SusieQ

Hello TMS wiki Members! I've been reading your posts for months now and finding so many helpful recommendations in conquering TMS. This is my first post on the Forum. I am 52 years old; a 4 year survivor from Stage IV Cervical cancer; my divorce was finalized in the Spring of 2012; my sister succumbed to metastatic breast cancer in the Fall of 2012; my mother (age 80) is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments; we survived Super Storm Sandy also in the Fall of 2012; I share custody of our 3 teenage children - the oldest is heading off to college this Fall! I have TMS. I have no doubt about it. I have a TMS trained physician - Dr. Paul Gwozdz - who was himself a patient of Dr. Sarno. I've read each of Dr. Sarno's books (and of course, saw myself on every page!) I'm now devouring Steven Ozanich's "The Great Pain Deception" - quite possibly the most concise work on the mind-body connection. (I will also add that my father - age 87 this year - was a pharmacist and completely committed to medications and physicians to cure all ailments. Of course big pharmaceutical stocks dominate his investment portfolio! He is a TMS sufferer himself, but still relies on cortisone shots, lidocaine patches and P/T) My pain emanates from my hips and pelvic region. It travels down both legs, to my knees, calfs and ankles. I am a cripple. I depend on a cane to walk. I'm exhausted. I'm embarrassed and self-conscience. I attend programs at my local cancer support organization - stress management, relaxation, meditation. I would like to learn more on VISUALIZATION techniques to overcome TMS, and would appreciate any recommendations from fellow members. I feel I could benefit from this added approach because I (was) a painter, but my creativity has been squelched by my anxiety and pre-occupation with my pain. I long to have a paint brush in my hand, in front of a blank white canvas, but cannot even motivate myself to unpack my art supplies from their boxes when we moved! I know I have the strength to overcome this TMS prison I'm living in right now. I just want to enjoy life once again - regain my creative mind - dig in my garden - laugh with my children before it's too late - and walk without pain!