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redraider2k
USA
6 Posts |
 Posted - 02/17/2013 : 08:20:41
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I have been reading this board for a few weeks, and I have been reading Dr. Sarno and others for a couple of months. I am really thankful for all of the great posts and resources on this forum. It has been a daily inspiration to know that there are others that have been going through the same thing.
My story...
Last June, I had accepted a new promotion at work as a supervisor, plus I had a couple of other stressful situations where I was required to step up and lead others all within 3 weeks. I have normally been fairly comfortable in those situations, but my mind must have thought this was too much at one time. So in order to slow me down, I got a sharp pain near my left shoulder blade while playing golf. I played through the pain and had stiffness and mild pain over the next few weeks. Thinking I injured my back, I was seeing the chiropractor regularly. Over the next 8 months, the pain would be get worse, and I started to get some tingling in my hands while sleeping on my back. I was still able to do most activities, and I started to fear reinjury or making it worse. I stopped being active and was advised to stop playing golf, adjust my ergo situation at work, stop playing softball, be careful not to do anything stressful, etc.
Months went by, and I couldn't get a definitive answer from my chiropractor or GP as to why it wouldn't heal. I had an MRI which didn't show any major issues. No one had an answer. Which of course made it worse. I tried physical therapy, chiro, massage, Rolfing, new mattress, herbal supplements, muscle relaxers, prescription painkillers, steroid pack, trigger point massage, etc. I got some temporary relief, but nothing seemed to make it better. When I started PT and went to a Pain Management doctor in October I hit rock bottom. I was depressed, had anxiety, pain, was missing work, my wife went back to work, I lost my appetite, lost 20 pounds, etc. I was so afraid that there was something physically wrong that no one could figure out. When the Pain Mgmt doc wanted to put me on anti-depressants, I finally drew the line. I saw a psychologist who helped me through some of the depression and anxiety with some relaxation techniques.
Over the Christmas holidays, I came across Healing Back Pain and had 3-4 days with less pain, I had my appetite back and my mood was getting better. I was excited, but hesitant to give up my physical treatments. I mentioned Dr. Sarno to my chiropractor, and he said there wasn't anyway that this was "in my head" (his exact words) and that it was all physical. Guess what, the pain flared up again.
I continued reading Dr. Sarno, SteveO, Dr. Brady, Dr. Alexander, Ace1's keys, and was making some minor improvements but nothing major, until yesterday.
Yesterday was the first practice of a new little league baseball season for my 8 year old son. He loves baseball and I love coaching. Due to the back pain, I decided not be the head coach and only help this season. After the practice (which went well - I threw batting practice!), I was talking to one of the parents and he was asking about my back pain. I told him that I had been having bad pain everyday for 8 months. I was really negative about it and I noticed that in my mind I was picturing everyday of the past 8 months as though they were when I was at rock bottom in October.
When I got home I decided to pull out the calendar and chronologically go through my pain and symptoms and activities we did as a family. As I remembered the things we did I realized that early on the pain wasn't as bad and I was remembering doing things without pain. I also realized that my symptoms got worse around the time that I was seeing new doctors, starting new meds, PT, etc. I then got really angry. I shared it all with my wife and told her that it had been one nocebo after another. The pain had been slowly fed by doctors, therapists, chiros, etc. for months and that is what was making it worse. I was angry at my unconscious mind and I started to feel less pain across my upper back and shoulders.
Then it happened. I bent over to pick something up and felt a twinge in my lower back. Now I had some discomfort in both my upper and lower back, but I just laughed! I told my wife that the pain was desperately trying to move and I had it on the run!
This morning, I still have some tightness in both the upper back and lower back, but it isn't bothering me as much as before. I am now more convinced than ever that I have TMS, so I know I am moving in the right direction. |
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balto
839 Posts |
Posted - 02/17/2013 : 08:36:28
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congratulation, you're on your way to heal. You have convinced your mind that your pains are tms. You know it came from your emotions and now you no longer fear there is anything structurally wrong with your body. When that fear drains away, the pain will soon follow. The key is don't let that fear come back. Those pains need fear as fuel, don't give it to them.
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No, I don't know everything. I'm just here to share my experience. |
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gigalos
Netherlands
310 Posts |
Posted - 02/17/2013 : 10:15:10
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"....Welcome viewers to TMS stadium for what frankly has been a dissappointing game for the home team up till a few minutes ago. The first three innings got the visitors to lead with 0-3, mainly by poor batting of the home team. We just finished the 4th inning, and could this be the start of a sudden combeback? ; 1-3 by an effective and totally unexpected bunt of the batter with one guy at third base... The home bench went wild about this much needed mental boost and the visitors already start to show slightly worried faces as if they know what is coming. I think we just witnessed a game changer here folks, I wouldn't be surprised if the home team will start parking three-run homers some time soon....."
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shawnsmith
Czech Republic
2048 Posts |
Posted - 02/17/2013 : 11:05:26
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| My secret fantasy is to punch every chiropractor in the face as hard as I can. |
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gigalos
Netherlands
310 Posts |
Posted - 02/17/2013 : 11:17:08
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...as a way of correcting a subluxed nose bone that is causing ignorance??
Forgive and let go Shawn, forgive and let go... |
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redraider2k
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - 02/17/2013 : 11:44:26
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quote:
Originally posted by gigalos
"....Welcome viewers to TMS stadium for what frankly has been a dissappointing game for the home team up till a few minutes ago. The first three innings got the visitors to lead with 0-3, mainly by poor batting of the home team. We just finished the 4th inning, and could this be the start of a sudden combeback? ; 1-3 by an effective and totally unexpected bunt of the batter with one guy at third base... The home bench went wild about this much needed mental boost and the visitors already start to show slightly worried faces as if they know what is coming. I think we just witnessed a game changer here folks, I wouldn't be surprised if the home team will start parking three-run homers some time soon....."
gigalos - that is awesome! You just made my day. Thanks |
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plum
United Kingdom
641 Posts |
Posted - 02/17/2013 : 12:54:38
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quote:
Originally posted by shawnsmith
My secret fantasy is to punch every chiropractor in the face as hard as I can.
My secret fantasy is to wake up in Angelina Jolie's body. (cue a raft of filthy unspoken thoughts from the male contingent.) |
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plum
United Kingdom
641 Posts |
Posted - 02/17/2013 : 12:58:05
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redraider2k,
That's bonzer. We're rooting for you. x
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chickenbone
Panama
398 Posts |
Posted - 02/17/2013 : 13:59:40
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I agree with Shawn, I really do not like chiropractors. RedraiderK2,
a book to add to your reading list is by the Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. David Hanscom called "Back in Control".
Now that you know you have TMS, you should be on your way to a cure. Doubting that the problem is TMS is a big stumbling block for a lot of us and is constantly reinforced the more you see doctors. I am married to a doctor, a Urologist (Surgeon). Fortunately for me, he believes wholeheartedly in TMS. |
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cakeflowfatt
28 Posts |
Posted - 02/17/2013 : 20:25:29
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| Yes remember you are not broken..get back to physical activity to give yourself the knowledge everything still works as it should |
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My Story - Breakthrough? - long
