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Artgal5986
USA
26 Posts |
 Posted - 03/01/2012 : 18:32:18
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I am on day 10 of the TMS structured program and today I suffered some bad neck pain while I was teaching. I went into my normal fear and anxiety mode and then tried t think positively and remind myself it is only TMS and my mind doing this to me. I am trying to let go of the fear, but I am having a lot of trouble. I feel like I am following the program and going to therapy... doing what I am supposed to and am still in constant pain. I even had solution shots in my neck today...but it did not do much. I am so desperate to feel better. I am so scared that I have too many obstacles to overcome...I am a very negative thinker, have OCD, anxiety, and have a hard time handling stress. I am starting to understand what my stress triggers are but when I try to tell myself it will all be ok I don't quite believe it....How do I start believing it? It probably doesn't help that I have PMS...hahaha That should be another topic...TMS and PMS.... I just feel discouraged....Feel free to offer advice!
Erica |
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mala
Hong Kong
774 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2012 : 20:11:59
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I also did the structured programme and I think it is an excellent tool. I too did not get immediate relief. It takes time and it requires a shift in the way you think. Don,t give up.you are doing all the right things. Has there been any period when you have thought that you were making some progress. If so hold on to that thought.. In the meantime try to reduce your stress levels . Take a pill or use a topical cream for relief. It will ease your mind and give you a break from the pain and help to relax.
Good Luck & Good Health
Mala |
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
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andy64tms
USA
589 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2012 : 23:03:51
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Hi Erica,
I see you need uplifting, this is a story of MainEventMike a new comer to TMS like you and I. I think you will enjoy it.
http://tensionmyositissyndrome.blogspot.com/
My reply to him was..
Hi Mike,
Quick note to say thank you for your excellent link. I found it inspiring and it brought tears of laughter trickling down my face. It did this a second time when my wife read it out loud to me. We both had a jolly good cry.
Today I am on Day 2 of the structured program, I had a hard time doing the commitment plan that was provided and made my own up. It lists my TMS assets as well as my action plan of what I have to do. I am having similar problems to you. It’s a little crazy but would you like me to post it?
Andy |
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Artgal5986
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2012 : 01:06:05
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quote:
Originally posted by andy64tms
Hi Erica,
I see you need uplifting, this is a story of MainEventMike a new comer to TMS like you and I. I think you will enjoy it.
http://tensionmyositissyndrome.blogspot.com/
My reply to him was..
Hi Mike,
Quick note to say thank you for your excellent link. I found it inspiring and it brought tears of laughter trickling down my face. It did this a second time when my wife read it out loud to me. We both had a jolly good cry.
Today I am on Day 2 of the structured program, I had a hard time doing the commitment plan that was provided and made my own up. It lists my TMS assets as well as my action plan of what I have to do. I am having similar problems to you. It’s a little crazy but would you like me to post it?
Andy
Thank you for the link. And sure, you can post what you came up with. You never know, it may be the answer!
Thanks,
Erica |
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Artgal5986
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2012 : 01:12:07
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quote:
Originally posted by tennis tom
How much do the solution shots cost? What's in the solution. Is your therapist versed in TMS? How much do the sessions cost, how many times per month do you go?
==================================================
DR. SARNO'S 12 DAILY REMINDERS:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0dKBFwGR0g
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
==================================================
"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
"Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." Author Unknown
"Happy People Are Happy Putters." Frank Nobilo, Golf Analyst
"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." Mark Twain and Balto
======================================================
TMS PRACTITIONERS:
John Sarno, MD
400 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-6035
Here's the TMS practitioners list from the TMS Help Forum:
http://www.tmshelp.com/links.htm
Here's a list of TMS practitioners from the TMS Wiki:
http://tmswiki.org/page/Find+a+TMS+Doctor+or+Therapist
Here's a map of TMS practitioners from the old Tarpit Yoga site, (click on the map by state for listings).:
http://www.tarpityoga.com/2007_08_01_archive.html
Tennistom,
I went to see a pain management guy who gives you these trigger point injections, which are more like little needles that he pricks you with that contains a small amount of solution with what is litocain (like what you get a t dentist office, not sure of the spelling). It doesn't matter what is in the solution, because it is the liquid that is supposed to break up the tight muscle. He said it could take a few treatments. I am feeling some minor relief and did make another appointment to try it because it is covered by insurance and I don't even need to pay a copay. He did it in a chiropractor's office. It only takes a few minutes and it is only a prick. I am going again next week. He is not versed in TMS, but I figured I know it is only temporary relief, but I need something to take the edge off while working on the TMS Wiki structured program.
