Day 1 - Learning a lot

Dr. Sarno's book was recommended to me last week. Picked it up at the library and read it all over the weekend. It was very interesting to me. It all seemed very possible. I left a narcissistic man over 5 years ago after 25 years. 6 weeks after moving out my psoriasis cleared up and a wart fell off, so I know stress influences health.

I have had back pain for over two years. I also have MS. But MS doesn't create the kind of pain I'm having. Went to a chiropractor, got the electrical stimulation and adjustments, but it didn't really help. Started seeing a spine specialist and got all kinds of steroid shots. The only helped a little and only briefly. Was told I have arthritis in my hips and 3 bulging discs. I am taking Norco and gabapentin for the pain, but it only helps some. Went to a second specialist with the same treatment and the same results.

I have been gobbling up YouTube videos on the subject and and found the next book I want to read. The Great Pain Deception by Steve Ozanich. Then I found this forum and the Structured Education Program. I am going to give it all a whirl.

 

Oh, and started having numbness in my hands and legs a year ago. MS doc did an MRI and told me I had no active lesions.

 

The Great Pain Deception is really helpful. You will like it.

 

Welcome, mouser! This is a very caring and supportive group of people. By all means read The Great Pain Deception as well as Dr. Sarno's books, and any other TMS literature you can find! If you work yr way through the SEP, you'll read success stories, too, which I've found to be very inspiring.
Blessings on your journey.

 

Thanks for the responses. Still waiting for my second book. Otherwise have been working thru the days of the SEP. I know I will get used to the content but there is such a maze of info! Just heard a bunch of clips from counseling sessions with Alan. Onto day 4.

 

Question on Day 3 about exercise. I have never been good at sports of anykind and never exercised much outside of walking and riding my bike which is easier on my knees. Haven't ridden the bike for two summers because I cannot flip my leg over the bike to get on. Too much pain and loss of balance. Here is where I question, back problems and pain, MS, TMS or a combination?

 

Question on Day 4 about the most disheartening thing a Dr. said. Mostly they say they don't know. Nothing is working. It's not an MS exacerbation. It's not bad enough for surgery. Steroid shots have had short lived success. Everything had limited to no success.

 

Day 5. PTSD. I believe I had/have this from being married to a Narcissist for nearly 25 years. I did some EMDR therapy and that helped a lot getting his voice out of my head. I still have dreams that I live with him. Often I remember I am divorced and try to figure out a way to leave. At first I am accommodating then I get angry and tell him to get away from me.

Doing things I enjoy. I have always felt this was a very short list. I read, computer or books. I putter with the outdoor plants. I play with my kitties. I love drawing and painting but rarely do it other than for class. (I am getting a BFA in Graphic Design) I think for a long time my son and kitties demanded attention. I don't like being interrupted in my creative flow, so I don't start. I like to play the piano. I have often told myself to learn a new piece given free time but I haven't.