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hkp
47 Posts |
 Posted - 07/01/2008 : 19:05:13
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Hello all:
I’ve been reading this site with much interest for about a week, and have had success with Dr. Sarno’s books in the past (for back pain, about 8 years ago I was “cured” within 3 weeks of reading Mind Over Back Pain).
I am totally the Sarno TMS type and have years of experience with mindbody complaints. The most recent one, which began 2-3 months ago is kicking my butt hard. There’s really nothing “new” in this post, just another forum newbie seeking assurance and community, I guess.
It began this April with vaginal itching/inflammation/pain I’d had about 7 years ago. No medical reasons could be found and it went away after some months back then. It went away by the end of April this year. Then by May 9, I had a horrible bladder infection for the first time, and then even after the bacteria were gone, ongoing urinary problems.
A cysytoscopy has revealed my bladder to be in fine shape, but the problems continue, as does the vaginal swelling and pain. I have also had the following over the past two months:
-lower back pain
-Knee pain
-upper arm pain and a muscle knot
-wrist pain
-oh, and acid reflux, too!
All of these come and go as I recognize them as TMS. The two symptoms I can’t seem to shake are the urinary/vaginal problems and CRUSHING anxiety. I know other people on this forum have recognized anxiety as maybe the biggest TMS distraction of all, and I think that’s becoming true for me. I can’t seem to stop obsessing about my physical and psychological symptoms.
I’ll add that I’m in a relationship, one that seems to be working for the first time in many years. There is some trauma in my past and my therapist says that no good therapist would be surprised by the timing of these symptoms – as the relationship got much closer and more serious. I am trying to work through the psychological issues, but I’m flailing and getting mired in the physical.
I have read all the Dr. Sano books and am reading portions of The Divided Mind every day. I’m journaling, but not every day. Are there other books to try? I’ve read Fred Emir’s on-line, but it seems too “fast.” Is Dr. Sopher’s book good? Dr. Scott Brady’s?
I’m trying to accept TMS for my outstanding symptoms, and just “being” with the fact that I need time to heal, but I want to feel better SO much. I’m feeling kinda crazy, just not myself. Sorry for the long post. Any thoughts?
Thanks-
H
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Logan
USA
203 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2008 : 20:08:40
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| I wish I could remember the writer's name or the title of the book...a woman writer had similar, chronic symptoms and wrote a book about how she cured herself of them through psychological exploration of her relationship with her mother, who'd also had similar, vaginal issues. Maybe you could do a search on Amazon. Sorry I can't be more specific here; but my guess is that these symptoms may be an indication of deeply rooted shame or conflicted feelings about your body and sex. |
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Logan
USA
203 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2008 : 20:52:01
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| I did a search on Amazon and couldn't find this book. Oh, that makes me crazy when I half remember something like that. I did see that Louise Hays does write about vaginal symptoms in her books. You might check her out instead. |
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hkp
47 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2008 : 21:20:35
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| Thanks Logan. A friend actually lent me Louise Hay yesterday! There is definitely something in what you are saying, and I need to keep working on these issues. |
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Peg
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2008 : 17:37:21
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hkp, not sure if this will be of help. I found that watching Dr. Sarno's video helped the information to sink in for me. I also read Dr. Brady's book and found it helpful. His story of recovery was especially inspiring.
After finding Dr. Sarno's information, I read other books that confirmed for me the very real mindbody connection. Books like; Norman Cousins, Anatomy of an illness. Gabor Mate's, When the Body Says No. Candace Pert's, Molecules of Emotion. John Kabat Zin's, Full Catastrophe Living.
As far as your particular GU/GYN symptoms. I would suggest they make sure you don't have any signs of infection (UTI, bacterial or yeast vaginal infection). Sounds like you've been worked up though.
As far as the anxiety, I seen people on the board suggest floating through it, accepting it. The more you are afraid or obsess about a symptom, the more power it has. I've heard the Clair Weekes book is helpful for anxiety ("Hope and help for your Nerves" I think).
Finally, don't underestimate the power of journaling. I have had pain literally disappear after 15 minutes of honest journaling. Amazing!
When you say you are journaling, what do you mean? Can you describe how you journal?
Best
Peg
In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth the humble reasoning of a single individual. Galileo Galilei |
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altherunner
Canada
511 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2008 : 21:55:47
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I haven't read this book, but have heard good reviews about it:
"Freedom from Fibromyalgia" by Nancy Selfridge, M.D. |
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hkp
47 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2008 : 12:53:04
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Hi:
This is in response to Peg about journaling. I have been writing down some thoughts almost every day - about how I'm feeling that day, triggers that day, things I'm thinking about from the past, what I'm upset about, etc.
Is this how you "do it"?
hkp
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Peg
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2008 : 21:55:09
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Hi hkp
yes, that's pretty much how I journal too.
Have you read The Divided Mind yet? It's excellent.
Hope your symptoms improve
Peg
In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth the humble reasoning of a single individual. Galileo Galilei |
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Symptom Imperative Junkie-Newbie Seeks Support
