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aconner
USA
10 Posts |
 Posted - 01/02/2013 : 11:21:22
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Hi everyone,
This is a slightly different question, but I am a journalist and will be traveling to NYC later this month to interview Dr. Sarno for a couple of articles I'm working on.
One article is about my own ongoing journey w/TMS, and TMS in general, while the second is a profile of Dr. Sarno himself, as I feel that not much in the media has been made about his specific background. (Feel free to point me in the direction of stories that do get in more detail!)
I'd be curious to get your perspectives on questions that you'd want to ask him. Let me stay up-front that I am trying to avoid asking him any questions that he's heard over and over again ("how does the mainstream medical community feel about your work?"), and that I am hoping to get a better flavor for him as a person and not just a doctor.
Also, if anyone has interacted with him before at any length, I'd love to get your thoughts and would encourage you to send me a private message. I had a preliminary phone chat with him and generally found him to be somewhat closed, so I'm eager for any tips on how I might be able to get him to open up more!
Thanks for your time.
Adam |
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 11:57:04
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Hi Aconnor,
Cool, talking with the main man, the Good Doctor himself, in my own selfish interest ask him how he feels about hip replacements--are hips TMS?--when would he recommend a total hip replacement, if at all. How does he feel about arthroscopic hip surgery, which is relatively new here.
Now that I've gotten my business out of the way--talk to Steve Ozanich, he goes by SteveO here, he's talked to Dr. Sarno personally and his book "THE GREAT PAIN DECEPTION", was endorsed by Dr. Sarno on it's cover.
I got a correspondence from Dr. Sarno a long time ago replying to a few questions I had, it was short and to the point--I guess I should frame it.
Good Luck!
tt
==================================================
DR. SARNO'S 12 DAILY REMINDERS:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0dKBFwGR0g
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
"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
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"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
Here's the TMS practitioners list from the TMS Help Forum:
http://www.tmshelp.com/links.htm
Here's a list of TMS practitioners from the TMS Wiki:
http://tmswiki.org/ppd/Find_a_TMS_Doctor_or_Therapist
Here's a map of TMS practitioners from the old Tarpit Yoga site, (click on the map by state for listings).:
http://www.tarpityoga.com/2007_08_01_archive.html |
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Sylvia
199 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 13:06:25
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| Do you feel satisfied with your lifes work? |
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susan828
USA
291 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 13:14:29
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I am curious what he does at Rusk. I know a lot of people who went to Rusk for rehab. For example, one had benign positional vertigo (BPPV) so she went to Rusk to learn exercises that would train her inner ear a certain way to stop it.
I think I read in Sarno's book (maybe Steve's but Sarno may feel the same) that BPPV is caused by TMS. So I am wondering when patients come for rehab and see him along the way, does he still prescribe the physical treatments that everyone else at Rusk does? If he only does talk or TMS therapy, when did he switch over.
To Tom, I am wondering the same about hip replacement. It's so common now. My neighbor's MRI showed bone on bone and he is in agony, getting the surgery next week. I dunno...I can't see him working through this, he says the cartilage is gone..so what would Sarno say, would love to know. |
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 14:15:36
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quote:
Originally posted by susan828
To Tom, I am wondering the same about hip replacement. It's so common now. My neighbor's MRI showed bone on bone and he is in agony, getting the surgery next week. I dunno...I can't see him working through this, he says the cartilage is gone..so what would Sarno say, would love to know.
Not to hi-jack this thread--but I will, since that is what TMS does to our lives, it hi-jacks them, in a sometimes well meaning but misguided attempt to protect us from the truth, by way of a physical lie.
Susan, I was told to get a THR, over 15 years ago, by a TMS doc no less, that my cartilage was worn and had "significant" arthritis. I'm playing in a tennis tournament tomorrow and just drove 525 miles, non-stop except for pit-stops for 11 hours. When that doc told me it wasn't TMS, I cried--but I said to myself "He could be wrong,"--I've played tennis with a lot of docs and their line calls aren't always right. Good luck to your friend, I've heard a lot of good things about hip replacements, I have a file with the names of "the best" surgeon. |
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aconner
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 14:49:30
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Thanks, everyone!
