| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Mary Ann
Canada
42 Posts |
 Posted - 02/28/2008 : 11:33:30
|
I’ve been a follower of Sarno for many years. I initially recovered from chronic tendonitis in both shoulders 8 years ago. I subsequently used his methods to banish food issues and other “symptom imperatives” that crept up from time to time.
However in the last year I’ve had resurgence of symptoms including migraines, insomnia, allergies, hip and back pain and depression. Not coincidentally, I have been under a tremendous amount of stress at work. I also suffered a miscarriage. And then last summer I had a traumatic real knee injury—a dislocated kneecap—that is still plaguing me 6 months later (I was given 8-12 months for that). The result of all of this is that I have taken a good deal of my sick leave (and then some).
Yesterday I was discussing with my psychologist the idea that I understand all of the physical and mental symptoms are my body’s way of “escaping” from the stress. And because I “know” about TMS, I felt “weak” because I knew it was TMS and I was taking the time off anyway.
She just looked at me and said “Do you really expect to have control over your body’s autonomous systems?”
Light bulb moment there.
Life is a about constant learning. Yesterday I learned that sometimes having intellectual knowledge about something does not mean you have intrinsic control over it. Further, I’m starting to give up the idea that I even NEED to control it.
I am learning more healthful ways to cope with stress and that will be enough. And I can forgive my body and mind for appearing “weak” in giving me unpleasant symptoms.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts. I no longer feel guilty. I realize I’m human and will continue to experience TMS and its equivalents. Hopefully with the new strategies I’m learning, the symptoms will be less severe in the future. I know I’m already feeling better on a lot of fronts.
Mary Ann
PS. My psychologist follows mindfulness-based cognitive therapy based on the work of John Kabat-Zinn. I am really relating to it and recommend it to anyone searching for a therapist to work with.
|
|
|
mizlorinj
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 11:57:04
|
No I do not feel guilty I have had TMS, and happy to hear you don't either. I no longer expect perfection from me or others. I am doing the best I can. I have learned to be much gentler with myself.
There is plenty of research to show that our emotions and mental state do indeed affect our autonomous (and other) system. (You can see the list of books in my SuccessStory).
-Lori  |
 |
|
|
MAbbott
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - 02/29/2008 : 11:54:16
|
Mary Ann,
I think that we do have control over our body's autonomic systems -- by using Sarno's methods. Cut yourself some slack! You have had some tremendous stressors, it isn't surprising that your symptoms will creep back in, especially if you didn't need to keep up with journaling or list reviews, etc. I don't think getting a handle on TMS is a once-and-for-all kind of thing. Our personalities, which contribute so much to pain, are what they are and they are ongoing. sometimes we get overloaded or fall back into old patterns. Give yourself a big dose of love and keep on!
mabbott |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Do you ever feel guilty about your TMS symptoms?
