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richardadams39
United Kingdom
16 Posts |
 Posted - 11/25/2008 : 09:46:45
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I have suffered from back and neck pain for about a year now. Having seen doctors, physiotherapists and such like, I decided that I wasn't getting anywhere and that a hypnotist might help me more. I wasn't very receptive to the hypnotism, but she suggested I read Healing Back Pain by John Sarno. After reading it, it very much sounded like I indeed had TMS.
I am currently under a programme here in the UK with Dr Mark Atkinson, who has trained with John Sarno. Whilst I fully accept the diagnosis of TMS, I have no clue how to get rid of it. Dr Atkinson has told me to do these 'emotion-releasing' exercises, like tapping myself whilst saying thing like "Even though I fear my back pain will never be cured, I deeply and completely forgive mysefl, without judgement". It is called Emotional Freedom Therapy. I don't really know if I think that these techniques actually do anything, I think my problem might be more that I cannot stop thinking about the pain, whether it is improving or getting worse etc. I am thinking about it all the time, I find it hard not to. It is a huge burden on my life, worse than the pain itself.
Has anyone else been in this situation? Is there anyone that migth be able to give me a bit of advice as to how to get out of it? |
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roxygirl577
USA
42 Posts |
Posted - 11/25/2008 : 11:15:11
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you are definitely not alone. That is the first thing I want you to know. I think almost everyone on this board has been or are currently in the same situation. Have you read any of the success stories? They always give me hope.
"I am thinking about it all the time, I find it hard not to. It is a huge burden on my life, worse than the pain itself."
This statement right here is exactly what the tms wants to accomplish..all of the fear, and the constant worry. I've lived this for over four years...after reading Dr. Sarno's books and visiting my tms doctor I can finally for once in my life breathe, and not think about my pain, even when I still feel it. It's definitely a journey, but you have to know that there is light at the end of it...hundreds on this board will tell you that.
Have you read Sarno's books? Did your doctor give you lessons like journaling...something other than eft? Which is great along with Sarno but I would definitely recommend the journaling. If you haven't already, read Sarno's 'Mindbody Prescription'...It goes into great detail on the psychology and the treatment of tms. Since you already fully accept the diagnoses it will be a lot easier for you to get past this and cure yourself...yes CURE. =] |
Edited by - roxygirl577 on 11/25/2008 11:17:40 |
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mizlorinj
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 11/25/2008 : 11:23:04
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Hi Richard. Great that you got to see a doc familiar with TMS.
I would not be repeating a statement like "I fear my back pain will never be cured" because that is what your brain is hearing. In fact I wouldn't repeat any statement with the words fear or pain in it.
Many people's back pain has been healed, mine included, so why can't yours?
Dr. Sarno's program is outlined in The Divided Mind under treatment. It involves reading a section of the book DAILY so it sinks into your brain, and writing a list of what could be causing us stress. Childhood issues, everyday pressures (work, family, upcoming holidays), TMS personality. From that list pick a topic at a time and do some uncensored and truly FEELING writing about it. Journaling helped me immensely. So the doc is right--emotions need to be released.
I agree forgiveness is key to healing. It helps us to stop punishing ourselves for what we or someone else has done.
Maybe reading some success stories on this Board will be encouraging to you.
Best wishes for healing,
-Lori |
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pandamonium
United Kingdom
202 Posts |
Posted - 11/25/2008 : 14:38:05
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Hi Richard,
I have also been on Dr Atkinson's programme back in March 08. It's hard not to think about the pain but gradually these thoughts will receed. It's natural to think about it a fair amount in those 6 weeks because you are doing exercises first thing am, last thing pm and fitting in other stuff like the inner child work, EFT and journalling: My DH was a tms-widower for those 6 weeks, I hardly had time for him in the evening!
EFT has mixed reviews on here, last time it was discussed there was quite a heated debate, a lot of people think it's complete quackery. I stuck with it because I trusted Dr A (who was trained by Sarno as you say) and because I comitted myself 100% to his programme but who knows if it atually helped? I do know this though I am tonnes better than I was before I discovered Sarno, he started my recovery process but it wasn't until I saw Dr A that my recovery really took off.
I find that there are some things I do which "switch off my thoughts", for me these are exercising, listening to music and painting. Exercising is a good one because it relieves my tension and also sends a strong message to my TMS: I'll carry on living my life the way I want to, not the way it wants me to.
Good luck, |
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Big Rob
32 Posts |
Posted - 11/25/2008 : 19:33:22
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I read Sarno's book the divided mind, and he calls his techniques cognitive behavioural and I would agree (for my back pain, which is now cured, at least).
So here's the fundamentals of his methods from my perspective.
1) You have to believe that your pain is emotional in origin.
2) In order to do this you need to partake in activities that back up this belief. (The gym may be a start).
I am in a similar position to you however I suffer a vicious cycle of anal pain and OCD. While I am sure the pain I suffer is psychological it does not bear the hallmarks of TMS (i.e. Sarno's treatment does not necessarily work for it). So I am treating my OCD in conjunction with Sarno's methods. Hopefully this will help.
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richardadams39
United Kingdom
16 Posts |
Posted - 11/25/2008 : 23:52:12
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Thsnks for all your replies - I will endeavour to stick with the programme and continue to have faith in my diagnosis and the cure for it.
It is very helpful to know that there are others out there like me and that there is light at the end of the tunnel! |
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dockerpt
United Kingdom
12 Posts |
Posted - 11/26/2008 : 09:43:36
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Give me a call if you want Sarno sorted me. Im in the UK. I think chatting to people who have won the battle will help!
My moby is 07773 182758
If not good luck it does work!
Pete |
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Please help me - someone!