Does anyone have any particular questions for Dr. Sarno about himself? There doesn't seem to be much info online about his upbringing, but I don't know if that's because he hasn't divulged it or if it people simply haven't asked. (Or have I missed those stories and they are out on the Interwebs somewhere?)
One thing I'm curious about is the kind of thinker he is - what kind of mind he has to have to be able to think the way he did to start coming up his initial hypotheses... |
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maccafan
130 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 15:39:37
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I'm so glad you are doing this. Please let us known when and where we may read your articles. Besides having all of his books I also have Dr. Sarno's audio and video of his TMS lecture and have seen him in different interviews. He comes across as a stoic type of person. But he also seems to have a humorous side and does smile and laugh sometimes. Could be if you used a little humor to break the ice he might really appreciate that and open up a little easier. He has spent so many years hitting brickwalls trying to help people and get his knowledge through to the medical world that I don't blame him if he's a bit closed off.
I'd love to hear something of his personal life too. I only remember reading a couple of things about this in his book, "The Mindbody Prescription". He was training to become a pilot in the Army Air Corps after he joined the milatary in 1943 to fight Natzis (pages 116, 117). Also that he was able to stop his own migraine headaches early on in his life but still has the flashing lights to this day that use to happen right before his migraine started (page 112).
I would like to know what he does to keep his rage/soothe ratio balanced. For instance does he like to garden, travel, or paint? What type of music does he like? That tells a lot about a person I think. What books does he like to read in his spare time? Also what does he think about all the reality tv shows like Honey Booboo? No, just kidding on that one but it might get him to smile and loosen up a bit! ha ha
I would like to know if he realizes just how many supporters he has? Does he really know how much he and his life work is appreciated? I think he has even saved some people from suicide.
Does he ever check out any of the forums where his work is being discussed and helping so many of us.
And speaking of forums, tennis tom has been on this one since 2004. He has posted 3,203 times and counting, which is more than anyone else here. He has supported "The Good Doctor" (as he calls him) all this time and tried to pass on any good advice that he could to help others. So I really do hope you ask Dr. Sarno, tennis tom's questions about hips being TMS.
THE number one question I would like to have answered is one that has been a very hot topic on this forum. Does TMS really cause major diseases such as ALS, MS, Parkinsons, heart disease and cancer, etc.??? Will the unconscious mind go so far as to kill the person to keep them from feeling repressed emotions??? In his books he has only said it (may) go this far but now he could feel differently and have a more definite opinion one way or the other.
Good luck and just enjoy your time with this very smart human being.
Maccafan |
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aconner
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 18:04:40
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Hi Maccafan,
Thanks so much for your input. You asked some great questions and I appreciate your info-gathering from Dr. Sarno's books - I remember his mention of headaches but forgot that he spoke about time in the service.
And yes, I will definitely incorporate Tennis Tom's question about hip replacement to ask Dr. Sarno.
Adam |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 18:08:44
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Macafan
I have asked him most of the questions you have posed here. He said the hip is TMS. I don't know why tt doesn't believe me, bc I have told him on numerous occasions that's what he told me directly. I'm sure SteveO has asked him the same question and he can back me up on this one. In addition he also agreed that every non traumatic illness or obvious infection was TMS. I asked him that personally, although I would not be surprised if he does not answer this way when interviewed in public as it may make people not versed in TMS think his theories preposterous, so I'm not sure if I would ask him that question directly in an interview to be published as it may put him on the spot. He loved to run and that was his past time. He ran for mies a day He has two homes one in NYC and one in upstate ny. I think he has like 5 children and his wife is some sort of dr or therapist at nyu although I don't remember the speciality. I don't think he gets on the Internet much, last I was in NYC I wanted to meet with him but he did not seem interested as he no longer had an office. I think he may be meeting with Adam bc he will make an effort in the media to spread the word on TMS to help more people. I think he He knows how much he has helped people but he thinks he will never be formally recognized for it in this lifetime. |
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 20:03:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Ace1
Macafan
I have asked him most of the questions you have posed here. He said the hip is TMS.
