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kristenl
USA
15 Posts |
 Posted - 01/26/2013 : 16:36:24
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So I have posted here a few times, but I am really discouraged lately and so I thought I'd post. I've had several forms of tms over the years, and I've never 'beat' them. If I've gotten rid of them, it's because my mind has worried itself out or they've moved on to become new symptoms.
My question is, how long should I keep trying? I have really severe shoulder pain in my left shoulder when at work. I'm a court reporter, and I type on a little machine all day. The pain becomes almost unbearable, and even though I feel that I have full belief in the program and I journal and listen to success stories, nothing. I'm usually pretty positive about it and know ill get better, but now isn't one of those times. I don't enjoy my work and feel overwhelmed most of the time, so I know it makes sense that I'd have pain, but the pain doesn't budge, nothing to even give me hope. And it's not like I'm new to Sarno's approach. I read his books a few years ago. Do I need to quit my job to be out of pain, seeing as how my feelings toward my work aren't changing? I'm just looking for some words of encouragement. I have a lot of faith in this approach but almost feel like I would rather do a physical approach bc nothing seems to help. I know I've had a hard life and am really sensitive to pressures, ect, but realizing that doesn't seem to do anything for me. And I honestly don't know sometimes if I dont like my job bc I dont like my job or I don't like my job bc I'm in pain. Any advice, please?
Kristen Moody |
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plum
United Kingdom
641 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 17:00:08
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Hi sweetheart.
I'm pretty new here but am an old hand otherwise. Since I started posting here my pain levels have gone down and in no small part I attribute it to the support of the good people here and actually practising the keys to healing.
There is a wealth of advice here and people who will help you get it, on a deep level.
Take heart angel. Sarno is right. |
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chickenbone
Panama
398 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 18:27:29
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I agree with Plum. I was pretty discouraged when I joined this forum about a month ago and, at first, did not feel too comfortable here. However, my pain is greatly improved just being here, listening to the strategy and struggles of others, and hearing some of the experts. It has opened up a wealth of resources that I didn't know about or was too discouraged to bother with. Now, I am working on a reading list, actively participating, and developing a strategy to tackle my issues.
I am so sorry to hear of your distress. I'm sure we on this forum have all been there. I really hope this helps you.
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alix
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 19:06:45
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I struggled with Sarno for close to 2 years a few years ago. What I really did wrong then was to be too scattered. I read books, watched videos, did worksheets, looked constantly for new things to read, did psychotherapy.
The second time around, I got much more focused. The tipping point was to dedicate myself 100% to the psychological work. Every time I got distracted by the symptoms, I refocused on thoughts. Over and over. |
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shawnsmith
Czech Republic
2048 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 19:17:25
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Hi kristenl,
Sorry to hear of your struggles. I suggest you follow Ace1's (he is a physician) 25 keys to healing. They can be read at: http://tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7765
If you can, please also re-read either Sarno's Healing Back Pain or his Mindbody Prescription, especially the psychology sections.
Reading the success stories on this message board may also be helpful. See: http://tmshelp.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=4
Don't be discouraged that some people heal more quickly than others as it is nothing to be ashamed of.
Best wishes,
Shawn
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Edited by - shawnsmith on 01/26/2013 19:19:16 |
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alix
USA
434 Posts |
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eric watson
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 20:38:07
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(Quote-kristenl)- So I have posted here a few times, but I am really discouraged lately and so I thought I'd post.
(Eric)- your dicouragement is causing you pain.learn to practice affirmations and and use facing-claire weekes kind-we have acceptance here too.see we accept that we are in a hard spot -then we accept we can change it with the work of affirmations-awareness and acceptance-go to the library and get some basic books on these subjects or look them up on the net-practice till you can reveal to yourself how your catching your stressors now.read sarno again.dont rush thru sarno-its not as much about quanity as it is quality while your learning sarno-remember its all psychological work.
(Quote-kristenl)- I've had several forms of tms over the years, and I've never 'beat' them. If I've gotten rid of them, it's because my mind has worried itself out or they've moved on to become new symptoms.
(Eric)- you have to have that mentality that your going to do everything it takes to get yourself out of this negative psychological state-as you know theres a lot to do-your worrying and that equals tms-see we can learn better ways-when we worry we only set ourselves up for defeat-remember we have concerns and then we have worry
(kristenl) -My question is, how long should I keep trying?
