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Switters Posted - 01/06/2016 : 09:35:04
Hi All, I thought I'd start a new topic based on something I'm grappling with. My previous post was about my gastritis/IBS issue, and this is a tangent from that topic. While my symptoms are improving some after two months, some days are better than others.

My question/issue - from a TMS perspective - I want your advice:
Because I've had some form of digestive distress on a daily basis, it has created a fear of eating. I AM eating - and I notice that I'm usually fine in the mornings. However, when lunchtime comes I get afraid that what I'm about to eat will cause me pain, and it often does.

So - do you guys experience the same thing with your ailments when you try resuming your usual activities - in my case, eating?

So I don't know if it's a self-fulfilling prophecy, or if it's a genuine physical reaction to the food. Gary I know you laughed off your own IBS pain, or got angry at it. I'm not doing so great doing those techniques.

I'm laying off gluten, dairy, red meats, caffeine, fried foods and junk. I'm eating healthy meals. I'm losing weight.

Still on the omeprozale meds - with a follow up with my gastro doctor tomorrow.
Tests I've had: endoscopy, CT scan, and ultrasound. They found stomach inflammation (gastritis). I tested negative for hPylori bacteria. So I'm not sure what caused the gastritis. Possibly TMS. I just don't know.

Thanks for your additional thoughts.

20   L A T E S T    R E P L I E S    (Newest First)
garystil Posted - 03/01/2016 : 16:21:29
Switters,

You're not committed to this.

Taking omeprozale and having continued doubts are doing nothing for your belief system.

I can see that you want to pin your hopes on something else, but all the tests you've had reveal nothing, but mild gastritis.

Commit yourself. Let go of your doubts and give TMS a real go. There's plenty of great information, advice and gems here, but unless you change your mindset, the words you read will count for nothing.

You have an opportunity to make huge changes to your life. You are part of a small percentage of the population that has become aware of TMS. You now need to experience the POWER of TMS. Now is the time to put your negativity aside, commit, refocus and stand up to anything your "brain" throws at you.

tennis tom Posted - 02/22/2016 : 17:35:58
If the tests didn't find anything structural then it's TMS. For symptomatic relief if you're constipated eat a lot of garlic and drink a lot of coffee.

==================================================

TAKE THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS TEST
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale

Some of my favorite excerpts from _THE DIVIDED MIND_ :
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605

==================================================

"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti

"Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." Author Unknown

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation” – Plato

"Happy People Are Happy Putters." Frank Nobilo, Golf Analyst

"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." Mark Twain and Balto

"The hot-dog is the noblest of dogs; it feeds the hand that bites it." Dr. Laurence Johnston Peter

"...the human emotional system was not designed to endure the mental rigors of a tennis match." Dr. Allen Fox

"Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise" - Thomas Gray

"All my friends in Los Angeles are the sensitive type. They all have like all the diseases like Chronic Fatigue, Epstien Barr, Fibromyalgia. Like all the diseases where the only symptoms seem to be you had a really crappy childhood and at the prospect of full time work ya feel kinda achy and tired."

Posted by Skizzik @ TMSHelp from comedian Maria Bamford

"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthuisam."
Sir Winston Churchill

======================================================

"If it ends with "itis" or "algia" or "syndrome" and doctors can't figure out what causes it, then it might be TMS." Dave the Mod

=================================================


TMS PRACTITIONERS:

John Sarno, MD
400 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-6035

Dr. Sarno is now retired, if you call this number you will be referred to his associate Dr. Rashbaum.

"...there are so many things little and big that are tms, I wouldn't have time to write about all of them": Told to icelikeaninja by Dr. Sarno



Here's the TMS practitioners list from the TMS Help Forum:
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Here's a list of TMS practitioners from the TMS Wiki:
http://tmswiki.org/ppd/Find_a_TMS_Doctor_or_Therapist


Switters Posted - 02/22/2016 : 12:20:32
Hi All,

Thought I'd update you about my health and really could use reminders.

My physical symptoms continue; almost 4 months now; stomach cramping after eating / digestive issues / cramps signaling need for bowel movement.) The main difference is I'm less fearful and just sort of deal with it because I've now had every major test done, including:

endoscopy (showed gastritis).
Ultrasound
CT Scan
Colonoscopy

All tests ruled out major problems, obstructions, or parasites.

I've continued taking omeprozale .20mg daily as prescribed, because on rare occasions when I stop it my symptoms seem to worsen.

Emotionally what's happening? A few minor stresses; dating a girl I have mixed feelings about....financial concerns. Nothing earth shattering.

I'm still not believing it's TMS. Thoughts?

garystil Posted - 02/14/2016 : 15:48:44
Tom,

Giving advice about a golf swing on a tennis forum doesn't make much sense.

