| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Lizzie |
Posted - 04/24/2007 : 07:03:54
As I have written before I have suffered from back problems for over 4 1/2 years and neck problems for over 3 1/2 years. I have made some progress since trying to "Sarnocize" but although the pain has subsided quite a lot I have never rid myself of it. Now fear has played a major part in my TMS. I dread a major reoccurence as it is the most painful thing I have ever known and sometimes worry that my conscious mind can not win over the tricks my subconscious mind is capable of playing. Because of this I know I can put off bending movements and am out of the pattern of certain movements. In fact I think over the past 4 years my movement pattern has changed and I can not now remember how I used to move/bend without considering my body. To challenge this I am now in the habit of doing stretching and bending movements each day (being the TMS perfectionist that I am of course I always do them!)to help build up physical confidence and to ensure I do not avoid movements. However this programme was drawn up over the past years by my physical therapist as safe stretches to do to increase flexibility and I feel comforted by the "safe?" I would hate to give them up which makes me wonder why I need them so much. Are they an example of physical thinking? I do not expect them to heal me. Just think they stop me giving in to fear and stop me stiffening up. I do them like warm up stretches after my shower each morning. Now Sarno says stop the exercises. I do not want to give these up. Are they aiding TMS recovery or holding me back? Any comments?
Lizzie |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| shawnsmith |
Posted - 05/08/2007 : 05:08:50
You are not kidding yourself, your brain is. Talk back to your brain and tell it that you know what it going on and that you are now in charge.
Some of the most practical step by step suggestions for overcoming TMS comes from Nancy Selfridge's "Freedom From Fibromyalgia," and I am suprised that those who are looking for more practical steps in their recovery have not picked up on it. Maybe you don't have Fibromyalgia, but it Fibromyalgia is just a very severe form of TMS and Dr. Selridge walks you step by step in how to overcome your pain. She did it for herself and she can do it for you if you follow her steps.
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Sarno-ize it!
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| dockerpt |
Posted - 05/08/2007 : 04:20:57
hello Lizzie
Dont you worry my love all is well!!! I had back and neck problems for years and its taken me a year to sort myself out from first reading sarno!!! For me it was letting the tms theory sink in, doing a month of hard manual labour (optional!) and finding out what it is that was bugging me subconsiously! AND the need to REALLY let go of your pain! Most peolple i watch (including myself!) almost dont want to let go of their/my pain. I have just worked out its my own mortality i really cant stand and now my back is good to go!!! (althought im now blue!) Expect to ache at the end of the day if you been doing stuff!
Email me if i can help you further
All the very best
Pete |
| Lizzie |
Posted - 05/08/2007 : 03:36:27
Thought I'd write a more upbeat response having reread my previous posts. I survived the stressful week with lots on at work, a big birthday and a large celebration that involved me catering for huge numbers all weekend. As I previously wrote, I was dreading that TMS would go and ruin it all and do you know it tried. All the usual symptoms for me! One day I had neck pain but it was largely gone by the next morning , replaced by psoas pain, then a day later the psoas pain was comletely gone and had been replaced by shoulder pain with lots of clickiness then some lower back pain. Each attack was not debilitating but the pain was distracting. Still, I muddled through telling myself it was TMS. Marc Sopher says you should celebrate your successes...well I enjoyed the party, managed to prepare food for 100 (no mean feat for me) and coped at work. I'm pretty tired but pleased because although I am not painfree, the pain continues to be low level and I achieved all I wanted. I think that's progress so perhaps this can encourage me to take further steps to rid myself of TMS altogether. Wish me luck and a bucket of courage (that old worry/fear gremlin's a big one!).
Lizzie |
| Redsandro |
Posted - 05/02/2007 : 05:54:48
TMS treatment is not about taking a leap of faith, it's about thaking a leap of understanding. 
____________
TMS is the hidden language of the soul. |
| weatherman |
Posted - 05/01/2007 : 23:48:49
My feeling about the exercises would depend on motivation. If you're doing them in hopes of preventing "injury" where none really exists to begin with, they may be holding you back. But if you're doing them DEFIANTLY - i.e. "I don't care if this hurts, I'm going to do it just to prove that I'm not gonna be afraid anymore" - then it could be a very positive thing.
Weatherman |
| armchairlinguist |
Posted - 05/01/2007 : 08:43:09
I agree with Woodchuck. Don't expect the pain. It can get you into a bad cycle; you'll see a few people on this board who have that cycle chronically and don't seem to believe they can get out of it.
Your general awareness of the concept is enough to keep you safe. Do try to give yourself a break in stressful times if you can, though.
--
Wherever you go, there you are. |
| Woodchuck |
Posted - 05/01/2007 : 02:35:28
quote:
Originally posted by Lizzie
....Also because I know this is a very stressful week I am kind of anticipating TMS to raise its ugly head and put a spanner in the works. Not sure if such a negative thought is helpful in preventing things or inviting a TMS attack. Anyone else get this?
