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ghopkins
USA
28 Posts |
 Posted - 01/28/2010 : 17:57:43
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Hi all, I was recently introduced to Dr. Sarno, by a good friend. I was diagnosed with a ruptured L3 that leaked out twice sideways. MRI did not see damage. CT Scan and X-rays plus another review of MRI showed injury. Surgeons stood over me waiting for immediate approval for surgery. I bought some time and had records from scans sent to Sarno. I'm terrified of surgery requiring bone fusing with bone taken from my hip. I need pep talks, prayers, and some re-assurance that a non-surgical approach is a smart choice. I believe the mind can cause or heal injury. I also believe I over shoveled snow in anger of financially failing my family. That's all I've got. Just fear, pain, and uncertainty. Thank you.
Greg |
Edited by - ghopkins on 01/28/2010 19:32:03 |
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susan828
USA
291 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2010 : 22:37:18
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| Greg, since the records were sent to Dr. Sarno, what did he say? He works in one of the finest rehab hospitals so sometimes he does suggest surgery. Please let me know. |
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ghopkins
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2010 : 05:31:34
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quote:
Originally posted by susan828
Greg, since the records were sent to Dr. Sarno, what did he say? He works in one of the finest rehab hospitals so sometimes he does suggest surgery. Please let me know.
I don't have an answer for you, as yet. The records probably could have arrived on Friday, so he may need time to review. In the meantime, I practice patience, try getting around on crutches, and try to enjoy each day as much as I can. If Sarno decides surgical cutting is required, I will probably stay local so it is easier on family and getting into a rehab center for follow up. I believe it will all work out as my creator has it planned. I live about 90 minutes from Dr. Sarno's office. He really hasn't explained much more than the initial cost, the examination, and the follow up with one of his psych team. Dr. Sarno may not be for me. I've been out of work and in pain since December 20th. I can always go bankrupt and start again. No stress or tension here. LOL I will do what I can to keep you posted until they cut my internet service. I do have cash for Dr. Sarno's consulting fee. I can borrow money against the house, but my healthcare costs are over $1,600 /month. My family has no coverage and neither would I if we weren't hanging on so I can get back to work, hopefully walking again. I have two sons in college and the bill haven't slowed. Certainly I've been doing a lot of things wrong trying to have a family and all.
There are loads of surgeons all waiting to carve me up like a Thanksgiving turkey. There seems to be only one Dr. Sarno, who discusses some mystery TMS approach. I hate to say it sounds like an infomercial for Tony Robbins. Pay lots of money to learn a secret TMS approach, but it only works on some people and may still require surgery. Oh, and no other doctor will talk about it and the insurance company doesn't consider it a real treatment. I'm sorry for all the negativity and skepticism. I'm just calling it as I see it, through the eyes of pain, fear, and a feeling of hopelessness. It's a lot of money for some secret thing that may or may not work. The surgeons have better marketing. Again, I'm sorry. I'm just scared and getting pressured by cutters. Thanks for your patience with me. I don't know where else to dump this stuff. |
Edited by - ghopkins on 01/30/2010 06:24:01 |
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HilaryN
United Kingdom
879 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2010 : 07:09:37
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Hi ghopkins,
Sorry to hear of your situation.
quote:
There seems to be only one Dr. Sarno, who discusses some mystery TMS approach. I hate to say it sounds like an infomercial for Tony Robbins.
I don't blame you for your skepticism, given how little known the mindbody approach is.
However, you can buy Dr Sarno's book quite cheaply, especially if you buy a second-hand copy, and this might help to take away some of the mystery and let you make up your own mind.
Many people (myself included) have got better without even seeing Dr Sarno, while others require more help to get better using his method.
Some of us who have recovered or are recovering have started a wiki on the subject, with the aim of providing a free resource to others who wish to get better:
http://tmswiki.wetpaint.com
Take a look and spend some time learning about about the subject. I'm not a medic and I haven't a clue about whether it applies to your particular situation, but even if it doesn't, you won't have wasted your time in reading about it.
Have a look, too, at some of the Success Stories:
http://tmswiki.wetpaint.com/page/Back+Pain
As we work on the wiki in our spare time we haven't had time to include all the stories out there yet (and would welcome any help with that), but at least it shows a selection of stories.
I wish you a happy outcome to your pain, whichever route you decide to take.
Hilary N
PS Do check out pandamonium's story, too - she originally put her back out pushing a heavy sofa:
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5396 |
Edited by - HilaryN on 01/30/2010 07:13:44 |
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guej
115 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2010 : 08:19:03
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Greg,
Fusion surgery is no small walk in the park. Perhaps you can confirm with one of your doctors if there would be any harm in waiting a few weeks before making a decision. I know you'll probably be in pain during that time, so more waiting is not very appealing. However, you can always still decide to have the surgery at a later date. You can't undo surgery once you have had it.
In the meantime, can you get a referral or recommendation to a good pain management doctor to try to help you manage the pain a little while you are exploring your options? I know that when I was at my absolute worst pain (9/10 all day, every day), I couldn't even think straight. It wasn't until I had tried various drugs that I finally found something that gave me pain relief, without horrible side effects. It took awhile and few trials before I got to that place. Once I had decent pain management, and would get periods of time where my body and mind were getting little breaks from the pain, my whole body calmed down and my outlook changed significantly. I have never viewed medication as a "solution", but rather as a temporary aide in managing the symptoms while I work on the underlying cause. Being in constant pain will bring about a feeling of desperation, and I can tell you, I spent a ton of money on various treatments last year because I was so desperate, and anyone that offered me pain relief, I jumped at.