(Eric)-can you tell me what your program is that you have built around the sarno method -if so i can tell you whats missing.
and never stop trying,but i know thats not the issue or you wouldnt be here again-nice to see you back kristenl
(kristenal)- I have really severe shoulder pain in my left shoulder when at work. I'm a court reporter, and I type on a little machine all day. The pain becomes almost unbearable, and even though I feel that I have full belief in the program and I journal and listen to success stories, nothing.
(Eric)-just learn calmness through relaxation methods and affirmations to help-the shoulder pain is from repressed emotions and stress or tms-thats why your shoulder hurts- so believe again that this program will work and find out what you didnt do right your first go around-you can ask me here or e mail me-im sure it will be no problem helping you get in line with the program-but i do need you to talk to me
(kristenal)-I'm usually pretty positive about it and know ill get better, but now isn't one of those times.
(Eric)-you can change your focus and accept now that this is the time to believe more-you will heal-its a lot of work
(kristenl)- I don't enjoy my work and feel overwhelmed most of the time, so I know it makes sense that I'd have pain, but the pain doesn't budge, nothing to even give me hope.
(Quote-Eric)-not enjoying your work is one of the stressors and the overwhelmed feeling is another-see we have to really understand what of sarnos methods are you using-i can believe but then i have to have strategy-
do you read sarnos re-minders every day and do you know them by heart?-do you practice awareness and acceptance to deal with whats stressing you? do you meditate?
do you know your bad personality traits by using awareness and are you changing them through acceptance instead of thinking you can still hold on to all that stress without releasing those stresses.
(Quote-kristenl)- Do I need to quit my job to be out of pain, seeing as how my feelings toward my work aren't changing?
(Eric)-no dont quit your job unless its really that over bearing.can you learn to accept that you can change how you feel about your job.
(Quote-kristenl)- I'm just looking for some words of encouragement. I have a lot of faith in this approach but almost feel like I would rather do a physical approach bc nothing seems to help.
(Eric)-have you honestly consistently done this system 24/7
(Quote-kristenl)- I know I've had a hard life and am really sensitive to pressures, ect, but realizing that doesn't seem to do anything for me.
(Eric)-yes it does do something for you kristen-it tells you what pressures your sensitive too so now you can learn to see them differently and accept them to heal-its the worry and stressors thats causing the tms -now learn to reverse the worry and pain with affirmations consistently for about all day at first till your mind starts to get used to the affirmations then learn more-its a life change ya want right-like change these worrys now-well with the right tools -ya can
(Quote-kristenl)- And I honestly don't know sometimes if I dont like my job bc I dont like my job or I don't like my job bc I'm in pain.
(Eric)-its both-the anxiety or tension is causing the pain and the pain is causing the stress but see we have to change the pain by calming doun our over sensitized nerves by acceptance and affirmations-and facing the issues we dont want to face and accepting that everything is really ok.then we begin to heal-
see theres different styles and were all unique-but its the quality of the work performed-
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Edited by - eric watson on 01/26/2013 20:40:14 |
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susan828
USA
291 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 20:42:30
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| Wow, interesting to see my post from two years ago. But here I am still in the same place but I have to say, I "get it" more than I did then. A lot of great advice in that thread, thanks! |
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alix
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 21:02:39
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Susan, I am still trying to understand why it did not click 5 years ago and why it worked like a charm this time.
So I went looking for wisdom throughout old threads. Dave's #4 point is the key issue in my case. Every time I was disturbed by my symptoms I asked myself what was going on psychologically. I did that automatically over and over for weeks. That's all I did in addition to listening to affirmations I recorded.
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kristenl
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 21:46:34
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Thanks so much, everyone.
I am just really frustrated. I so appreciate everyone responding.
As far as what program I do, I've done about 3/4ths of the 28 day workbook by Howard Schubiner. The reason I didn't finish is bc I started getting really overwhelmed with that, and that was adding to the pressure. I decided to back off a bit. I'm not sure that was the best idea. I talk to myself to and from work every day (alone in the car:) in place of journaling bc I feel like I don't have enough time to really sit and journal. Or maybe the truth is that its hard for me to sit And journal instead of relaxing, watching tv, etc. I'm in the car anyway and so I just say everything I am feeling. I know the daily reminders by heart.