I see Om Sharma talking about homeopathy - and I don't like it. And I know, I'm just as guilty both on this forum (talking about food intolerances) and on another (an IBS forum) where I've tried in vain to inform sufferers about TMS.

The apology stands....
tennis tom Posted - 02/13/2016 : 19:48:41
quote:
Originally posted by garystil


If you found my posts to Switters offensive or misleading, I apologise to you and anyone else that feels the same way.



You don't need to apologize for anything--unless YOU want to. This is the internet and you can say anything you want to. The only one who can censor you is Dave, the owner of this site, and he's never banned anyone as far as I can remember. Being overly or needlessly apologetic is a TMS GOODIST personality trait--practice acts of non-goodism to cure you of your TMS--as long as you don't commit any felonies or break the 10 Commandments.

Cheers,
tt/lsmft
garystil Posted - 02/13/2016 : 17:46:24
Lightwriter,

I suffered debilitating "frozen shoulder" many years ago, and was told by doctors that I would have to put up with it, and that it would pass after about 2 years. I stopped eating wheat and it was gone in 2 months.

I also suffered severe fructose intolerance and lost 33 pounds in 3 months. Most food has some degree of fructose in it, so it didn't leave me much to eat. I became skin and bones and very weak and the white coats had no clue. I got over it by abstaining from wheat and using TMS.

I listened to my body, and talked to my mind.

It may be a fad for some people, and it may have been nocebo for me, but most importantly I avoided certain death. I only ask people to try wheat abstinence, not to continue indefinitely.

I've been eating wheat for the past couple of years. I don't eat bread, cakes, spaghetti, and pizzas, but I'm happy to have food that contains wheat.

I have no regrets about taking my wheat holiday and now have no problems with it as long as I stay within my perceived thresholds.

If you found my posts to Switters offensive or misleading, I apologise to you and anyone else that feels the same way.





EileenTM Posted - 02/11/2016 : 15:16:41
I had a episode this week that may help you. I got respiratory flu really bad 10 days ago in part due to some very stressful family events. After a week those symptoms got better and irritable bowel symptoms started. But no fever. Called my dr and she said I must have something new. So I talked to my sub c told it to knock it off. & it did. Still suffering some fatigue but stomach is now fine. This tms can be very strong I am still a axed that such stomach distress just disappeared. Just try talking to it. It works
Lightwriter Posted - 02/10/2016 : 23:11:24
Switters, in reading your post I couldn't help think about the reading I have done on the latest "Gluten allergy" fad that has become so popular. It has long been my opinion, and now I am reading from others with some credentials, that it isn't gluten that causes digestive disorders, but the existence of Round Up herbicide residue left in most of our food. It will be in nearly every processed food and much non-organic produce. Wheat and corn are the worst.

I suspect we are just beginning to see the start of this, since soon Big Ag will be adding a new herbicide to the mix, this time with Agent Orange in it.

I think the other members have given you excellent advice, and I am glad you are not ruling anything out. Understand I am not suggesting I believe this is what is wrong with you, I am only suggesting this as one possible direction to look. Gastritis is definitely suspicious for glyphosate sensitivity. Wishing you wellness very soon!
Om Sharma Posted - 01/28/2016 : 09:44:08
quote:
Originally posted by Switters

On Sharma that's great news for you. What homeopathic methods are you doing exactly? Do you have a homeopathic Doctor?



Yes, I have a government doctor but at present she is on maternity leave for six months. She gave me 'nux vomica 30' and 'carbo veg 30' for IBS with BC 4.
You can get some informaton about these remedies from these links-
http://www.homeoint.org/clarke/n/nux_v.htm
http://www.homeoint.org/clarke/c/carb_veg.htm
You can also learn a lot about homeopathy from these sites-
https://abchomeopathy.com/
http://homeoint.org/
http://www.herbs2000.com/
Switters Posted - 01/28/2016 : 05:49:46
On Sharma that's great news for you. What homeopathic methods are you doing exactly? Do you have a homeopathic Doctor?
Om Sharma Posted - 01/27/2016 : 20:33:13
quote:
Originally posted by Switters

Me again. I had the colonoscopy today with mostly favorable results. No evidence of crohns, or other scary stuff. They removed a very small polyp that is being biopsied, but my doctor didn't seem too concerned.
She said my cramping symptoms sound like IBS (in addition to the already diagnosed gastritis).


I am also a sufferer of IBS along with levator ani syndrome. Doctors gave me pantaprozole and Domperidon with uninzyme tablets for more then half and one year regularly. I restricted food strictly according to Doctors' advice but I got no relief.
Try Homeopathy, It will cure you both mentally and physically. I am getting Homeopathic treatment since last month and at present I am almost free from all those indigestion, fatigue, terrible fletulency and abdominal pain and eating all kind of food normally. Though occasionally a little gas formation troubles in night but it is seldom. I am still under medication and getting better day by day. I hope soon complete recovery.
Switters Posted - 01/27/2016 : 18:00:46
Me again. I had the colonoscopy today with mostly favorable results. No evidence of crohns, or other scary stuff. They removed a very small polyp that is being biopsied, but my doctor didn't seem too concerned.
She said my cramping symptoms sound like IBS (in addition to the already diagnosed gastritis). She also is testing a sample to rule out parasites, but would be surprised if that tested positive.