Lizzie
For me, it would be inviting it. No matter what the stress level, I would never anticipate a TMS attack. Since I KNOW the pain I had was NOT physically-caused, it makes sense for me to REFUSE to accept the pain and NEVER invite it with anticipation. Works for me ;) Good luck, hope your week is not too stressful and I'm sure you will be fine.
Woodchuck |
| Woodchuck |
Posted - 04/30/2007 : 23:41:40
quote:
Originally posted by art
...The one thing I've always done, whatever my doubts, is push through the pain and done whatever I could to reduce my levels of fear...It's worked very well for me, despite "fudging" a bit from time to time...
This is exactly what I have done as well. As I began to accept that my condition was TMS, the pain/discomfort was still there. When I bent to the left (or squatted down, or sat in one position too long), I expected pain and I got it even though I was now very sure my condition was not physically induced. So, I just did the movements anyway, pain or not, and frankly laughed at it. Within that first week, the pain was virtually gone. That's been at least a couple of months ago. Since then I stopped all exercises except for a couple of simple knees to the chest kind of things in the morning, which makes me feel good in general. I had stopped my early morning walks and everything I could think of to stop trying to "fix" the pain. Just simply ignored it. Well, today, looking in the mirror and realizing I had gained a "couple" of pounds, I went out for a brisk 6 mile walk (I always go to extremes) with NO discomfort at all! A couple of months ago I could not walk even a mile without becoming very uncomfortable with sciatica in my right leg. And it bothered me constantly all day long. Even at night I could not sleep from the sciatica discomfort unless I wore long pants (very weird numb/tingly feeling in the leg without pants). Anyway, as apparently with Art, pushing through the pain along with the faith that I have TMS has been the key for me.
Woodchuck |
| Lizzie |
Posted - 04/30/2007 : 03:01:56
Thanks to all for your replies. I have continued with the stretches but feel a little more relaxed about them since your comments as if I have choices. This TMS need to do the right thing is strong. I also have a very stressful and hectic week ahead so I think this is not the week to change the exercise routine. Also because I know this is a very stressful week I am kind of anticipating TMS to raise its ugly head and put a spanner in the works. Not sure if such a negative thought is helpful in preventing things or inviting a TMS attack. Anyone else get this?
Lizzie |
| Wavy Soul |
Posted - 04/25/2007 : 10:28:15
quote:
Lizzie, what you are going through is entirely typical. TMS treatment is a huge leap of faith and at times feels quite reckless, even foolhardy. But you're in the right place and I've no doubt you'll find a way to muddle through,even if it's not a textbook approach...There are purists who will disagree with me, and I don't pretent to be a TMS expert. All I'm an expert on is my own experience...I've doubted, equivocated, kept one foot in traditional treatments such as icing and one foot in the TMS approach, which is entirely mental. Perhaps I've slowed my own recovery a little, perhaps not...The bottom line though is I did get better. The one thing I've always done, whatever my doubts, is push through the pain and done whatever I could to reduce my levels of fear...It's worked very well for me, despite "fudging" a bit from time to time...
Couldn't have said it better myself, Art. Let us fudge on and not be TMSundamentalists!
xx
Love is the answer, whatever the question |
| shawnsmith |
Posted - 04/24/2007 : 14:33:20
Art et al,
I fully understand when you say "fudging." I too push through the pain as best I can even though at times - like today for a few hours- I become overcome emotionally and don't know what to do with myself as I become racked with pain. I don't avail myself, however, of any physical treatments as I am certain they will not do me any good. The brain - at least mine- is rather stubborn, however, and despite my Sarno reading, journaling and resuming physical activity (just got back from a bike ride) I feel I still have a long way to go to bring about my full recovery. Here are some things I am in the process of learning. Nothing too original, but trying to work on them with a view to bringing some coherence into my thoughts:
1) I can never please everyone no matter how hard I try.
2) Things do not always go my way so I should not be suprised when they don't.
3) Where ever I go I take myself with with me.
4) I may be unable to control my thoughts, but I can prevent them from controlling me.
5) Nothing lasts forever. There is a Bhuddist saying that goes "The vase is already broken." Reflect upon it.
6) There is no such thing as normal.
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Sarno-ize it!
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| art |
Posted - 04/24/2007 : 12:09:13
Really? I don't remember arguing against that, but I'll take your word for it. We actually agree on a lot of things I would say. We're simply on opposite sides of the spectrum politically.
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| tennis tom |
Posted - 04/24/2007 : 11:33:38
quote:
Originally posted by art
TMS treatment is a huge leap of faith and at times feels quite reckless, even foolhardy.
