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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
 Posted - 05/27/2010 : 10:15:04
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I have only written on here a few times in the past several years..The last time it was about my knee, and due to very minimal responses, I deleted the post..Years back this forum helped me tremendously,that is why I haven't had to lean on it much in recent times..When I do write, like now, it is for a good reason..If the books and jouranling were all that was needed to recover then why have the forum at all?
My friend is typing for me because I am in a major wrist setback which occurred a couple of days ago after vigorously swatting some flies, high fiving two friends, and leaning hard on my car horn..Typing became difficult again, and I have been able to type for many months since I learned good stretching techniques for my wrists..
Now, I am becoming nearly non-functional and incapable of even basic things like opening the refridgerator, holding a glass of water unless I use both hands etc. The right wrist is worse, but both are experiencing pain in the wrists, some tingling, intermittent pain in the palm of the right hand, and right middle finger twitching..I do believe I hurt myself physically but I know that TMS can take over during high-stress times and make it worse and drag on forever..
I am starting to panic because this couldn't happen at a worse time..My music CD is being sold in a national chain, locally..And there is much pressure to sell to even break even on the costs of creating the CD..There is much potential and I am due to perform next Thursday to promote sales..This CD is very important to me because I am also donating a percentage of the sales to various Animal Rights' Organizations..Right now, I can't even hold the microphone without an increase in symptoms..
As I am noticing people were reading the post I just had up, no one, once again was replying..This is making me even more upset, hurt, and angry..If I didn't need to post, I would not..I don't have the insurance or funds to run to a doctor, and just a few days ago my wrists were fine..
Can someone, especially those very knowledgable like Dave or any doctors please respond to me?
Thanks,
Karen |
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Gibbon
United Kingdom
138 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2010 : 10:53:58
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Hiya Karen
Can't help with the very knowledgable bit, but i'll add my bit 
It sounds like a classic case of symptoms being brought back because of stress - you've said yourself it's a stressful time - TMS is going to strike "when there couldn't be a worse time". But also try not to take things so personally! There's a lot of lurkers on the forum who just read posts - and the post count seems to jump each visit not each distinct visit, so "10 views" doesn't mean that 10 forum members have read your post and decided not to bother replying!
Your symtoms now sound very similar to my RSI. It's all TMS - keep telling yourself that. Meditate, journal, try to take some time out to relax from the stresses going on in your life....
All the best with your CD release
Andrew
Check out the TMS website: www.rsi-backpain.co.uk |
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2010 : 11:03:00
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Thank you so much, Andrew, for your kind reply..I tried to sign up on the RSI Forum link you gave me, but had trouble..I had my friend write to them for suggestions..I think part of what's going on on this Forum is that many old timers that used to respond are no longer here..A few years ago there was a lot of support and great feedback..I am hoping to hear from more people, especially people like yourself who have dealt with this whole wrist thing..
Virtual hugs coming your way,
Karen |
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pandamonium
United Kingdom
202 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2010 : 13:51:37
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Hi Karen,
I may have missed your other post but sometimes I read posts from people and it's not that I don't want to reply, I just can't find the right words to say. Anyway you sound like you are in need of some support so I will respond even though I have never had RSI.
You said yourself this couldn't have come at a worse time for you but it's not a coincidence it it? You are under a lot of stress with the CD and having to perform is adding to that, plus you feel like you'll be letting your charity down if you fail. It's a feeding ground for TMS.
Like Andrew says try and relax, meditate, or just do something fun for yourself.
Good luck with the CD,
Panda
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A beginner's guide to psychology: If it's not your mum's fault.... it's your dad's... |
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catspine
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2010 : 14:14:23
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quote:
I am starting to panic because this couldn't happen at a worse time..My music CD is being sold in a national chain, locally..And there is much pressure to sell to even break even on the costs of creating the CD..There is much potential and I am due to perform next Thursday to promote sales..This CD is very important to me because I am also donating a percentage of the sales to various Animal Rights' Organizations..Right now, I can't even hold the microphone without an increase in symptoms..
Hi Karen ,
If your wrists were fine chances are they will be fine again obviously and the sooner the better. There are "interferences" right now but those will go away too.
For a minute just assume that all will be well breathe deep and slow and contemplate how far you've come already with your project. The most difficult part is probably behind you already as you apparently succeeded where many have failed. You seem to be pro active and I can't see any reason for the promotion not to go well even if you have to have a stand or a clip on for the microphone.