And so...TMS...

I've had:
An endoscopy
A CT scan
And a colonoscopy

The worst things they found are gastritis, a (probably) benign cyst on my kidney, and a polyp. In my opinion, the only thing that could cause my ongoing stomach and digestive distress is the gastritis. Even doctors don't know what causes IBS so they suggest "lifestyle change" as a cure. My diet is balanced and healthy.

I'm feeling ready to relax into thinking TMS. My massage therapist friend said "It sounds like you're caught in a pain cycle." That made so much sense to me. I'm slowly preparing to return to "normal". Confront food intolerances head on. Etc.
Switters Posted - 01/25/2016 : 16:54:25
Hi Alexis,
Thanks for your comments. I'm scheduled to have a colonoscopy on Wednesday (2 days away). (Not a pill cam.)

Regarding meditation, I've been doing it twice daily, morning and night. I sit, listening to a peaceful ocean sounds, and follow my breath. When my mind wanders, I return awareness to my breath. That's it.

You mentioned my fear being "a biological warning I want to keep?" I'm not sure what you mean; that I want to keep the fear? That's interesting.

In acupuncture - just before they treat me they ask "Do you give permission for your healing today?" I find that interesting.

I have (mostly) stopped fearing eating food despite my ongoing symptoms. I simply eat clean healthy foods. If I listened to every food expert, I wouldn't eat ANYTHING because everyone has an opinion on what'll kill you or make you sick, and they all contradict.

I was feeling pretty good today until I paid $80 for the colonoscopy prep drink which is supposed to taste horrible. Now my stomach is cramping badly 4 hours after eating gluten free waffles with bananas. Could it be stress for the colonoscopy and worries about it's findings are kicking in? Today's fear: I'm worried I have diverticulitis or worse. Yet I've already had ultrasound, CT scan, which said BOWEL Unremarkable. Apparently that doesn't rule out other things.

I've got to try and relax. I'm doing all I know how to do.

Being around others helps.

Thanks everyone for your patience reading my updates.

alexis Posted - 01/22/2016 : 05:50:51
Switters,

I wish you the best on recovery, whatever this turns out to be. I've know people with a variety of similar IBS and IBD scenarios and, fortunately, all that I recall eventually improved...sometimes on meds, sometimes not. Because I've known people personally with these conditions I've seen the research on everything from diet and lifestyle, to cigarette and worm treatments. A big area, but one with lots of hope for both psychological and medical treatments.

I'm interested in two things you write. One is about getting rid of the fear. When you are sure the problem is psychosomatic or can't be made worse this seems right, but are you already there? Otherwise might some level of fear potentially be a biological warning you want to keep?

I'm also interested in your approach to meditating. Is this an evening or morning sitting, or do you sit with the fear before or during meals? I don't know that that would help, particularly as it contrasts to my own comments above on keeping the fear, but perhaps identifying the details and conditions of the arising would help, and, if desired, examination could resolve it down to its constituent parts and potential resolution...or at least soften the experience.

I hope you hear something more definitive. Are they doing, or have you done, a pill cam?
Switters Posted - 01/21/2016 : 17:15:19
Hi Fred - thank you for replying.

Well everyone - wish I could say I was symptom free, but I'm not. The stomach distress has continued daily. Colonoscopy coming up next Wednesday.

It hasn't gotten worse - but it hasn't really gotten better. I've been meditating daily, doing acupuncture, eating as healthy as a human can eat. Bowel movements are looking normal throughout, although there's some occasional constipation. It's mainly stomach cramping / trapped gas about an hour after eating a full meal. It seems the worst thing that happens is the stomach pain flares up, which often signals an imminent bowel movement and then I'm usually ok after. What's hard is waking up everyday worrying that it's another day of this bull****. I'm trying to be positive. It just feels like something nasty has "moved in" to my body and isn't leaving.

I noticed my CT scan report said: "BOWEL: UNREMARKABLE" but despite this my doctor advises getting the colonoscopy anyway to rule things out.

If this is TMS I will be so amazed. I really want it to be. I actually tried cradling my stomach and rubbing it as if it was an upset baby. I talked to it: "It's going to be okay. You've been upset." I felt a bit crazy, but it seemed to work! The symptoms lessoned a bit...At least that night.

Gary - your symptoms seemed severe yet you got through it. I'm still at a loss over here. Thanks everyone.



fredamir Posted - 01/10/2016 : 18:57:53
When I was going through my TMS experience with chronic pain and disability, I also developed severe gastritis. My stomach hurt every time I ate. Just the thought of drinking orange juice made my stomach hurt.