I am very frustrated at work, always. When I'm typing, I feel my left shoulder tightening. I'm not sure if I should be consciously trying to relax it or just get my mind away from it. When I think psychologically, I recognize that I don't want to be there, I'm angry about my work load, etc. I recognize all of those things. I thought just recognizing that would help the pain, but it doesn't.
On other topics, I really do think about the things that would bother me and have definitely contributed to tms (history of abuse, cancer), but I can't seem to feel the feelings I think I should. It's like I repressed so long that I can't find them. But that's only one a few really traumatic things .
I am reading Steve's book (awesome), and that's great. I think a lot of what causes my symptoms is something that I read, I think in the keys to healing, but I'm not sure, that always being in a rush can contribute to symptoms. I'm always in a rush to get home, where I feel safe. Being at work, I'm not safe, I guess. But I just don't know what to change. I can work the program harder, be dedicated. I just wasn't sure that was a good idea if it added to my stress. And to be honest, I probably don't have some super amount of stress beyond what anyone else has, it's just unmanageable to me.
Thanks again. Sorry for any typos, typing on phone:)
K |
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bryan3000
USA
513 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 23:08:28
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Kristen,
You said you feel safe at home. Does your pain go away when you are there?
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kristenl
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 23:16:10
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No-
My pain is at the worst when I am typing continuously, which is at work. But other tms equivalents have happened at home.
K |
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alix
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2013 : 23:58:43
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I have not seen Dr.Schubiner's workbook but if it is like Dr.Schechter's worksheets, that is way too rigid in my opinion. Journaling should be free flowing, not according to some guideline.
Dave wrote: "It doesn't matter if you find anything. It is the act of shifting your thoughts that breaks the conditioning".
That is important. It is key to never let your attention linger on your symptoms.
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shawnsmith
Czech Republic
2048 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2013 : 04:32:35
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| I have Dr. Schubiner's workbook. It don't care for it at all. |
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eric watson
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - 01/27/2013 : 09:42:10
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(kristenl)- Thanks so much, everyone.
I am just really frustrated.
(Eric)-The frustration has to be dealt with thru acceptance and affirmations-see if your getting up-set at affirmations or acceptance then this is where your falling short with the program-this cant be cut out ogf the program-you have to learn acceptance.
have you read claire weekes-but im not thinking about more how too books other than accetance and release.thats it-acceptance and re-lease
(kristenl)- I've done about 3/4ths of the 28 day workbook by Howard Schubiner. The reason I didn't finish is bc I started getting really overwhelmed with that, and that was adding to the pressure.
(Eric)-you didnt finish the workbook-and you were getting over whelmed-so again here you have to get that peace and acceptance going-go to the library -get a book on affirmations and acceptance and learn how to do this like second nature-then read sarnos book again-if you cant learn the acceptance and releasing -well
(kristenl)- I decided to back off a bit. I'm not sure that was the best idea.
(Eric)- kristen without dedication to learn true acceptance- then you will always back off -see you want to heal but your defense mecanism is working fine at keeping you from learning how to be truly happy-this is not talking about the power of positive thinking either-although i would say later make sure at the end of your studys to get a good book like that but the main thing to start with is to understand your mechnism thinks you dont want to do this -so you dont-and really when you try-the mechnism makes it hard on you and you get stressed then you stop-see we have to accept that we can chose to be less tensive through good learnable teachings that we learn on purpose in spite of -
(kristenl)- I talk to myself to and from work every day (alone in the car:) in place of journaling bc I feel like I don't have enough time to really sit and journal. Or maybe the truth is that its hard for me to sit And journal instead of relaxing, watching tv, etc.
(Eric)-this is all tensive thinking-you have to get rid of the tensive thinking through meditations -acceptance and affirmations
(kristenl)-I'm in the car anyway and so I just say everything I am feeling. I know the daily reminders by heart.
(Eric)-this would be a great time that when you mention all your angers and anxietys -then use affirmations-accptance -we can know everything and still miss the main key-the main key id say from the start for you is to use the affirmations till they become a part of you-and learn acceptance.you already know the re-minders thats good but learn the above ok.add it to the affirmations
(kristenl)-I am very frustrated at work, always.