From reading your post I guess that you are probably worried about all that may not go as well as needed but there is always a part of unknown in getting something accomplished and anyone who is expecting something of you including yourself knows that too. We take chances when we do something.
Try to consciously release the tension due to what may or may not happen and enjoy how well you did so far , If you succeed doing that too the energy that will show through you, will take you where you want to be or close enough and then you'll be too busy to think about what might happen if...
If you hurt yourself physically and this is the cause of your pain it will go away as your body is probably already busy fixing it . If it's TMS then it's not structural in which case you know the rules as it means there is nothing physically wrong with you and you must start thinking psychological to turn the pain off.
Speaking of which artists are special people and often react differently and more strongly than most people to difficult situations which is why they must express what they feel through what they do too, if my observation is correct this amounts to the wonderful results they produce through their skills but but it must also hurt deeper and faster when affected by something that's negative to them and with drastic side effects.
Considering this you might want to investigate the rejection /acceptance aspect of the stressful issues present or past as a cause of symptoms simply because you're an artist and it could mean more to you in the process than the practical aspect of thing... Just an idea for now so please disregard if you feel it's inaccurate .
Also remember that there is always a strong need in all of us for instant gratification in this society because it is like a tool to measure success with. Unfortunately the Universe has it's own rhythm and sometimes it can take quite a bit of time before we are given access to feedback for what we do , it may take minutes, hours, days , weeks, months, years sometimes and patience one must have while trusting the time will come.
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2010 : 21:02:32
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Hi Panda,
Thank you so much for your support..The point about also potentially letting my charity down is profound..I haven't looked at it that way consciously, but it is so true!
Hi Catspine,
Absolutely every word you said is right on target, and very insightful and wise! I have read and re-read what you wrote many times, that is how helpful it truly is..
Thank you so much!
Hugs to you both,
Karen
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2010 : 00:27:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Singer_Artist
...vigorously swatting some flies, high fiving two friends, and leaning hard on my car horn..
Hi Karen, long time no see! I haven't posted here for a years but this is just too good to pass-up. There is no way in G-d's Creation you could have injured yourself by swatting flies, high fiving and honking your car horn---IMPOSSIBLE! Don't even waste time going to a doc to get checked out for tumors on this one. THIS IS TMS!
Perfectly logical, TMS hits when you are threatened with being pulled out of your comfort zone/homeostasis, (by good or bad circumstances). You are experiencing what's known in your biz as STAGE FRIGHT! You will do fine once you get up on stage and start singing.
You could be the poster child for TMS, maybe add some comedy to your act with some TMS humor. You know me, I'm not giving you a bad time. Telling an audience you hurt yourself from vigorous fly swatting, hi-fiving and horn honking would be great material for a TMS stand-up routine.
Just thank G-d for the gift of TMS as protection from the emotional injuries that are much more painful to endure.
YOU WILL SURVIVE...BREAK A LEG...THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
Your pal TT 
Some of my favorite excerpts from _THE DIVIDED MIND_ :
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605
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Edited by - tennis tom on 05/28/2010 10:12:11 |
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2010 : 08:42:30
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Hey TT!
Great to hear from you! I was kvetching about all the TMS old-timers being gone, but here you are, yeah..
I know the things I think injured me do sound comedic, however, it wasn't "normal" fly swatting..(I see you grinning!) There were about seven flies in a circle, mid-air, they never land, and I went nuts vigorously using my right wrist to get rid of them..This whole thing started after that. That was the last straw..I do really hope you are 100% right that even that didn't cause any structural damage..I agree I am a poster child for TMS! Hope you are doing well!
Thanks for your support..You've always been so helpful!
Hugs,
Karen |
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lindaleyner
Germany
46 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2010 : 13:06:25
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hey Karen,
I can understand you so well! I wrote my first journal entry in my new journal...my wrists are killing me because of that 1/2 page..uncredible! Iīm having problems with brushing my teeth and combing my hair..it is just so plain stupid...totally sucks |
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2010 : 16:46:06
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Hi Lindaleyner,
Thanks for writing and understanding..Yes, it does suck, to say the least..I have pain when I brush my teeth and floss as well..I meant to ask TT and others if they ever heard of TMS causing visible, physical swelling in the fingers, because I have that..TT, if you are reading can you respond to that? You know Sarno's principles so well..Also the middle finger twitching is an odd symptom..Do you have any of those odd symptoms, L?
