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bert
24 Posts |
 Posted - 05/03/2007 : 06:38:12
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Hi all I'm in the process of finishing Dr Sarno's book "The Mindbody Prescription". I've read his first book "Mind Over Back Pain" twice. First time back in 1993. And again a few months ago. And I'm also in the process of completing Dr David Schechter's "The Mindbody Work book", a day to day dairy of how you feel basically.
I have low back pain/problems. And recurring knee problem at times/now. I'm 80% to 99% certain that it's TMS. Just depends on how debilitating the pain is that day, on how certain I feel about TMS.  I still haven't had any different relief since educating myself on this. I've been to all the Doctor's and test. Actually had an operation in 1997 which helped my pain tremendously for up to 8 years. I am a painter/construction worker/contractor/boss. The work I do can be very repetitive and hard on the body. I've learned how to make it as easy as possible. But by the end of a physical work day, I'm in lots of pain and have to use plenty of ice for roughly 2 ot 4 hours before I feel some relief. I literally live to work. And really haven't been able to work much for the past year and a half.
I first started having problems again at the end of 2005 after doing a bunch of heavy construction and landscaping projects at home that summer. Digging hole and pouring cement for Deck and Walkway and making garden beds and removing dirt piles. So in my head, I relate my back pain to those hard chores. Because, I don't have nearly as much pain when I don't physically do things that involve strenuous movements. I used to play golf and lift weights all the time a few years back prior to all this. And now I can't enjoy those activities without dealing with bedrest for a week or so. It plain sucks.
Yet I still believe it's related to TMS and not my body breaking down. I have had a lot of trauma mentally in the past 4 years with a new marriage gone bad and financial problems (law suit and loss of major income contracts for work. The last 2 years). So I'm guessing these are my stress reasons along with the everyday bull**** life throws at you.
This is as brief as I could make it. Sorry for the long post. I just want to know if most of you have had success with pain free lives since regognizing TMS to be the problem? And if there's any suggestions for helping me get pain free. I deserve it. I just want to be able to help others again. Instead of dwelling on me. I'm tired of my problems. But the pain can take the life out of me to the point of not being able to walk after work. I'm fortunate enough to have work and understanding people there who will allow me to come and go as my body allows. Sometimes I have to take off a week or two or more before I have the strenth to go back to work. And then it's only 2 or 3 days a week for a time. But money is running out, so I need to get well very soon or sell my house.
Thanks for listening/reading
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Edited by - bert on 05/03/2007 06:42:49 |
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mizlorinj
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2007 : 10:11:46
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I would suggest more writing (journaling) about the things going on in life that are stressful--in a good way or bad way. Really express your feelings about these situations. I was surprised what came out when I started writing about past and current issues.
Regarding pain after physical activity/work: your brain wants you to think there is a physical reason in order to keep you distracted from facing issues in your unconscious.
Aside from writing, I would suggest doing more reading in Dr. Sarno's books, especially the psychology and treatment sections. Maybe get his newer books too?
This treatment worked for me and got me back to work (I was totally incapacitated from back pain).
Best wishes,
-Lori |
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2007 : 10:34:34
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quote:
Originally posted by bert
Yet I still believe it's related to TMS and not my body breaking down. I have had a lot of trauma mentally in the past 4 years with a new marriage gone bad and financial problems (law suit and loss of major income contracts for work. The last 2 years). So I'm guessing these are my stress reasons along with the everyday bull**** life throws at you.
Bert baby, you got it RIGHT THERE! BAD relationship coupled with a few other life-cycle pressures is the TMS formula. If you had a supportive relationship, your system could probably handle the rest, but add the bad relationship and you got TMS. And don't forget the depression component anothe TMS affective (emotional) equivalent.
Hang in there. We're pretty busy at the moment flaming but Dave's gonna' pull the reigns in shortly and the board will get back to "normal".
Sorry, I'll try to get back to you later, but still putting out (and starting) some fires that got sparked by the "Politics and Rage" thread. See ya' later, but there's plenty of non-combatant TMS'ers who will help ya' I'm sure, we've been training them as fast as we can, it's a TMS epedmeic out there.
Cheers,
tt
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Gemma_Louise
United Kingdom
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2007 : 12:55:46
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Hi Bert. I'm not as experienced as others on here and am still coming to terms that I have TMS myself, but I can identify with you and it does indeed sound like you have TMS. You say that you 'literally live to work' which suggests that you are very driven and of a perfectionist nature. Also you say that you want to help others instead of focusing on yourself, which indicates that you are what Sarno describes as a 'goodist'. These are both classic TMS traits which will make you more prone to suffering from this.
These personality traits, coupled with the immense stress you have been under, are a recipe for TMS.
I've been reading The Mindbody Prescription and Healing Back Pain and find them really helpful and reassuring. I also just got Dr Sopher's book and would highly recommend it. It's still touch and go, but I have noticed an improvement since I've been reading these books and coming on here. Just try to really believe that there is nothing physically wrong (I know, it isn't easy!) and focus on the psychological issues and I'm sure you will see an improvement. Just don't give up, it can take time.
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bert
24 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2007 : 15:26:16
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Thanks for the replies all.
Just wanted to clarify, about what I meant by living to work. I am a perfectionist when it comes to being paid for the jobs I do. But for myself, I am not. I think when your paying someone to do a job, you will have to do your best and make it look great. Otherwise I will hear about it. And that I don't like to deal with. As for my own work around the house. It is what it is depending on how I feel that day. I not concerned about keeping up with the Jones. And believe me my home shows it. A typical bachelor.
But I do care what I do for others when they are paying for it. I have also found that helping others is why we are here. Do unto others as you would have those do unto you type of thing. It depresses me of late to just talk about my pain. I think I'm on the right track though with believing in the TMS theory. It's just very hard when I'm in excruciating pain after a hard days work to believe that it's not work related. But I do see the way the mind can make hard work just another excuse to make me believe it's so. Sure does make it tuff though.
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Newcomer to TMS?
