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cobalt82
United Kingdom
3 Posts |
 Posted - 02/14/2011 : 17:00:11
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Hi all,
I have been swotting up on TMS through this site and noticed there hasn't been a recent post on the relation to RSI for quite some time.
So I figured it is my turn. I'm based in the UK and have been suffering with what could now be defined as bilateral diffuse RSI for 11 months now. I'm sure that everyone reading this will know that it really is a living hell. Sore hands and arms are one thing, but the mental torture and anguish is a whole other level of suffering.
Anyway, I came across Sarno's work via the Mindbody Prescription two weeks ago and was instantly struck by the scenarios it describes and the similarities with my own personality and personal circumstances (professional worrier, stuck in a rut, perfectionist, worried about family, had a relationship break down, pressure to perform in a new, challenging job, unhappy with where I am, pressure to make the most of my twenties, etc).
The week I spent reading his book, I noticed my symptoms really eased. Unfortunately, however, I am extremely well read with regards all other related conditions and approaches in treatment (Pascarelli's work, significant internet research, why am I getting the odd burning sensation and cold hands - is it mild Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, why aren't doctors considering these things???, etc, etc), all of which are based in the biomechanical/structural arena - something which I can understand as an engineer. I'm spending a small fortune on myofascial release, chiropractors, swimming, Alexander technique - anything to get better.
I was off work at the time whilst reading looking after a family member who had unexpectedly, albeit temporarily (thankfully), come into some ill health. There was a sudden flare up of symptoms when I heard the bad news, which really eased as I read the MBP.
Having returned to work and spent the last couple of weeks trying to put Sarnos techniques into practice I have noticed an increase in symptoms which has shaken my resolve. I really don't know whether I'm imagining things or not - I've never complained about persistent burning sensations before but now I seem to notice them (and even when I don't I mentally check and wonder if they are there!), alongside symptoms I would describe as more neural in nature than something which feels muscular - e.g. itching whilst stretching.
I didn't notice these before when my RSI was at its worst (an explosion of pain in both forearms, hands, wrists, which migrated over months up my arms into my shoulders and neck, down my back - I even managed to get symptoms in my feet, along with various types of sensory symptoms which would be associated with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. All in a non-conventional pattern which has baffled every doctor I've spoken to. I actually couldn't touch a keyboard without experiencing pain.) but having read about the link with RSD it really is the thing I fear the most!
I really do believe the mind is a powerful thing and in my frustration with the medical establishment here in the UK (I haven't got any form of diagnosis in 11 months) I've begun to piece together what I can from all other sources - a tactic which always leaves you with a "whats the worst case scenario" mentality.
So now I'm at a crossroads. The problem is whether to continue with the Sarno stuff based on a week of temporary improvement, or continue with what I had converged upon through trial, error and education - treatment for TOS accompanied by postural retraining, exercises and drugs where necessary to calm the nervous system. In fact, my approach has been to do everything in a "catch all" situation, which really is untenable (I'm exhausted!).
I'd be really curious to hear other peoples experience of this type of RSI and the neural type symptoms. Everyone can talk about pain, but it is so subjective an experience, and there are so many different types that its never clear cut - and I need convincing that I am just like everyone else!
Anyway, this isn't the best ever monologue I've written - its more of a brain dump, but I thought I'd get my issues out there and put it all to the experts and people who have hopefully come through what I'm experiencing.
Hope everyone is well,
Chris. |
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heelsdown
USA
49 Posts |
Posted - 02/14/2011 : 17:38:54
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Hi Chris,
Ah! Pressure to make the most of your twenties. I can relate. Anyhoo, definitely continue with the tms stuff! I had nervey feelings with my pain (feet, not hands) and it's definitely tms. Tingling, burning, changes in sensation are all symptoms that sarno notes. You're normal (in term of tms!). Be happy you stumbled upon sarno. It'll change your life. :) |
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Back2-It
USA
438 Posts |
Posted - 02/14/2011 : 17:50:02
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You've laid quite a bit on the table.