Dave,
If you are reading, can you drop me a line? starting to think you don't love me anymore! |
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lindaleyner
Germany
46 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2010 : 01:40:11
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Karen,
I donīt know that much about TMS and swelling, sorry, but I noticed that I get Miliaria (little red spots in my RIGHT hand (the big rsi problem hand!) now I think THIS is TMS. Itīs an dermatologic reaction to sweat or an allergy. I guess my mind isnīt ready yet to let me explore my psyche? ... Going to journal a bit :)
What do you mean by swelling, btw? My right hand is "bigger" than the left but never a doctor (i visited more than one) said anything to it. Guess itīs normal, for I use the right hand more than the other. |
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2010 : 08:14:29
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Yes Karen, your mind can cause swelling, as well as anything else it wants to, give you cancer or stop your heart from beating. There are reports of people levitating but Dr. Sarno has not written about them yet, maybe in his next book.
Go to the "Search" feature above, it's on the right top corner of the page, between "Members" and "FAQ" and have your friend type in the words "finger" "swelling" "swelling finger" "finger swelling" and pages and pages will come up about it. You may even find a few by yourself.
If I were in Vegas, at the sport book, and the betting came up: "Does Karen Have TMS?", I would put everything I own on "YES".
You need to embrace your TMS as a protective device. You have the form of it that strikes entertainers such as yourself: "TMS STAGE FRIGHT".
If you weren't thinking about your swollen fingers, you'd be thinking about all those people watching you. If you can't hold the mike due to your swollen fingers, use a mike stand.
Think about the positive aspects of your upcoming event. The stage-door Johnnies longing to give you big tips when you take your dinner break at the bar. Maybe some nice retired gentlemen of some means, like Warren Buffet, wanting to sweep you away and buy you all the paint and canvases you desire. Maybe buy you a little rancheria, the size of Montana, to set up an animal rescue program. And a pied a terre on the Jerzey Shore and one in West Palm too. Think positive.
Some of my favorite excerpts from _THE DIVIDED MIND_ :
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2010 : 09:04:15
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Lindaleyner,
I might get in trouble for telling you this, because it is a physical modality, but alternating one minute of hot water, followed by two minutes of icy-cold water, then ending with one minute of hot water flushes good blood into the wrists and helps me..The red spots probably is TMS related..I also deal with skin issues like psoriasis..
TT,
I was reading your favorite Sarno excerpts and it helped me a lot..As ridiculous as it sounds, journaling or holding a book to read is out of the question til I'm past this bout..You are probably right that I will feel so much better after the gig..After 30-years of experience, I don't (consciously anyway) deal with stage fright..However, I feel enormous pressure to sell out of the CD's Whole Foods is carrying..I am so grateful to them for supporting me as an artist and if I do well in Nevada, I can branch out to other states..Potential is unlimited and kicking up my fear of success syndrome!
I will search finger swelling and twitching on here, good idea..
You really do know me well, and that makes me feel so much less alone with this madness..I am very grateful to you!
And, you are a fellow artist because your writing ability and creativity is obvious! With all your knowledge, personal experience with TMS and talent you really should think about writing a book! I would definitely buy it! I must also mention your obvious intelligence and quick wit!!
Hugs,
Karen |
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2010 : 09:09:53
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| Oops, I forgot something..I do remember Sarno mentioning that even one's blood pressure can be affected by TMS..Mine was 154/84 yesterday which is the highest it has been in my life..I know physical pain increases one's BP and I have been taking Aleve for the pain and swelling..The pharmacist said that anti-inflammatories can also raise one's BP..Ahhh, I'm a mess..If there's a delay in my responding it's because I am waiting for a friend to help me type..Praying to G-d will get me through this gig with flying colors and then by Friday I'll be typing again! |
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2010 : 11:03:40
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Hi Karen.
When TMS strikes, it likely means there is something going on in your life that you are not dealing with at an emotional level -- possibly something you don't even realize is bothering you.
You touch on one possible trigger in your E-mail, but only briefly: the pressure of promoting your new CD. However, instead of following that deeper and exploring its true emotional impact, you focus on how the physical symptoms might prevent you from fulfilling those obligations.