...I don't know why tt doesn't believe me, bc I have told him on numerous occasions that's what he told me directly. e.
Ace, I remember very well you telling me my hip is TMS, trust me I believe you fully--it's my right hip that doesn't. You may want to discuss the difference of opinion with the two other Sarno trained doctors who examined me and my images and said it was arthritis and not TMS, I would be happy to give you their phone numbers. One of the reasons I'm stuck about my hip is because in one of Dr. Sarno's books he commented to the effect of the "modern miracle of hip replacement surgery", that to me contradicts what you are telling me.
I'm pretty sure you only told me once that it was TMS, I remember it well, if you can find "numerous" times I'll buy you a beer. I've noticed you are dismissive of my posts because in your book, I am not a "success story". I have had TMS successes on many occasions if not daily. If someone thinks they will never have another TMS symptom, then I think they don't understand the fundamentals--how does one know what vicissitudes life will lay upon us?
I found your reply to Maccafan's excellent post and questions dismissive. I don't recollect you answering all her questions and I do hope Aconner does ask those tough questions about cancer, etc. At this point I don't think the Good Doctor cares what others think of him, they have never given his due. I don't blame you for your dismissiveness of some of us civilians, it's just your training. Doctor's are very busy people and I do appreciate your contribution here.
Regards,
tt |
Edited by - tennis tom on 01/02/2013 20:09:41 |
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pspa123
672 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 20:59:34
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| Just as a matter of logic, it would seem that if someone who embraces the TMS philosophy and has had many successes applying it has a problem that won't resolve, that problem may not be TMS. Dismiss me as naive, but it seems to me plausible that even acknowledging the primacy of mindbody explanations, with age and activity, parts of us will in fact break down and that some pain may result from that. |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 20:59:39
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| Tt just look back to my posts it was at least two separate occasions with multiple posts each time explaining to you what he said, so you can just go ahead and buy my beer now. I am not dismissive of your posts but you are clearly not cured, that is the truth. The truth is how can someone give sound advice if they themselves are not cured? To be able to shift your symptoms off a another occasionally symptomatic area back into your hip, only requires ignoring the symptom without the deep unconscience relaxation required to be totally free of symptoms. This is nothing against you personally TT. I do enjoy your posts and humor and dedication. I actually don't know you so why would I say anything but the truth about what i see in my posts. Until I achieved a cure I don't think I truly understood how to fix myself although I had the concepts of TMS down to a science. What was dismissive to mccafan's post? I just answered some of the questions she had about dr Sarno. Steve and I both noted to the members on this forum on how apprehensive he was to discuss cancer bc how he didn't want to be ostracized about it. Do you really want him to feel uncomfortable answering this question to the media? that's why I suggested what I did. Read my post very carefully I said I have answers to MOST of her questions not all. Notice I am not dismissive of civilians, I fully agree with many on this board, I am however entitled to my opinion and If someone is saying something that have found not to be correct, I will speak up. Good luck to you and don't take what I am saying personally, this is just what I feel to be true. |
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maccafan
130 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 21:00:54
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Hi Ace,
I've never gotten the impression that Dr. Sarno has ever worried too much about being put on the spot by any question. If he was going to do that he would never have written or talked about any of his knowledge. And like I said he has been going up against brickwalls for years.
And I remember, and could find it for you but I'm tired and want to go to bed, that as far as TMS causing serious and fatal diseases that a more definite answer would call for a lot of study and research and he didn't feel this would happen any time soon. More or less in these words.
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Thanks tt, I did feel a bit dismissed and I don't like that. It reminds me of another time when someone else use to be on this board.
Maccafan
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 21:07:54
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| Hi pspa, I agree logic would dictate what you have said, but let me ask you this? Is it logical that a herniated deck should not cause pain if it s compressing a nerve? Is it logical that someone who has been in pain for many years would recover by working only on their mind. Now we know that the two examples I gave are true based on experience with real people, but from a logical perspective they don't make much sense. Also, just bc you haven't been able to cure it, doesn't mean Its not TMS.. I'm going to tell you it was the hardest thing in my life to overcome and I went to med school. It does not need a genius, but it takes a lot of perseverance and constant proper work. In my case it took what I listed in my keys to healing, with a lot of time. |
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pspa123
672 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 21:17:19
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Is it your belief that there are NEVER herniated discs that cause pain, and that arthritis NEVER causes pain, or rather that one cannot infer causation simply from such a finding on any given scan?