Personally, I don't think you need to shell out the $1300 to see Dr. Sarno. If you haven't read his books yet, then I would highly recommend reading "Healing Back Pain" or "The Mindbody Prescription". One or the other, you don't need both. I would also highly recommend Ronald Siegal's "Back Sense" - another great book, with a little less of the psychological background, but a more practical and easy to understand explanation of how chronic pain cycles develop, and what we can do to break those cycles. Go to Amazon and read the reviews of the books. That will get you excited to read them. If these books resonate with you, then try to buy some time from surgery and give the TMS approach a try. There are a ton of on-line resources if you decide that this approach is right for you. Dr. Schubiner has an on-line program that is significantly cheaper than seeing Dr. Sarno. You can also order Dr. Sarno's lectures on DVD or download them. I saw Dr. Sarno in person back in June of 2009. I had already figured out on my own what I was dealing with (a tension-induced pain disorder). In hindsight, I would have saved the $1300 and used these other resources. I can already tell you that he will come back to you with a diagnosis of TMS. He has seen tons of cases probably very similar to yours, that resolved without surgery.
I just think it's worth a shot to explore this approach if you can find a way to manage the pain enough so you have a clear and rationale head while reading the books and applying the concepts. Maybe you can get your wife/girlfriend, or mother/sister or a friend to read one of the books after you have and to see what they think. I've read entries on this forum where someone's wife was convinced the person had TMS before the actual person themself. That way, you have someone to talk to about the concepts and someone on board if you decide to go this route. Obviously, you have this forum too. Take some time if you haven't already and read the Wiki stories on back pain that Hilary directed you to. Again, it's just a way to see if what you read sounds familiar to you that it would be worth exploring further.
Good luck. Whatever decision you make will be the right one for you.
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ghopkins
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2010 : 10:16:03
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I just can't thank you all enough. You should all be made saints for your patience, tolerance, and understanding. I deal with active drug addicts and alcoholics, and anyone in pain (fear, withdrawal, etc.) is not at their best when it comes to being open-minded. Although I have assistance managing my pain meds, so I don't blow 23 years clean, I must admit to being a very anal-lytical thinker. My sponsors have been telling me since day-one "don't think and go to meetings" (instead of don't drink and ...). The irony is this is proof positive that my biggest problems are between my ears. I'm a musician and engineer by trade, but ten years ago I lost my job after 23 years. The mental stress of failing my family was very costly (but I never picked up a drink). I guess I didn't handle the tension as well as I hoped, even with all the volunteering, sponsoring, and working my own program, not to mention the care and direction of my Higher Power.
I first heard of Dr. Sarno, from a friend who said the Dr. saved his life 30 years ago. AA saved my life 23 years ago. I love you all for the reminder and the gift of hope. I believe everything happens for a reason. I haven't been very graceful at playing the cards life has dealt me. I hope you will accept my apology for being such a skeptic. |
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sue
7 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2010 : 08:36:18
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HI, I was wondering if you heard back from Dr. Sarno. I think the main question is: Does the location of the abnormality, L3, correlate to where you are experiencing the pain?
I had a large herniated disc that caused pain and then numbness. While reading The Mindbody Prescription, I noticed on pages 60-63, that my "abnormality" correlated to the exact points of my pain and numbness. I had back surgery Jan 13th and still have the numbness in my leg and foot. I am told that I still have a very good chance of getting the feeling back. I had the surgery as the numbness was more scary than the pain, I didn't want to do any more nerve damage and I wanted best chance of restoring the nerve and thus sensation.
Please let me know how you are doing.
Sue |
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ghopkins
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2010 : 17:07:16
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Hi Sue,
I have spoken to Dr. Sarno 3 times, which is amazing because my own surgeon rarely returns a call. No, the pain is in my left knee. Sarno saw the MRI and said surgery is not necessary. I am waiting for Dr. Sarno to receive and review the CT scan and x-ray report. My local surgeon says if I don't have surgery I will suffer for the rest of my life. He also, but indirectly, referred to Dr. Sarno as a quack. My gut is not agreeing with the local surgeon. I'm sorry for the tangent. Did I answer your question?
Greg
quote:
Originally posted by sue
HI, I was wondering if you heard back from Dr. Sarno. I think the main question is: Does the location of the abnormality, L3, correlate to where you are experiencing the pain?
I had a large herniated disc that caused pain and then numbness. While reading The Mindbody Prescription, I noticed on pages 60-63, that my "abnormality" correlated to the exact points of my pain and numbness. I had back surgery Jan 13th and still have the numbness in my leg and foot. I am told that I still have a very good chance of getting the feeling back. I had the surgery as the numbness was more scary than the pain, I didn't want to do any more nerve damage and I wanted best chance of restoring the nerve and thus sensation.
Please let me know how you are doing.
Sue
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ghopkins
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2010 : 07:53:56
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| I finally got an appointment to meet with Dr. Sarno. It's a bit of a trek, but after 4 conversations with the man, I think it will be worth it. |
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New, Confused, Skeptical, and facing surgery
