| Author |
 Topic  |
|
RageSootheRatio
Canada
430 Posts |
 Posted - 01/17/2015 : 09:24:24
|
Ace, thanks very much for the update. I must say the way you describe the condition I believe completely and accurately describes my own situation.
I will also say (for others who may be struggling) that affirmations and visualizations have definitely not been the right strategy for me at all, to turn off the autonomic nervous system's (fight, flight, freeze fawn) response and to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system to move towards the 'rest and digest' / relaxation response which I believe is the end-goal (and not the affirmations or visualizations themselves.) I do seem to be getting better results with 'paradoxical relaxation' or other 'active rest techniques.' I am also exploring the standing qigong method and seeing some results.
thanks again, Ace1 for continuing to post and support members here! I continue to work on your hypothesis, seeing what strategies do and don't work for me: what INCREASES my symptoms, and what DECREASES them.
~RSR
Edited mainly to correct my temporary confusion between the Autonomic Nervous System and the Parasympathetic Nervous System! |
Edited by - RageSootheRatio on 01/23/2015 07:16:10 |
 |
|
|
Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2015 : 09:37:09
|
| Awesome RSR. Keep up the good work and thanks for the feedback. |
|
|
|
lindaleyner
Germany
46 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2015 : 18:03:35
|
I know you are a very busy man, Ace1, but you intirgue me.
I am a med student and it's so rare to find a doctor (what I want to be one day...) be so open and honest about the mind-body-connection.
How do you handle that divide? How do you handle the stress of being a physician? I cannot imagine myself doing anything else...but I am worried I won't make it that far because of how stressfull this career is, and how susceptible and vulnerable I seem to be.
I'd love to talk to you about this in more depth, but I'd understand if you don't have time for chit-chat. |
|
|
|
Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2015 : 09:39:52
|
Hi L,
I don't mind talking to you on here. I just saw your previous post and I think it's obvious why you can't shake your symptoms this time. You are putting too much pressure on yourself with the med school thing and your conflicted about it to some degree. You have to go about this reconditioning yourself to this situation. You have conditioned yourself to go into something with a lot of force and intensity to "get it done". Since this is a big challenge for you and a dream you maybe doing this more intensly than you do with other life situations. You have to realize that you will likely not be able to stop the symptoms easily while your in the situation but you have to take a long term approach to it. That's what I had to do in my job. If I had quit my job and left my family I would like have been free of symptoms quickly. However since I did not change my life and had to change the way I react to it, it has been a process of years. Just practice an I don't care attitude and take your time and be easy on yourself to let your nervous system calm down again in the situation. Do not do anything to the symptoms except to try to relax them and do not let them sensitize your nerves more. Practice not trying to exceed you body's capabilities by rushing, anticipating or bracing. Keep in your mind the reason your strained and try to relax about it. Visualizations and affirmations can help
You asked how do I had the stress of being a physician. I accept everything and don't try to have my body perform the impossible (try to perform tasks etc that are impossible in the time period I giving myself). I take my time and know I can only do everything easily and one thing at a time. I do not let others pressure me to change this approach. You have to accept your patients outcome no matter what it is, even though you are routing for them. Remember that there are many physicians that are not ill and therefore it is the approach within you that has to change so you an be like that too. It is a very hard process but in the end it is all worth it. |
Edited by - Ace1 on 03/09/2015 18:46:55 |
|
|
|
Rile84
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2015 : 01:22:41
|
quote:
Originally posted by balto
I just want to add one thing.
Disaster does strike. traumatic events could happen to any of us at any time. When faced with those extreme negative events it is normal for us to feel down, depress, or panic. We have to know that it is very very ok to feel that way. Don't fight it, don't get angry because of it, don't be scare because of how you feel, just accept it, just know that it will get better and life will be back to normal.
That's how we should live with it, accept it and overcome it. |
|
|
|
wpack333
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2015 : 14:48:55
|
Ace-
Can you speak a little bit more about pain pathways and the nervous system and breaking the pain cycle?
I have had headaches/neck pain and GI issues that I believe were TMS caused and have seen remarkable improvement. But I also have had foot pain that for awhile came on out of the blue every 4-5 months and would last a week or less and then be gone. But since Nov the foot pain has lingered. Some days are extremely painful but some days are not bad. I have gone through every test out there with no explanation for the pain. So while my other TMS issues have dramatically improved since I started treating them as such the foot pain is no better.
I am very interested in learning more about why that may be and I have seen some brief discussion around our nerves and pain pathways.
