1. Alan has completed the new Pain Recovery Program. To read or share it, use this updated link: https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/painrecovery/
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My Story
Oh my, you and I have a LOT in common (you can search my name to see what I posted). You are NOT alone. I came here, not really because of "pain" though I developed some, but more because of numbness, weird migrating neuro symptoms and unexplained twitches etc. I did the exact same thing. I googled my initial symptoms which brought up a forum on ALS, MS, you name it. I completely freaked out, spiraled down, and literally "gave" myself new symptoms as I convinced myself that I had all these things. Became totally OCD about trying to figure out what was wrong with me and not trusting the drs. Complete health anxiety!! I had never had a day of anxiety in my life before this.

I had every test in the book, and like you the ONLY thing that came back was a slight Vit. D deficiency. I developed severe anxiety and insomnia - and only this week I am really starting to feel better - (physically I still have weird stuff going on, feel like electricity down my arms, some faciculations, etc.) and I always have pain(ish) in the backs of my shoulders but mentally the FEAR is decreasing. But, I ended up going to see a psychologist. I've been three times so far and its been so helpful - I can't recommend therapy enough! The sleep is still not great, but I went to see a specialist for that as well - and I am now on a sleep compression program which is giving me hope and already helping.

Anyway, I wanted to give you hope that you are not alone. The mind is so powerful its kind of scary! But I keep telling myself that if my mind was powerful enough to create symptoms once I read about them/thought I had them - they can one day all go away. And, some things have definitely gotten WAY better.

One reason I believe that I am finally improving is that through this I realized that my job is so over the top stressful - and I wasn't even realizing it. I had always wanted to work less, but I'm a people pleaser and didn't want to ask for it. This week I finally took steps to reduce my hours - empowering. My anxiety dropped 10x this week (I hope it stays that way!). I have hope that the tingling, weird nerve pain, etc. goes away for me and you.

Again, if you're not seeing someone. I totally recommend that you do. If you are like me, the anxiety is really contributing to the symptoms a LOT. You probably do a lot of shallow breathing without realizing it which can lead to numbness etc. A therapist can help you turn the negative thinking around.