As to the logic of mindbody cures, it is absolutely logical to me in the case of pain caused by chronic muscle tension, which I understand accounts for a large percentage of chronic pain. It is also logical to me in the case of other chronic ailments where the connection to stress/anxiety/emotional conflict seems well-established -- IBS, chronic fatigue, and so forth.
But that said, I don't know why the thinking has to be so absolute and rigid -- that TT's condition (and others) CANNOT have a physical component simply because he did not have an acute injury. As someone getting older I feel the wear and tear on body parts every day. Would an active, perfectly emotionally healthy person (hypothetical, yes, I realize) NEVER feel pain as they aged? That seems the theory, but what is the support?
Interesting discussion and I appreciate your insight. |
Edited by - pspa123 on 01/02/2013 21:25:03 |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 21:18:10
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Maccafan,
Did you talk to him one on one to get the impression you have? SteveO and i got the same impression. I don't really want to fuel TMS on this board. Don't know why certain things are taken so personally when in reality it was not meant to be that way. It is part of the TMS personality to take things in this way, which is so hard and defensively. Trust me I could be doing a lot of other things with my time but my goal is to help as many I can including the use of this forum. My goal is not to hurt the feeling of members on this forum |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 21:25:29
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Sure pspa, I enjoy this too,
Do you know anyone in their 90s with no pain? I know quite a few. Now do you think their bones are degenerated? You bet ya. Now why don't hey have pain. We X-ray people like them all the time see herniated discs all the time but they are completely asymptomatic. That doesn't make logical sense, but its true. I don't know if you believe in God. If you do it makes total sense. It's as if your body regenerates itself and fixes itself right as long as the individual or organism is at peace. It's weird but its true, In some people this process is quick like a few months, some take long time like years and some people may never get it. I think everybody has this potential though |
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pspa123
672 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 21:40:13
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Sure there are old folks with no pain. I am not saying it's inevitable to be in pain. But to go more global, I imagine there are people with relatively little physical pain who also have serious emotional issues (I know quite a few actually), and conversely I know people who at least from all appearances are relatively at peace emotionally who have a ton of pain apparently from chronic physical activity/chronic injuries. I am not sure we know enough yet to make absolute statements that all chronic pain is psychogenic, in other words.
Let me raise something else. I used to run marathons. I had a relatively heavy build and stiff legs, and had biomechanical issues. I had a lot of chronic injuries/pain during the years I was running. Now you and Marc Sopher likely would say those were just manifestations of TMS and/or that I was just conditioned to experience pain, and that any "treatment" I got that improved things was just placebo, but what's the proof that the way I experienced these things was not valid? |
Edited by - pspa123 on 01/02/2013 21:42:18 |
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 21:42:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Ace1
...I am not dismissive of your posts but you are clearly not cured, that is the truth. The truth is how can someone give sound advice if they themselves are not cured?
That would be an excellent question for Dr. Sarno. I only regurgitate, as accurately as I can, what I've learned from the TMS scholars.
I feel I only owe you half a beer. Not to be argumentative, but I don't feel two times is the same as "numerous".
Cheerfully,
tt
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maccafan
130 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 21:42:35
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Ace, you have a TMS personality as well. We all do or we wouldn't be on this forum.
I don't know what impression you are talking about for which subject.
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Adam,
Sorry that your original post has been side tracked and I hope the discussion starts to come back to it.
Maccafan |
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Aussie
Australia
87 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2013 : 00:26:37
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I am re listening to HBP on audio currently. Sarno definitely mentions that on rare occasions Herniated discs clearly need surgical intervention. Do Herniated discs cause pain? No not in 99% of average cases but Sarno clearly acknowledges the rare cases that are not Tms.
He also mentions seeing Stenosis cases that have required surgery. I am aware these are extremely rare but saying all is Tms is not correct. |
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*Questions to ask Dr. Sarno for an interview