Thanks very much! |
|
|
|
Sam908
70 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2015 : 08:47:15
|
Ace - I've been experiencing sinus infections and bronchitis ever since I hemorrhaged from a botched T&A surgery when I was about nine years old. Since then, they've increased in frequency - 3 to 4 times a year - and are quite debilitating. I do believe that they are TMS equivalents and have been applying Dr. Sarno's "Knowledge Cure," but they still keep on coming. I haven't yet tried your Keys to Healing approach. Do they apply to infections and the like, as well as to physical pain? As a physician I assume you've had to deal with these issues. I'm really at wit's end at this point.
|
|
|
|
Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2015 : 17:05:51
|
WP
The mechanism of the pain pathways is in no way important for your recovery. There are a lot more important things to learn, all of which are on my list.
To me it seems to me you are just shifting your symptoms to your foot. This implies to me that your able to ignore it well in some places more than others (ie your foot). Remember to use your pain signals where ever they are to signify that your strained. Figure out why and pull back from it. Many times it just a process of time after that.
Sam
Your symptoms after the T &A surgery are shift from the disease that required the surgery in the first place. The reason the symptoms are becoming more frequent is bc your nerves are becoming more sensitized/strained. Yes my list apples to all illness but like I have said before just bc something can be treated this way doesn't mean it can't kill or cripple you, so always get checked out medically first. |
|
|
|
corekids
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2015 : 18:20:25
|
Just want to share that I am visiting this site and rereading Ace1's keys to healing. I have been having a "flare up" of symptoms recently due to a few different things going on in my life. I was very successful using a combo of Sarno and Claire Weekes to relieve pelvic pain I had for over two years. Ace1, Balto and Hillbilly's posts were incredibly helpful to me during my initial recovery and I am forever thankful for that!
I decided to write because i just read over Ace1's keys and I didn't realize until now, how much I have wound myself back up. Some of the tension is ironically from the possibility of a new career move that I am excited about, but the nervous system doesn't really care if it's excitement or fear it just knows it's hyped up. The memories of the pain and fear in the pelvic area are still too fresh for it not to react. These things I know. What is realized today that even though my fear of the symptoms isn't nearly as scary I am being impatient with this "flare up". I keep sending myself little subconscious thoughts that I don't have time to be dealing with this again. I have more important things to do than deal with these symptoms. I believe this is why the flare up isn't calming down. Allow and let time pass.
I'd love to hear how other people have handled their flare ups. It is such a comfort knowing I can come back and visit when I need to. Thank you all! |
|
|
|
Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2015 : 06:55:01
|
| Ck. I'm glad to hear that my list was helpful to you. Just keep up with the same process that got you better before. Flares should become less and less intense with time. Usually a flare is about something your anticipating or if your irritated by someone. |
|
|
|
zaqxsw
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - 06/07/2015 : 17:45:17
|
@Ace1 I cannot say thanks too much. I just read the list last night. I copied it into a WORD .docx document and emailed it to my Kindle where I have read it three more times.
To say it is the one "understanding" that resonates with me the most in two years of suffering, and studying, is not an understatement. I swear two years of chronic pain is already on the mend. I already feel it. I've been disappointed too many times to say I'm better, but I am.
I now see my "tension" in almost all of my activities/situations. This is just today! It's amazing the awareness that has exploded. I knew I was doing this, but it hadn't sunken in that it was at the root of my pain, or that all of the little things added up to the huge illness I've been suffering under.
I do not normally post like this, and am a conservative, perfectionist. I know that just because I'm now aware of what is going on is still a long way from having a cure, but I haven't been this upbeat in two years. I do not feel pain right now, just a tingling. Amazing.
In 1891, Annie Payson wrote a book "Power Through Repose". It has been published through Project Gutenberg and is a free download at:
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4337
I did not get the "understanding" that your list gave me from reading this book. Your list is the best "guide" or "summary" of what this book talks about. I highly recommend the book in light of your list.
Thank you so very much. God bless you. |
|
|
|
Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2015 : 15:33:48
|
Zaqxsw,
Just saw your message. Awesome. I'm glad for the feed back and for how the list is helping you. If your initial success fades some, don't be discouraged as it really does take time to get good at this. Yes I read a little of Annie Payson before. There was a guy called Hillbilly on here that pointed her work out. If I remember right she was right about using your body in a strained way but she didn't relate it back to the psychology. I may have to reread it to remember. Keep me updated. |
|
|
|
9to5er
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2015 : 07:59:29
|
Ace1, Just wanted to thank you for your TMS list. After I read it, it felt like a missing chapter that should be in Dr. Sarno's book! You specifically calling out the tensing and bracing was enlightening and SO very helpful for me to see it in myself. I've always tensed, braced and even held my breath - mostly sighing - instead of breathing - but I never was conscious of these behaviors.
I have not been diagnosed TMS, I have an appt with Dr. Ira Rashbaum in Sept to get his diagnosis. I strongly suspect that I am and have been treating my symptoms as such - to much mental relief. I've also started doing yoga again, which makes me happy no end.
