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poodlelover
6 Posts |
 Posted - 11/19/2009 : 13:44:31
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Hello,
I am new to the forum and wish to quickly introduce myself and ask a couple of questions. I have been reading your posts and find them so very helpful,
I was diagnosed with TMS by Dr Marc Sopher, one of Dr Sarno's associates, in New Hampshire. He felt his diagnosis was very accurate and helped me with many of the principles. It has been over a year and I am really struggling with the emotional aspects but NOT giving up.
I would like t know if any of you experience intense cramping and fasciculations? I wrote Dr Sarno about the leg fasciculations and he said he has only seen it several times. However, that does not mean it is not a symptom of TMS caused by mild oxygen deprivation. I find it extremely difficult to ignore these and focus on the emotional aspect.
Secondly I have not been able to find a therapist who practices TMS for psyche help. I live and work in Florida and have a second home in N.H. Question is, how did many of you find a therapist to work with? I feel I clearly need this intervention. Again Dr Sarno nicely wrote me that he knows no one in FLA and suggested I take one of his books to someone to practice from. With due respect no one will pay attention to that.
So much obliged for your support,
Poodlelover |
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drziggles
USA
292 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2009 : 13:51:55
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It's not impossible for this problem to be related to TMS, but there is a neurological problem called Cramp Fasciculation Syndrome (that is not TMS) which this could also represent. Probably worth your seeing a neurologist to exclude this problem, which is usually treated effectively with certain medications. It's not a well known condition (even among some neurologists...) so I would probably see someone with neuromuscular specialty if possible. Good luck.
Obviously, you should consult with a physician before making any medical decisions. |
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poodlelover
6 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2009 : 15:18:33
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Hi drziggles.
I am very aware the of syndrome and have been checked for it. However, I saw 2 neurologists not a muscular neurologist. Neither offered me one thing that can be done for this. It is very painful. I should add I have been diagnosed with FM and apparently fasciculations are part of that syndrome.
Thank you for that advice.... Just "talking" helps so much.
Poodlelover |
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forestfortrees
393 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2009 : 16:08:41
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Hi poodlelover,
Have you see the wiki's page on FMS? You may want to check out Nancy Selfridge's book, which is described on that page. I had dinner with her once, and she came across as a very gentle and caring person.
I was actually diagnoses with FMS myself. (By Don Goldenberg!) You seem pretty informed about it and might be interested in some of the comments that I made at the wiki's page about the blog post. I'd love to hear your thoughts on my comments.
I forget what the deal is with the Brady institute, but they are in Florida and I wonder if they could offer a referral. Aside from that, I think that Dr. Schubiner's program is terrific, and I think that that can be done over the internet.
If you'd rather do more conventional analytic style psychotherapy, 12 psychotherapists have completed the wiki's therapist survey, and one of the questions asks whether the therapist is willing to take clients over the phone. 8 respondents will take clients over the phone, but, now that I think of it, that probably won't help you because they probably need to be licensed in Florida and, chances are, none of them are. (I don't know much about this at all, so you'd have to investigate.) All in all, many therapists won't do psychotherapy over the phone anyway, since so much is lost from not being able to observe body language, that you might not be much worse off without it. Further, I don't know if insurance covers it. Finally, be aware that all of the information for the therapist surveys was gathered over the internet, so you should always double check it before relying on it.
Your best recourse might be to try Dr. Schubiner's course. He's a really nice guy and you could probably email him to ask him about your concerns regarding whether the program would meet your needs.
Finally, if you decide that the leg fasciculations are just TMS, a mindfulness approach might help you make peace with the frustration with the distraction that they cause. There is a nice thread on the subject that you might want to check out.
Best of luck! I wish I had some better answers. I should mention that unlike DrZ, I'm not a medical or mental health practitioner.
Forest
My story at tmswiki.org |
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Judith Friedman
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2009 : 17:37:02
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| Hi, Poodle. With respect to Forest's post, I live in Florida too and I tried to contact Brady. He is no longer practicing, just occasionally giving presentations on TMS, and is associated with a Christian organization. I have also been unable to locate a TMS therapist in FL. I hope to hear how you fare, Poodle. I'm in Boca, so please let me know if you're nearby and find someone. |
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Northerner
62 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2009 : 18:23:13
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Regarding psychotherapists, one of Dr. Sarno's books recommended finding a classically trained psychotherapist.
Bear in mind that this isn't new to any psychotherapist. Most have experienced mindbody symptoms. I have been seeing a therapist every couple of weeks for five years. Earlier this year, I introduced him to Dr. Sarno's work, and also played some tapes made from Dr. Schechter’s work with various psychotherapists for him that I made from the internet.
My psychotherapist is not a Freudian therapist, although he certainly does understand Freud. He uses cognitive/behavioral techniques. He doesn't buy in completely to the Freudian explanation of the pain, but has had many cases in which patients have recovered from a wide variety of physical ailments through psychotherapy, some far more serious than back pain.
Oone of Sarno's books says something along the lines of a third of the pain is caused by the past, a third by current problems and a third about worrying about the future. Remove the present and future, and the old may not bother very much.
My therapist has worked with me on my stuff, which I think has primarily subsided (but my back hurts today, and coincidentally I lost a $35,000 consulting project which I desperately need today as well). I'm not worried about the pain - a bit annoyed perhaps - and more worried about the money.
One of the things he told me early on was not to fight the pain but to treat it as something that is there, but harmless, like a constant friend. That was very helpful, and you'll find something similar in Dr. Sopher's and Dr. Sarno's books.
A good, open therapist can work with you on this. Any good therapist can help you open up to understand your life and why you are angry or upset, which is the heart of Dr. Sarno’s treatment program.
I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.
- Mark Twain |
Edited by - Northerner on 11/19/2009 20:10:53 |
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forestfortrees
393 Posts |
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HilaryN
United Kingdom
879 Posts |
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poodlelover
6 Posts |
Posted - 11/20/2009 : 06:45:42
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Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much for the great info, I will research all of it.
Forest, I am seeing Goldenberg in June of 10, yes that far out. My rheumy at Tufts said he is the best and wanted me to go to him. Question to you, did you find your visit valuable and did he give you a specific protocol to manage your FM? Long trip for me to just get a second opinion. Small world.
Northerner, best idea to not fight the pain and treat it as a friend. I get that. When something makes sense it works for me.
Judith, I live north of Tampa on the Gulf. Wish we were closer.
Thanks again to all of you.
Poodle |
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Introduction
), but he hit the nail right on the head...