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Shamrock
26 Posts |
 Posted - 03/08/2012 : 10:04:18
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It's been years since I've been on this forum. I used the Unlearn Your Pain workbook a few years ago and it really help me banish my back pain. I've also read Sarno and others and went to a TMS doctor in my area back then.
A few days ago, my back pain resurfaced. Mild at first and then getting worse as I'm panicking over it (remembering how awful it got a bunch of years ago and also worrying about how it could affect my job and my relationship with my GF.)
I'm an anxious person, and when the pain comes, it throws me into panic attacks (I have real trouble focusing, feel feverish and tired, and have dry mouth.)
As far as stress, I'm under a lot right now. Work is pretty crushing as far as workload and timelines. Recently, I also decided to stop an addiction I've been struggling with (doing some counseling and getting support for that.) I will also be telling my GF about that addiction, so preparing for the disclosure is kicking up lots of fear.
I'm trying to take the approach of accepting the pain as a temporary thing now and understanding that it's coming from all my stress, fear, and anxiety.
These past few days have been really tough, and I could use some encouragement and support.
Thanks.
- S |
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Marlawantstohike
USA
48 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2012 : 13:56:00
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I am sure others who have been on this longer will give you some good advice. Mine would be listen to anything of Dr Sarno's whether it's any of his books or you can put his name in YouTube and it will bring up some great interviews you can listen to.
I find hearing him speak about what he believes helps me, calms my fears down.
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andy64tms
USA
589 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2012 : 15:29:29
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Shamrock,
What you are doing is phenomenal, dealing with work stress and an addiction at the same time! In my opinion they are both related Mind Body experiences. I gave up alcohol in 1984, and had a terrible work stress situation that led me to quit my job in 2000. I can’t tell you the feeling of joy, comfort, and self satisfaction I feel to this day from overcoming both of these afflictions. You will overcome, and like me feel the same.
You have some TMS assets, the prime one being your previous experience in 2008. You know about TMS, some don’t and take their issues to the grave. You have had a doctor confirm your pain is caused by your brain, and that there is nothing really wrong! Believe him; write this out 100 times to implant this in your head.
When riding your bike, at every pedal stroke tell yourself that the pain is not real. That it is there to distract you from your recent or past stressors, (sometimes hard to know which). This is also a good time to tell yourself that the pain can’t hurt you, since you are confirming this with exercise and ignoring the pain.
Confiding in your girlfriend will be difficult, but worth it. I remember the time I admitted to my wife, with tears trickling down my face that I was an alcoholic; she was the first ever to hear it. The words squeaked out with embarrassment and fear, I could hardly bring myself to say the words. Do you know what? She already knew. She supported and loved me for getting to this point of first admission.
You have my admiration for wanting to deal with your addiction and your TMS pain both at the same time, It will be difficult, but you already know this.
Good luck and thank you for posting. It has helped me.
Andy
Past TMS Experience in 2000, with success.
Now on Day 4 Wiki Edu.
Charlie horse on neck for 20 years. (to be evicted soon.)
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Edited by - andy64tms on 03/08/2012 15:40:27 |
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Shamrock
26 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2012 : 15:48:30
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Yes, it's funny. Last Monday, I felt some back pain and shrugged it off as TMS. I knew all that I was dealing with is heavy stress.
Then a week later the pain comes around again and I bite. I really think it's work stress combined with fear of talking to my GF. I broke up with a previous GF because she called me "weak" for not being able to deal with my back pain. And she rejected the MBS approach and wanted me to go to her ortho surgeon boss.
I think I have a HUGE fear of rejection, especially when it comes to how people perceive me in pain.
Thanks for the supporting words. More are always welcome.
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2012 : 16:31:24
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 I think it's pre St. Patty's Day stress.  |
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MatthewNJ
USA
691 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2012 : 16:51:47
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Shamrock,
Why don't you come join us tomorrow? TMS Peer Support Group, online chat between 3 and 4 PM EST Saturday, March 10, 2012 .
This chat session is FREE and held every Saturday.
http://tmswiki.org/chat/
Matthew
Ferretsx3@comcast.net
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Less activated, more regulated and more resilient. |
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Feeling pain again. Need support please.