Art, I'm heartened to see that you have accepted this notion. I recall during the holidays when we went round and round on this one. It's good too see that we can agree on some things.
Regards,
tt
some of my favorite excerpts from 'TDM' : http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605
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| art |
Posted - 04/24/2007 : 11:22:19
Lizzie, what you are going through is entirely typical. TMS treatment is a huge leap of faith and at times feels quite reckless, even foolhardy. But you're in the right place and I've no doubt you'll find a way to muddle through,even if it's not a textbook approach...There are purists who will disagree with me, and I don't pretent to be a TMS expert. All I'm an expert on is my own experience...I've doubted, equivocated, kept one foot in traditional treatments such as icing and one foot in the TMS approach, which is entirely mental. Perhaps I've slowed my own recovery a little, perhaps not...The bottom line though is I did get better. The one thing I've always done, whatever my doubts, is push through the pain and done whatever I could to reduce my levels of fear...It's worked very well for me, despite "fudging" a bit from time to time... |
| shawnsmith |
Posted - 04/24/2007 : 10:19:37
Lizzie
Could it be, and I am just asking, that somewhere deep inside yourself you believe that those stretching exercises are helping with your recovery? There is noting wrong - from a TMS perspective - with doing exercise as long as you keep telling yourself that you are doing them for your general health and well-being. But it seems that you are sticking to the "safe" movements which indicates you have an unconscious fear of hurting yourself. Everyone on this board knows about fear. According to Dr. Sarno TMS pain can be more painful than anything he has seen in his clinical practice so fear is not totally unjustifed. It is when this fear dominates your life to the point you are afraid to do many things is when the condtiioning sets in, along with the continual obsession with the body. Your nights can be filled with horror and your days filled with dread and tears yet nothing shows up in any tests. Over time you become so conditioned that the slightest movement sets off a wave of pain.
Here is why Dr. Sopher says in his book (ppg 16-162):
Forgetting all that you have been told, in essence creating a new
belief system, is extremely difficult. There are many obstacles, both
within and without. Many people speak to me about fear. Invariably
each has undergone a comprehensive evaluation by their physician (or
multiple physicians). They may have been told they have one of the
diagnoses that I have mentioned here. Very possibly they have been
told that they must avoid certain activities or they will risk further
damage or escalation of symptoms. For many this can be devastating,
particularly if they have been advised to give up or curtail an activity
that has brought them much pleasure. I have dealt with runners,
cyclists, tennis players, hikers, etc., who were despondent about
giving up or reducing their form of exercise. Even when they say
they believe TMS is their problem and I’ve told them to resume
exercise, they admit to being fearful that their symptoms will recur or
increase. Fear is powerful and it is part of the conditioning that has
occurred over time. It takes courage to put aside the fear.
Even when someone tells me they have gone ahead and done their
activity with minimal or no pain, they may admit that they remain
nervous or fearful about the next time. In many cases this may be a
reflection of personality, as well as previous conditioning that needs
to be undone. Remember, many with TMS are prone to worrying –
they may be perfectionists, placing much pressure on themselves to
do well, succeed or be well thought of, or they may be concerned
about their ability to care for, or do for others. They may also have a
more simple fear that their symptoms represent a physical decline or
deterioration that heralds future morbidity or mortality.
So, when someone confronts their fear, does the activity and feels
fine, I tell them to celebrate. CELEBRATE! I tell them to talk to
their brain – tell themselves that they are fine! There cannot be a
physical problem if they were able to do the activity without
difficulty. Celebrating is an important way to re-program the mind.
It is conditioning yourself to think differently about your body and
will help you immeasurably to undo the old conditioning. It will help
you to forget all that came before.
On the flip side, it is important not to be discouraged if symptoms
arise during the course of an activity. It simply means that more
mental work must be done. It is easy for fear and its compatriot,
doubt, to creep in. “Maybe it isn’t TMS, maybe I do have a physical
problem” are common thoughts. The best advice is to simply
acknowledge this fear as part of the old conditioning, of the brain’s
strategy to have you believe there is a physical problem.
A common question I hear daily is, “What should I do when I
have pain, especially a lot of pain?” Here people acknowledge that it can be very difficult to ignore it and carry on. First, you must talk to
your brain and remind yourself that you are physically fine! Tell your
brain that you are on to its game, that you know about the reservoir of rage. Like Dorothy discovering the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain,
you won’t be fooled! The pain is not because you’ve done something
that you are incapable of or that you are so feeble or fragile. Try to pay it as little attention as possible; the goal is for it to distract you and keep your attention and focus on pain, rather than on what may be in the unconscious. Many become obsessed with their pain—they must learn to shift their focus (this is the re-programming, or reconditioning process). Try not to give in! Try to remain active, doing the activities that you enjoy.
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Sarno-ize it!
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