Erica |
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im2bob
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2012 : 09:40:49
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Dr. Sarno says in his book to stop all treatments. The injections mean you are acknowledging the pain when you are supposed to be trying to be unconcerned about it.
I was getting steroid injections and I stopped them. |
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andy64tms
USA
589 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 18:57:26
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Dear Erica,
I’ve been thinking about you, no not that way. I have re-read your emails, and I have been in a very similar situation to yours. You are running yourself ragged-you can’t help it, I’ve done the same! Perhaps your upcoming marriage and choice of spouse is a worry. Let’s take your upcoming wedding as an example.
A wedding is one of the worst pressure cookers devise by man (or women). It’s been blown up out of all proportion, the only thing that really matters is the commitment and love the two people have for each other. I made the best decision to elope under much family pressure in 1977, and am very happy and content to this day. Read more in the last paragraph of my bio, I was just like you are now, and I used the same words as you fear and anxiety.
I get a sense from your emails that you want this pain to be over before your wedding - soon, let’s get this pain over now! Your mind is in turmoil over seeing Dr. Sarno in person or the choice of which therapy to choose. Dr. Sarno can’t make you better, only you can! He can show you how, but ultimately it’s up to you, the pain is in your head. I don’t think a cure will work to your time schedule. TMS pain is not negotiable; you cannot bargain with it or threaten it. It’s just a stubborn pest and has a mind of its own, like one on your naughty pupils.
I am a design engineer and exceptional planner, (it’s part of my obsessiveness). I make lists of things to do, and find this helpful, especially with complicated projects that have thousands of parts. Last week TMS overwhelmed me. I was on Day 2 of the educational plan. I was asked to make a commitment plan and went to pieces over this. So I made a list that suited me at the time. I now have a road map.
I am attaching this list at the end of this message. This will give you an example of how I am identifying my source if troubled emotions as well as my 1,000,001 life stressors that I have to dig deep into my sub conscious for.
I hope it helps.
Andy
TMS PROGRAM COMMITMENT AND PLAN: Andy 3/2/2012
My new TMS condition is at say level 3 pain, not too bothersome but nagging and chronic. Gets worse at times to headache level 4 pain. I’m luckier than most.
My last episode 2000 was much worse. I had a very quick recovery after my forced jogging. I have been ignoring my neck and back for 10 years, windsurfing, Yoga, Kayaking etc. So I am not frightened of exercise, pain won’t hurt me.
MY ASSETS:
Prior success in 2000 EXCELENT
Sarno Books & Tape GOOD
Schubiner’s Book to arrive soon GOOD
TMS Forum GOOD
Education Program Wiki Wiki GOOD
Belief that pain will not hurt me GOOD
Belief that I can exercise GOOD
Started journaling GOOD
Understanding wife GOOD
Previous Smoking & Alcohol quitting GOOD
Retired (every day’s a Saturday) loads of time GOOD
MY DIFFICULTIES:
Which of my past stresses 50 years worth? Don’t know which
Are my present stresses the problem? Don’t know which
I believe in most 12 daily Reminders EXCEPT these three:
“I will shift attention from pain to emotional issues” HOW-WHEN
“I intend to be in control – not my subconscious mind” HOW
“I must think psychological at all times, not physical” HOW
MY PLAN as follows:
SHIFTING ATTENTION
1. Maybe I did this the other night when I had a severe sciatica spasm after12 years of being pain free. So I am OK doing this when I spasm. Also I will start thinking about emotional issues during the day at each painful turn of the head. Think of a past issue that made you stress, you only have a million and one to pick from.
