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mala
Hong Kong
774 Posts |
 Posted - 07/30/2012 : 20:51:29
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Dave thank you. Because of you we have this forum. Your posts are usually succinct & to the point & summed up as
Don' think physical, think psychological,
Stay on the path
Don't think about time frame.
I don't have any issues with the first two but I wonder about the time frame concept. If I remember correctly dr. Sarno in HBP says we shouldn't put time frame on recovery but does say that it takes between 3 to six months or something like that. Sorry don't have my book with me.
Surely one cannot go on indefinitely without seeing recovery not just a little bit of recovery but say at least 80 to 90 percent to justify some sort of success.
I mean if it was a question of time then the same could be said about say physical therapy, acupuncture, massage etc . Maybe the success of most modalities lie in the fact that we have to keep at it longer. After all most people give up after one or two months. I guess success would be almost guaranteed if one went to physio 3 times a week for say 2 years but no one keeps at it so long. Yet for tms we are expected to go on indefinitely.
At what point do you say OK this is not working
Good Luck & Good Health
Mala |
Edited by - mala on 07/30/2012 20:54:27 |
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drh7900
USA
194 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2012 : 13:18:35
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Everyone is different. Some people heal in days or weeks after reading the books, others take much longer. Seems I've read and heard that the average is 6 weeks to a year or something like that...I don't know...that sounds like too long of a range for an "average". SteveO took 18 months of working hard at living his life and going through his techniques. I'm sitting here at almost 3 months and wishing I could speed things along, but my body will heal in its own time.
I would say that you don't give up and quit. If the doctors have ruled out anything serious, then don't give up, but perhaps consider your approach and technique. Sarno also says that 5% - 10% of TMS sufferers require Psychotherapy to help them get through the chronic pain. I can't remember if I've read how long your journey has been, but have you considered therapy? Have you worked with anyone on learning to feel your emotions instead of "coping" with them? I've only been at this for 3 months, but I'm beginning to wonder if therapy may be in order for me. I dunno...maybe I'm being impatient, and I do have days where I'm doing substantially better...it's just hard to be patient...especially when you're a TMSer LOL.
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Dustin |
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mala
Hong Kong
774 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 07:16:58
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Dustin, you say you' ve been at it for 3 months. How's the progress been for you. Are your symptoms getting better , hav ether escalated like mine. Are u happy with yr progress?
I have thought about therapy and in fact started going to see a therapist many years ago but gave up after a couple of sessions. She didn't seem to understand tms & I didn't find it useful. Good therapists are hard to come bye here in hk
Good Luck & Good Health
Mala |
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 08:23:47
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quote:
Originally posted by malaI don't have any issues with the first two but I wonder about the time frame concept. If I remember correctly dr. Sarno in HBP says we shouldn't put time frame on recovery but does say that it takes between 3 to six months or something like that.
My biggest criticism of Dr. Sarno's books is that he makes it sound as if a majority of people recover very quickly. This is not my experience, nor that of many who post on this forum. I believe planting this idea makes it likely for people to get frustrated when relief does not come quickly enough.
In my opinion, the most important aspect of treating TMS is to learn to accept that the pain is benign and to ignore it. Monitoring one's progress and putting a timetable on "recovery" implies that we are paying attention to the symptoms which is the exact opposite of what we are supposed to do. This is why I feel it is essential to take a long-term view of recovery and not allow lack of progress or day-to-day fluctuations in pain levels shake our confidence. In fact, many people get worse before they get better, as our unconscious mind fights back and tries to shake our confidence.
It is relatively easy to acquire the belief that our pain is benign and can be safely ignored. It is much more difficult to wire it into our unconscious so that our thoughts and actions are consistent with this belief. This is not a process over which we have any real control. Some might get there in a few weeks, others in a few years. However long it takes, the key is that it is a life-long change in how we think about and react to the symptoms.
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Surely one cannot go on indefinitely without seeing recovery not just a little bit of recovery but say at least 80 to 90 percent to justify some sort of success.
What exactly is "80 or 90 percent?" How do you quantify recovery? How do you monitor it? How do you assess your progress? To me, it is irrelevant and counterproductive. I don't pay enough attention to the pain to know when I am at "80% recovery." I consider my treatment to be successful because the pain has no power to affect my life in the ways that it used to. I no longer run to the chiropractor when my back is stiff. I no longer fear I have carpal tunnel syndrome when I feel some tingling in my fingers. I no longer fear that a minor bout of lower back pain will escalate into the debilitating spasms that used to plague me.
quote:
At what point do you say OK this is not working
Everyone is different and has a unique journey. For whatever reason you are unable to truly stop focusing on the symptoms. The TMS concept has not sunken into your unconscious. There is still quite a bit of doubt in your mind; fear that maybe it is not TMS after all and there is truly something physically wrong that needs to be addressed.
The pain has escalated despite all your attempts. I know it is frustrating and I have been there. It took years before I had lasting relief. This only came after I truly accepted that all of my symptoms were benign, and banished the fear. I still had pretty severe lower back pain on a regular basis despite the fact that I truly accepted that it was nothing to be concerned about. It is very difficult to get through those times, but if you do, you will be rewarded.
Dr. Sarno would count you among the few who cannot recover from TMS without unlocking the potential sources of unconscious rage through psychotherapy. He would prescribe Freudian psychotherapy for you. While it may be difficult to find someone familiar with TMS, perhaps you can find a psychoanalyst who can help. Otherwise I'm afraid you will continue to be locked in this vicious cycle where you are unable to make the true leap that is required to gain relief. |
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drh7900
USA
194 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 11:47:19
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quote:
Originally posted by mala
Dustin, you say you' ve been at it for 3 months. How's the progress been for you. Are your symptoms getting better , hav ether escalated like mine. Are u happy with yr progress?
I have thought about therapy and in fact started going to see a therapist many years ago but gave up after a couple of sessions. She didn't seem to understand tms & I didn't find it useful. Good therapists are hard to come bye here in hk
Good Luck & Good Health
Mala
Progress has been a little slow. I have some good days and some not-so-good days. I have had some mornings where I have felt virtually pain free and I have had some extended periods where I feel like I'm slipping backward into the pain rut again. I think it's a roller coaster because of the emotional roller coaster.
Am I happy with my progress...that's a loaded question. I am happy I am making progress. I am not happy I am not making faster progress. But, I suppose that is part of the struggle of being particularly prone to TMS. The perfectionistic tendencies in some of us make us feel like if we're not improving at a certain rate or within a certain time makes us feel like we're not doing it right. It may not be a matter of "doing it right" as much as "finding what works".
For me, the most significant indicator of TMS is the way it has changed...and still changes from time to time. Usually it's sciatica in my left leg. Occasionally it's just isolated in my lower back, other times it's my right ankle...or my left calf...or the big toe on my right foot. It's frustrating how it seems to dance around and linger...but the fact that it does re-affirms for me that this is TMS and that I'm on the right track.
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Dustin |
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Question for anyone but especially Dave
