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guej
115 Posts |
 Posted - 07/26/2009 : 11:47:50
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I've been working the Sarno program for about 6 weeks now, and trying very hard to break a horrible 1 year cycle of chronic, non-stop pain. I did make some progress for about the first 4 weeks. No major change in pain levels, but I lost a lot of my fear of activity, and in doing things again, felt so much better mentally.
For the past 2 weeks, however, I backslid a bit, and I've seen a big spike in pain again and inability to sleep (which always makes the pain feel worse). No new stresses that I can think of, except the "stress" of trying to get better and not seeing more dramatic results. It's tough trying to strike a balance between doing the work (journaling, thinking positive, etc) and obsessing over it. I seem to really be struggling with the conditioned pain response. Because my pain has been constant for about 11 months now, it's not as if I can head off a pain attack. It's just always there. I know I'm not going to have a spontaneous remission, but i was hoping that it would slowly fade over time. I had thoroughly ruled out a physical cause before I even read Dr. Sarno's books, and once I found them, it all made sense. I recognize the stresses and self-imposed pressures that got me into this chronic pain state. I have removed a lot of those issues from my life. According to Dr. Sarno, we don't have to change who we are to get better, but to just make the connection between the psychological self and the physical symptoms.
OK, so why isn't this pain fading?! I"ve done lots of delving into my past and I put together the pattern of events that lead to the "good" and "perfect" personality traits that really did me in. Why won't my body let go? I've tried being stern with myself, and the other approach...being sympathetic and promising to take better care of my needs going forward if my subconcious would stop giving me symptoms. I've tried ignoring the pain and carrying on my daily activities, but I can only do that up to the point where I really have to sit down because the pain is too much. I'm trying to stay positive. I truly believe all the success stories. I guess, if I'm really honest and voice my deepest fear....it's that I still can't believe I"m going to be able to make my pain go away. I feel like other people are the lucky ones. I know I've only been at this for 6-7 weeks, but collectively, I've been living a painful, debilitated life for 11 months now, and it's really worn me down mentally and physically.
Sorry for the rambling post, but it was a tough night, and a lousy day so far. I just need to get back on track. I've read lots of the success stories. It seems many people had frequent pain "attacks". I'd love to know that people with non-stop, ever present pain for a long period (1 year+) can also recover from these pain syndromes. Any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I've gotten a few personal emails from some on the forum, and I do thank you for all the encouragement so far. I have a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful kids, and I WANT MY LIFE BACK!!! |
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HilaryN
United Kingdom
879 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2009 : 13:51:26
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Hi guej,
Hang in there, it can take a little while. It's normal to get ups and downs. I know you're fed up and just want the pain to go away RIGHT NOW or at least to know for sure that it will.
Here's a success story from someone who had constant pain:
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2447&SearchTerms=constant
I hope that'll give you some hope.
Hilary N |
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oak
5 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2009 : 15:10:05
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Hi guej,
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time of it recently.
However, think of the progress you made in the first 4 weeks, no matter how small. Even feeling a little better or being able to do one small thing that you weren't previously able to is progress. And hope. It will take time to break the fear and pain associations so be patient with yourself. I hope you have a better day tomorrow.
Oak. |
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Backslide in progress