Long story short, I've been suffering for 2 years with symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue: severe insomnia, heart palpitations, air hunger - or inability to take a full breath, depression, anxiety are just some symptoms. Additionally, I'm diagnosed hypothyroid and sex hormone imbalanced. The worst of it, the AF symptoms (I am guessing here) is oxygen deprivation to the adrenal glands, which causes a cascade of problems to the endocrine system. Again, just my hunch.
I'd always been a fully healthy person (or so I thought). After struggling for 2 years I've only just begun to get these symptoms under control and am only now ready to do the emotional work that I know intuitively is underneath the illnesses. I've long been a believer in body-mind but the severity of what I've been through along with mainstream medicine's cluelessness regarding AF had me like a hamster in a wheel the last couple of years.
I found Stop the Thyroid Madness a book that outlines optimal care of hypothyroid and Adrenal Fatigue. A God-send! Additionally Louise L. Hay's, You Can Heal Your Life is a classic. In the back of the book she has an index of ALL physical ailments and their emotional counterparts - with accompanying positive affirmations. Her book alone is not enough to get to the root but is very helpful in identifying the source emotions/limiting beliefs that cause disease.
Finally, through searching this forum I found Chickenbone who suggested the book Hope and Help for Your Nerves, by Claire Weekes and a chakra healing CD by Colette Baron-Reid - both very helpful. In reading Hope and Help book, I think I've made the connection that Adrenal Fatigue is actually what was commonly referred to as a 'nervous breakdown', she outlines most of the symptoms that I've experienced, but refers to it as a nervous illness. Seems to make sense that in our day and age we are not 'allowed' to have nervous breaks (like ulcers, they've gone out of vogue) - but Adrenal Fatigue has become more and more common. Also, I think, at least in my case, instead of rage being the repressed emotion - its fear. All of my symptoms began after I, under great stress, left my career of 17 years to start my own business - LONG a dream of mine. All very loaded stuff.
Anyway, I hope other Adrenal Fatigue sufferers find their way to TMS and Dr. Sarno. I am so grateful that I did! All the Best. |
|
|
|
Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2015 : 18:30:37
|
| 9to5 I'm glad my list was helpful to you. Best of luck. |
|
|
|
smoothd
29 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2015 : 09:13:24
|
this is gold! this is me in every line, i now understand that all of my life my nervous system was extremely on panic, obsession, anxious etc... im getting irritated very fast and rush all the time!
very much appreciating this! |
|
|
|
sickagain
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2016 : 18:06:16
|
I have just recently started using Ace1's Keys for a TMS problem that resurfaced after four years being pain-free. (I had used the more-traditional journaling method before.)
These Keys totally resonated with me, and I know the affirmations are calming my revved-upness already. What amazed me was last night, I was having one of my typical anxiety-laden dreams, when right in the middle of the dream, I was able to approach the situation in a much-calmer way than ever before! Instead of freaking out in my dream, I "took my time" and calmly thought of a solution. Amazing! Maybe my subconscious is even starting to "get it"! Thanks so much, Ace1! |
|
|
|
sickagain
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2016 : 20:06:47
|
I have just recently started using Ace1's Keys for a TMS problem that resurfaced after four years being pain-free. (I had used the more-traditional journaling method before.)
These Keys totally resonated with me, and I know the affirmations are calming my revved-upness already. What amazed me was last night, I was having one of my typical anxiety-laden dreams, when right in the middle of the dream, I was able to approach the situation in a much-calmer way than ever before! Instead of freaking out in my dream, I "took my time" and calmly thought of a solution. Amazing! Maybe my subconscious is even starting to "get it"! Thanks so much, Ace1! |
|
|
|
stocktrader
30 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2016 : 18:39:28
|
Agree 100%. ACE1 + Balto = Pain Free! The Keys really work!!!!
---------------------------
"Your thoughts create your reality" |
|
|
|
MatthewNJ
USA
691 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2016 : 19:05:39
|
Ace,
this was recently reposted on FB. As a a success story myself (90%+ in 13 years) and a patient of Dr. Sarno's (where i was originally diagnosed) , I think this is fantastic. It definitely describes how I succeeded. The only think I will add is that Meditation and mindfulness helped me do the above.
Matthew
Matthew
Less activated, more regulated and more resilient.
Ferretsx3@comcast.net
Organizer of TMSwiki.org/chat
|
|
|
|
Danh
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2017 : 17:38:06
|
I just wanted to add my deepest and most heartfelt thanks to Ace for this thread. I tried just accepting the diagnosis and I tried therapy. I feel like I've practically memorized three of Dr. Sarno's books. But it was what I learned from Ace, balto and others that helped me finally master it. Thanks for writing it, brother. (Sorry if my post comes out of nowhere, but I'm a long time lurker. I bet there are many others who you helped as well, who, like me, never made an account.)
Bumping the thread now so that others may benefit from it as well. |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
Repeating the keys to healing