This is a textbook TMS attack, and you've fallen into the trap door yet again.
You really need to recognize and accept this conditioned response, and short circuit the pain before it controls you. If you insist on following physical treatments and allowing your friend to type for you, then you are not treating this as a TMS attack and the pain is likely to continue.
Try harder. Don't let it win. |
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2010 : 12:09:03
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Thanks for writing, Dave, I've missed hearing from you.. :)
What you are saying makes sense, however, it's hard to implement when typing, for example, increases the neurological symptoms and pain so much.. They are so sensitive right now, that even flossing or holding a glass of water is difficult..
There are some intense emotions inside of me of late.. I dealt with a terrible betrayal from two friends in the recent past.. This caused enormous rage and hurt.. I lost one of the two friends over this fiasco.. That caused much grief and sadness.. Perhaps this is adding to the reservoir of rage in my unconscious..
Hugs,
Karen |
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2010 : 17:20:06
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Thanks for the kind words Karen, they are greatly appreciated, sincerely. I can sense you're already in a better frame of mind.
You need to immerse yourself in TMS knowledge/penicillin. You're at a level of TMS that reminds me of a lady I met in a hot-tub years ago at a tennis club. I could tell from her stilted movement getting in that she had something wrong with her and asked. She said she had "fibromyalgia" which is TMS. I recommended reading Sarno, she said she couldn't hold a book. I suggested she hire a high-school kid to turn the pages for her. I'm pretty sure she didn't take my advice.
You are lucky that you have discovered the Good Doctor. Get his books on tape and play them over and over until you brain-wash yourself.
Another suggestion, click on Dave's profile and then on his "Archived Posts" below his post count. Dave's rendering of Sarno is the most concise and clear here.
Congratulations on your CD at Whole Foods, that's really cool, but stop worrying about selling out, your putting the pressure on yourself.
Are you getting any exercise? That is one pressure I will put on you, you MUST get some exercise no matter how slowly you start. It will settle your nerves.
JUST DO IT!
Some of my favorite excerpts from _THE DIVIDED MIND_ :
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605
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Edited by - tennis tom on 05/29/2010 17:22:27 |
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2010 : 21:02:17
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Great advice, TT! I am feeling a little better..Some of the scary neurological stuff has quieted the more I read here and think about what' is really going on inside of me..How did you know I have been slacking off with exercise? Been trying to get back into it, I love walking but prior to the wrists it was the knee! Going to go to the gym tomorrow..Thanks for the reminder! I'll check out Dave's posts too..
Have a wonderful rest of the weekend,
K
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 05/30/2010 : 10:40:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Singer_Artist
Thanks for writing, Dave, I've missed hearing from you.. :)
What you are saying makes sense, however, it's hard to implement when typing, for example, increases the neurological symptoms and pain so much..
Even in this brief sentence you cannot resist the term "neurological symptoms" which means your mind is still focused on the physical realm.
Again, I have to point to the release of your CD as a possible trigger for this. Remember what is at the root of many TMS attacks stems from the pressure we put on ourselves and the fear of not living up to our own expectations. |
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marsha
252 Posts |
Posted - 05/30/2010 : 10:50:05
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I think that the problem of TMS is the pressure we put on ourselves. We eat sleep talk and think TMS all the time and the symptoms remain.
Our lives are what they are and most of us cannot change our circumstances. We can change our approach to those stresses by changing our behavior and hope that our subconscious processes the changes and releases us from this terrible pain syndrome.
Remember the T. V. commercial " Take two aspirins and call me in the morning." Let go..move ahead..keep busy and stop looking around every corner for the moment. It will never come if you are loosing your life in the search.
Marsha |
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 05/30/2010 : 13:45:44
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Dave,
I understand what you are saying..This seems to be an ongoing issue for me every time TMs rears it's ugly head in my life..I know Dr. Sarno says to gradually resume physical activities once the pain is at a tolerable level..If tipping the cereal box brings on sharp pain, it's hard to do it anyway without worrying that I'm hurting something..I agree that the CD release and upcoming gig is the trigger..
Marsha,
I know what you mean, and due to my upcoming show, I'm forced to stay busy preparing..There is gradual improvement in the symptoms..
Thank you both,
Karen |
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IS ANYONE THERE??