“Go away you B…d. I know you are there to distract me from crap”
“I am in control of you. I am going to have a great day windsurfing”
“I don’t care you are there, go away. No I don’t care if you do stay”
“You are not a serious threat to me. I can remove you with Yoga and Hot baths”
CONTROL IS MINE
2 When I decide to do Yoga, have a hot bath, or massage my neck I will comment to myself the above lines or similar ones. I will also make up many new ones to enhance the message.
THINK PSYCHOLOGICAL
3. I believe this means ALL the time. Do not ponder on the actual neck. Do not look up things on websites about my neck. Do not talk about my neck or pain, it’s not important. Do not look at my X-rays of my neck again. Do not focus on my neck. Dr. Campeau has said I have no problems- believe him. Whenever tempted to think about my neck, think about past pissy issues and how I felt about them.
4. In the morning don’t say “Oh my aching neck” Say instead “So you are still with me, not for much longer, excuse me I busy and I am going to have a great day even with you there.”
MAKE LISTS
5. Make a list of 1,000,001 nasty past experiences, like my crappy bio. I find this difficult to do, but will try to add humor. I know I will never get to 1 mil, but will focus on recent and past that were the worst and expound on them – make a story. Think about these events with emotions, very difficult.
6 Make a list of really nice experiences.
7. Finish off my Bio
8. Finish off Latest events on forum.
9. Make a list of my pains from 1-10
My Appendix & Surgery=10
Paper cut=1)
Favorite quote(Darko)“The mind is a massive bull****ting drama machine”. Thanks Darko.
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Edited by - andy64tms on 03/05/2012 11:15:02 |
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Artgal5986
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2012 : 13:48:37
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quote:
Originally posted by andy64tms
I get a sense from your emails that you want this pain to be over before your wedding - soon, let’s get this pain over now! Your mind is in turmoil over seeing Dr. Sarno in person or the choice of which therapy to choose. Dr. Sarno can’t make you better, only you can! He can show you how, but ultimately it’s up to you, the pain is in your head. I don’t think a cure will work to your time schedule. TMS pain is not negotiable; you cannot bargain with it or threaten it. It’s just a stubborn pest and has a mind of its own, like one on your naughty pupils.
Thanks andy64tms! I agree with you that I want the pain to be over soon, but it will not work in my time schedule. That is actually one of my biggest problems. I plan EVERYTHING and if it does not go to plan I get very upset. My therapist even laughs and says "remember, the world doesn't always get your memo". That is something I need to let go of. I need to try to just ignore the pain and not get mad every time I feel some pain and start my normal pain cycle: I will never get better, I will always be in pain. Thanks for posting your plan!
Erica |
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catmac
United Kingdom
57 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2012 : 15:37:56
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mala, where is the structured program that you guys are mentioning?
I am a newbie to this site and am currently reading Dr Sarnos book, The mindbody prescription. Are you talking about the treatment program in the book? thanks |
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bryan3000
USA
513 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2012 : 16:24:19
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Catmac,
The structured program is at TMS Wiki. Free, and very well put together.
Howard Schubiner also has a TMS workbook that is highly recommended.
Either can work... all depends on the person. I'd say to try starting at TMS Wiki, since that's free.
Forest and the rest over there are truly great people... giving their own time and effort to help others and asking nothing in return. Really a great asset to the TMS cause.
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MainEventMike
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2012 : 16:25:10
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quote:
Originally posted by catmac
mala, where is the structured program that you guys are mentioning?
I am a newbie to this site and am currently reading Dr Sarnos book, The mindbody prescription. Are you talking about the treatment program in the book? thanks
A lot of people use this:
http://www.tmswiki.org/ppd/Structured_Educational_Program
I'm using Dr. Schubiner's book. I'm a little more than halfway through the workbook part. It's not easy to do the workbook but, I think it will be worth it.
http://tensionmyositissyndrome.blogspot.com/ |
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Feeling very pessimistic...need some uplifting..
