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jlundigard
USA
3 Posts |
 Posted - 01/30/2011 : 19:34:00
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I've been having some back pain for the last few months and I think I'm a good candidate for TMS. It's in the lower right side of my back, hard to pinpoint, but around where the hip meets the back. It is not constant but more of a "grabbing" pain when I twist my body or balance/stabilization is necessary. I can not always reproduce it, either, and it doesn't really bother me during heavy lifting work (I am a gym rat and like lifting heavy). It seemingly comes out of nowhere like when I bend down to lift the toilet seat, or step off a curb, or other mundane stuff like that. (In your experience, does this sound like TMS to you?)
Anyway, my question is: Sarno states clearly that everyone should have their issues checked out first to rule out a structural problem. I can see this helping if the doctor finds nothing wrong: then you are almost assuredly suffering from TMS. But, what happens when the doctor comes back with one of the diagnoses that Sarno claims are often confused with TMS? Then what? I can only see that adding confusion, because then you are really putting faith in his theory.
I have an appointment with rhuematologist next week and just want to make sure I approach it correctly. Thanks for any help you can offer! |
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2011 : 07:35:31
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It's very likely TMS or something so minor I'd just forget it. These kinds of minor grabbing pains are just so normal. They come, they go, nd eventually they stay gone.
That you're going to see an M.D. about it just adds more evidence that you're a prime TMS personality. |
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2011 : 11:06:27
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quote:
Originally posted by jlundigard
Anyway, my question is: Sarno states clearly that everyone should have their issues checked out first to rule out a structural problem. I can see this helping if the doctor finds nothing wrong: then you are almost assuredly suffering from TMS. But, what happens when the doctor comes back with one of the diagnoses that Sarno claims are often confused with TMS? Then what? I can only see that adding confusion, because then you are really putting faith in his theory.
Then you have to do some thinking to evaluate what's going on with your body and not entrust it entirely to someone just because they are wearing a white-coat. Ask questions, if the doctor is in too much of a hurry to answer them, maybe he's not the right doctor for you. Just don't be in too much of a hurry if he starts talking invasive remedies like surgery.
See a TMS doctor for a proper diagnosis. Or do a phone consult with one with the results from the rheumy.
Come back here with the results for some amateur analysis or maybe one of the TMS docs who lurk here will chime in.
"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
DR. SARNO'S 12 DAILY REMINDERS:
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6415
TAKE THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS TEST
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale
Some of my favorite excerpts from _THE DIVIDED MIND_ :
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2011 : 12:10:17
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Tom gives a solid response. I'd just add that if it were me (again, just speaking for myself), I'd not go to the doctor for this. Unless you've a knife sticking out of your back, they tend to be pretty clueless as to what's really going on. Backs in the absence of some obvious injury, are a big mystery.
If I'm understanding you, this is not severe pain? It comes and goes? It's against the orthodoxy, but if that's so I'd bear in mind that sometimes more harm than good can come of such doctor visits...
Let's suppose he sees some vague abnormality, something that's extremely common and in many to most cause no problem. Well now you've got a diagnosis. Now what? You're left with having to wrestle with the same issues...is it real or is it TMS...only it's that much more difficult because part of you will be arguing, well hell, this guy went to medical school and he's telling me I have a back problem...So I guess I must need treatment...
You can see the slippery slope potential.
Just sayin'
No responsible person would tell you not to see a doctor...
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Edited by - art on 01/31/2011 12:18:10 |
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jlundigard
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2011 : 12:48:43
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art/tom,
Thanks so much for the well-reasoned replies. I think I need some basic reassurance it's not something uber-serious, like a tumor. I think, though it's preposterous, my brain will always consider the worst-case scenario until it's disproven. I have some confidence that if given one these nebulous diagnoses, I'll be able to judge it on its merits, and of course the doctor's bedside manner will have some effect.
Anyway, will report back what I've learned. Thanks again, you all are so helpful. |
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2011 : 06:08:50
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Again, that you're worried about a tumor is strong evidence of your TMS personality. There's always something bodily to be concerned about, a twinge here, an ache there. They never end. The general tendency is to be reassured for a short time after being told it's nothing, then to go ahead and find something else to catastrophise about...
I'm guessing you've a history of such things. Many of us do, constant worry about health being a common indicator of TMS..
Let us know what the doc says, and keep us posted thereafter...
A.
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A little confusion