(Eric)-this is why your hurting always because of the frustration again-learn the fine art of acceptance and affirmations
(kristenl)- When I'm typing, I feel my left shoulder tightening. I'm not sure if I should be consciously trying to relax it or just get my mind away from it.
(Eric)-the left shoulder is tightening cause of the tensive thinking-
consciously relaxing- this is the answer kristen and you do that thru affirmations and acceptance-then in about a few weeks you will see your mind will get away from it.
(kristenl)- When I think psychologically, I recognize that I don't want to be there, I'm angry about my work load, etc. I recognize all of those things. I thought just recognizing that would help the pain, but it doesn't.
(Eric)- this is contradictory-if ya thinking psychological and ya dont want to -then ya wonder why it dont help? plus you said you get angry when you do it-you have got to do the above stated work and practice and this time dont stop because you dont like it-thats the defense mechanism-you stay course and you will win this time
(kristenl)- On other topics, I really do think about the things that would bother me and have definitely contributed to tms (history of abuse, cancer), but I can't seem to feel the feelings I think I should. It's like I repressed so long that I can't find them. But that's only one a few really traumatic things .
(Eric)- this thinking of the things that bother you is called fear thought and these thoughts cause tms-like you said your contributing to it-but you will win kristenl i know you will if you stay course-e mail me and i will show you how to vanish a negative memory .
but as for tms healing -still the affirmations and acceptance should calm doun your nervous system in a few weeks -its like learning a new habit and breaking an old one-thats all worry is -its a habit that we can learn to break.
(kristenl)- I am reading Steve's book (awesome), and that's great. I think a lot of what causes my symptoms is something that I read, I think in the keys to healing, but I'm not sure, that always being in a rush can contribute to symptoms. I'm always in a rush to get home, where I feel safe. Being at work, I'm not safe, I guess. But I just don't know what to change. I can work the program harder, be dedicated.
(Eric)- yes you know what to change-its the tensive thinking.
the above concepts will work in all these situations-
you said your always in a rush!-theres ya problem-
plus you said where you feel safe-so learning facing and floating would be great here-you said you could be dedicated-ok,put doun all tms books and first learn the concepts of acceptance and awareness-then learn facing and floating,just the simple versions will be fine-but practice acceptance and awareness and facing and floating like 24/7 for about two weeks-then pick sarnos book back up and see the difference in how you do then.
(kristenl)- I just wasn't sure that was a good idea if it added to my stress.
(Eric)- its not the books adding to your stress -its your tensive thinking
really at this point anything is probably stressful so take time to learn the finer arts of relaxation-you have so much anxiety built thru this tensive thinking that you dont think you can win but you will if you stay dedicated
(kristenl)- And to be honest, I probably don't have some super amount of stress beyond what anyone else has, it's just unmanageable to me.
(Eric)- its just unmanageable-ok now lets make it manageable by doing the above stated work-thanks |
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Barbara Carroll
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2013 : 06:36:24
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Eric would you explain facing and floating?
Barbara |
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balto
839 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2013 : 07:20:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Barbara Carroll
Eric would you explain facing and floating?
Barbara
Hi Barbara, this post may answer your question:
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7874
------------------------
No, I don't know everything. I'm just here to share my experience. |
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eric watson
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2013 : 07:30:36
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barbara facing is where you are not running from your symptoms anymore- your just accepting that there there and now you have other things to think about-its also about facing your realitys and not trying to be a track star when your a good walker or other things-
floating is facing the situation the drs told you head on . if anything the pain or discouragment will lighten because your fears have never seen you face them like that before
so to sum it up, facing is when we see we have a need and get to doing what we have to do to get better, yes that means no saw bones
we get better from the inside out. floating is when your in the midst of the battle and you decide to sit there and notice how it feels-it will be a great discovery to be able to face your fears without fear. |
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shawnsmith
Czech Republic
2048 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2013 : 07:49:09
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If you have ever lived with a cat, you will know that even when the cat
seems to be asleep, it still knows what is going on, because at the slightest
unusual noise, its ears will move toward it, and its eyes may open slightly.
Dormant painbodies are the same. On some level, they are still awake, ready
to jump into action when an appropriate trigger presents itself. -- Ekhart Tolle |
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Still nothing....