Once I recovered from TMS gastritis disappeared too. That said you can have GI distress due to yeast overgrowth, improper food combining, in addition to TMS.

Here are something to try:

1. For stomach issues try 2-3 oz of aloe vera juice 3 times a day. It is very healing to the entire GI track.

2. Bone broth has an amazing healing effect and is packed with minerals. If you can get some grass fed beef bones from Whole Foods, soak them in vinegar water overnight so the minerals leach out, and add onions, garlic, and spices,add more water as desired, cook in a slow cooker for 8 hours or more. Let it cool, skim the fat off, and warm as needed to enjoy.

3. Take a look at The Body Ecology Diet by Donna Gates. It has instructions on how to eliminate yeast overgrowth in the GI track.

4. Avoid all grains and carbs, including fruits, for 2-3 weeks until you recover. If you must, eat fruits on an empty stomach otherwise, it will sit on top of proteins and fats and ferment giving you GI issues.

Try the above and see.




Fred Amir
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andy64tms Posted - 01/09/2016 : 10:23:18
Hi Switters, I don’t suffer from any of the issues discussed on this thread, but I was impressed with Tom’s addition about Simplicity’s Gerd. I reminded me of some of stomach anxieties I have had in the past.

To me the stomach and intestines are very much tied to the autonomic nervous system. They are very complicated and normally run in the background. Our stomachs talk to us, when we get that nervy feeling, (Fright or Anxiety) we become agitated, and are normally directed to make decisions to keep us safe. These fears or anxieties can be either real or perceived.

Under normal circumstances fears and anxieties come and go. One time with me they stayed for several weeks, similar to you Switters. I was 28 on the verge of a major decision to escape my dysfunctional family, deciding whether to get married and immigrate to the United States. I had real and perceived fear and anxiety, I had a full load of decisions to make, and the most difficult one was shunning my past family. Once I had made that leap of faith in my new wife and country my anxieties faded. I was able to focus on the excitement of my future. My worrying brain had perpetuated these nasty symptoms for six weeks.

With you Switters, I see the same thing, have you tried to fill that worrying brain with exercise, a new hobby, studies, excitement, art, the thing that gives you most joy, basically changing the TMS subject?

You mentioned “self-fulfilling prophecy”. I agree, your anxieties are switched “on” and “of” at will, at meal times, classic TMS. In this post I have not mentioned food or diet or the intake of substances on purpose, ask yourself why?
Good luck


Andy
Past TMS Experience in 2000, with success.
Charlie Horse on neck for 20 years, is almost gone.
Books:
Healing Back Pain
Unlearn your Pain
The Great Pain Deception
Switters Posted - 01/09/2016 : 09:50:41
Thank you for your posts, TT. I appreciate your time.
I am now meditating daily. Also, my brother told me he had similar stomach issues once and took lorazapam to calm his nerves and that it helped him. I took them as needed a few years ago when I had a few severe panic attacks and they really helped. I figure maybe I'll try it this morning, so I did and I was able to relax enough to have breakfast without worry. I've been so on edge I figure if anxiety is causing this than why not try this low/dose tranquilizer and see if my digestion improves. I obviously know awareness of my core emotional issues are part of this and I'm addressing that too.
tennis tom Posted - 01/09/2016 : 09:19:23
Here's a recent post from the TMS WIKI by a member named "Simplicity":

"I suffered from severe gastritis and GERD for many years but managed to heal both a few years ago by going off PPIs and eating an all natural diet. I learned that GERD was not due to too much Stomach acid, but not enough and by drinking raw ACV I could stop the medication gradually. The PPIs caused a lot of problems for me and I think people need to think twice before taking them.

I also suffered from celiac disease without knowing it and it played a role too; I stopped eating gluten a few years prior to my diagnosis and was able to heal much of the damage it had caused. However, this was my unique case and this part of the problem applies to very few people.

There's no doubt in my mind that gastritis/GERD/ulcers are largely tms/mbs disorders. My issues began during a very stressful time. By treating the symptoms with medications instead of fixing what was troubling me my health suffered for many years and I had to find a few different ways to heal. Too bad I had to take the long road to figuring this out.

I agree that one should make sure that there isn't an underlying serious disease and once cleared treat it as tms/mbs.

“I do believe in simplicity - distinguish the necessary and the real. Probe the earth to see where your main roots run. ”
Simplicity, 35 minutes ago ReportBookmark#22LikeReply
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tennis tom Posted - 01/08/2016 : 12:41:02
I attended a book signing lecture a while back by Lisa Rankin, M.D., author of "MIND OVER MEDICINE"; the first thing she said, while sipping on a glass of green "healthy" beverage was, "This isn't about NUTRITION".

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