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Jeff
USA
68 Posts |
 Posted - 07/17/2007 : 10:42:20
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All -- If any of you have insight on this problem, please let me know.
I am visiting my mother, who is about to turn 80. In the last six months, she has started suffering from joint pain in her knees, and of course assumes it is arthritis. My ears perked up a bit when she indicated that the pain wasn't there all the time, and sometimes it moved around, including down into her shins and feet. Her doctor is baffled because they have done X-rays and MRIs of her knees, which come back completely normal. I am told that arthritis normally can be detected on these images.
I have suffered from TMS, but have never said a word to my mother about it. I'm wondering if this could be what she is suffering from. Do any of you have thoughts on whether an older person like my mother could be suffering from TMS. She certainly has been a worrier all her life. Or is it normal for these types of aches and pains to accompany old age?
Thanks to all who care to share your thoughts with me.
Jeff |
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2007 : 10:56:00
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She could have TMS -- the description sounds like it for sure -- but I would guess if you mention it she'll say "No, I'm just getting old" and not listen to you.
Taking TMS up with parents is a risky business. It paid off for me, but mainly because my mom was interested in my success and I was honest with her about how I did it -- I didn't really say "Mom, I think you have TMS." When she asked about the books and issues, I mainly pointed her to useful resources and shared my tips.
Still, it could be worth it if it's affecting her mobility and activities significantly. Older people who don't do much because they're in pain can be very vulnerable to isolation and depression, and that's something worth trying to head off.
--
Wherever you go, there you are. |
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shawnsmith
Czech Republic
2048 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2007 : 12:08:23
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Yes, this could be TMS given the fact there has been no physical reason found for her pain. One issue she may be dealing with- apart from her worrier personality - is anger over getting older. It is common according to Dr. Sarno who himself is in his 80s.
Be gentle when bringing up a psycho-somatic diagnosis with her because some people will not accept it regardless of the evidence and may even become hostile. Try to determine how open minded she is before proceeding further.
*******
Sarno-ize it!
Read chapter 4 of Dr. Sarno's "The Divided Mind." It's all you need to know in order to recover. |
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