When I was at the height of my anxiety about what might be wrong with me, I experienced all sorts of neurological symptoms: burning all over my trunk and back, hot and cold feelings in the same and in my limbs, electric shock sensations, tingling in limbs, muscle twitching, a feeling of a mask over my face, dizziness, constipation and the runs -- you name it.
Most of these symptoms I recognized to be anxiety, only after reading through a great site, Anxiety Centre. [urlhttp://www.anxietycentre.com][/url]
My type of pain that stayed eventually wrapped around my chest and caused great discomfort and allodynia, to where I could not wear tight fitting clothing, with out my skin jumping and the pain sensations being magnified then fold. I could also not take a deep breath and it felt like a vise was wrapped around my right side.
I did not make any great strides in making it all go away until I read Sarno and took a TMS class. Before that, I was convinced it was hopeless, because nobody had my type of pain and doctors told me flat out they could not help me. I was (am) on my own, and I had to either go with TMS or retreat into a restricted lifestyle and fade away. Today I had a very good day.
You might not find anybody to verify that your pain is like theirs, but RSI, apparently, is not that uncommon, so you might. I think it was Art on here who said to me, "Why not act as if it is TMS", even though I may have doubts. |
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forestfortrees
393 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2011 : 06:41:40
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quote:
Originally posted by cobalt82
I have been swotting up on TMS through this site and noticed there hasn't been a recent post on the relation to RSI for quite some time.
I was diagnosed with persistent RSI, including Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, FMS (Fibromyalgia), MPS (Myofascial Pain Syndrome), and a host of other ailments, some with TLAs and some without. After 18 years, I started reading about TMS on TMSHelp and now I type and mouse as much as I want. No more Pascarelli and Quiltier or Dragon NaturallySpeaking for me!
When you overcome TMS diagnosed as RSI it can be terrifying because you have been taught that your body is fragile and that you need to think physically rather than emotionally. That's why I started a website about TMS, on which we've collected most of the best TMS success stories and organized them by symptom and diagnosis, so that someone with a given symptom or diagnosis can read through them to see if this approach has worked for someone like them. The RSI page is just one page of about 50, but it probably has about 40 success stories on it (most of which are from this very site):
http://tmswiki.wetpaint.com/page/Repetitive+Strain+Injuries+-+RSI
Hope this helps!
Forest (My story at tmswiki.org)
tmsfft@gmail.com
PS:
To anyone else, do you know of any success stories that we have missed in our lists? If so, please email me ( tmsfft@gmail.com ) and I will definitely add them. |
Edited by - forestfortrees on 02/16/2011 06:43:35 |
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Gibbon
United Kingdom
138 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2011 : 06:48:38
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Hiya
I suffered from severe RSI for 3 years - and have since been recovered for nearly 1 1/2 years....all because of Sarno. You can read my story here http://www.rsi-backpain.co.uk/page2.html
I would strongly recommend carrying on with Sarno's techniques - but really throwing yourself into them 100%. 90% isn't enough - it leaves enough of a crack for those doubts to stop you recovering.
I would also strongly recommend looking for professional support - (such as physio Georgie Oldfield http://tmsrecovery.com/index.php) - this can be invaluable to help you to accept the TMS diagnosis and also allow you to access a wider support group where you can meet other former sufferers face to face.
Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me with any questions....
Andrew
Check out the TMS website: www.rsi-backpain.co.uk |
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Gibbon
United Kingdom
138 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2011 : 06:50:00
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Hiya Forest!
Just logging back into the TMS community after a somewhat long break 
How's it going?
(BTW I've tried a couple of times to log into the TMSwiki site, but (like now) I get the "problem loading page" message when I try to log in to wetpaint to post. It maybe because of a somewhat slow internet speed - though i can log in and post elsewhere fine....) |
Edited by - Gibbon on 02/16/2011 06:56:47 |
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TMS? RSI? TOS? TLA's (three letter acronyms)
