got home did I fall apart. Sick as all hell -- figured it just took time for that "normal" food to wreck my system again -- but now I see it for what it was: TMS-BS. I'm right with you -- I'm done denying thing in myself things in life. And I don't just mean food! Those 6 years of strict dieting did zero for me...
stanfr -- Amen! For every doc telling you this type of Candidiasis is absurd there are 25 websites telling you the rampant use of antibiotics and sugar has created a silent epidemic. I went for years grumbling about doctors who just "didnt get it", waiting for science to catch up with what I knew to be 100 percent correct. The nutritionist I worked with for those 6 years had cured herself of Candida, even wrote a book about it. But looking back... I'm not altogether sure it wasn't TMS for her either, and she's just living the placebo lifestyle!
HilaryN -- Thanks for the support -- and I'm more of a Chocodile man, myself. Chocolate covered twinkies. Really tough to find, one of the perks to living in California in the 90's! Take that "candida"! http://www.freshchocodiles.com/
Scottydog -- Another great post to convince me I've been my own worst enemy, many thanks!
yowire -- Thanks! You're an angel, man -- cant thank you enough -- I've been running your post through my head all week.
Now, briefly, here's my update --
Sarno's definition of "cure" for back pain is that there must be little or no symptoms left -- that there be no physical restrictions and no fear of physical activity -- and that all physical treatments must be discontinued...
So the way I see it, for me and my condition, that would mean eating ANYTHING, and dropping ALL MY SUPPLEMENTS... both ideas that, of course, SCARE THE HELL OUTTA ME.
I decided to "go for it" -- took a deep breath, and dove in:
I dropped all of my vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, anti-candida meds -- all of it. I always believed if I went of off that stuff for more than a day or two, I'd be done for. Hospitalized, near death, screwed beyond reason.
Well, suprise! Its been a week, and I'm alive. I ate bread, cheese, milk, sugar, juice... anything, EVERYTHING. HA! (I may hafta go dig some Ho-Hos up, just to really thumb my nose at the "yeast") Anyway, I've had all manner of extreme bloating, cramping, constipation, reverse-constipation, weird symptoms kicking up left and right... but I'M ALIVE. My facial acne is subsiding enough to excite the hell out of me -- and while my body acne seems to be about the same, I could care less... I know I'm going to win this.
What is almost as exciting about the prospect of getting my life back -- getting out of this self-imposed Shawshank prison and leaving the NIGHTMARE WORLD of "candida" behind -- is the focus on my inner-workings -- my mind, spirit, soul, what have you. One of the great and unexpected side effects of this program is the self-focus: figuring yourself out, repairing the old damage, taking an honest look at how you view and deal with the world. I went in just wanting to free myself of these hell-ride symptoms... I'm gonna come out a better person.
Thanks again for all the input, folks.
You all rock! |
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stanfr
USA
268 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2007 : 17:45:07
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Doc,
that response is a classic example of the very best of this forum!
We most definitely should be encouraging each other and sending out positive thoughts! It's so refreshing to read after some of the bickering threads that i saw when i first 'rejoined' this forum a couple months ago. After reading that, i feel like i'm not only going to triumph over my psoriasis (ive already made steay progress, despit some set-backs) but im going to go beyond that and stomp out every last vestige of negativity that resides in my body! Rock on! |
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Candida, Yeast Overgrowth, Leaky Gut, Sarno-style
