I've been hanging around the Forum for quite a while but am embarking on the SEP only today, though I've been journaling every day for several months. I fit the TMS character profile to a T. Worrier, highly sensitive, perfectionist etc etc. Up until 5 years ago my issue had been an unstable lower back after a disc herniation at age 28 (I'm 67 now and female) which laid me off work periodically, sometimes for very lengthy periods. I'm very sensitive to any kind of body work but I found after much trial and error that cranio sacral work helped me through these bouts and when this happened and I recovered I would go on my merry way until the next bout. Re the back issues, I should add that in hindsight the serious bouts always coincided with periods when I was in harmful relationships of one kind or another. I'm a bit of a human sponge and pick up on people's "vibes" without realising it and these relationships and exchanges seemed to have a knock-on effect on my physical body.
In 2011 after a long period of incapacity with my back I got back on my feet yet again with the assistance of my excellent cranial therapist and lo and behold I developed severe digestive distress and pelvic pain/Levator Ani syndrome which has continued on and off (mainly on) to the present time.
After tests and endoscopy I was diagnosed with IBS-C. Since 2011 I have for now dropped sugar, yeast and gluten from my diet (I have had addiction issues throughout my life and I gave up alcohol 2o odd years ago, but food was one of my sources of comfort in dealing with life - lots of processed and junk food). Initially I was in a very bad way and the change in diet helped a lot and I wouldn't go back to my old chaotic eating for general health reasons but the underlying symptoms are still there. I've consulted a naturopath, who helped a bit, a nutritionist who didn't really as well as my GP and done a lot of research online. I also continue with monthly cranial work just as a general support. Whilst researching I came upon the TMS website and have since then read both Dr Sarno's and Steve Ozanich's books as well as the Recovery Program..
So in my case it seems that my back pain and instability was "healed" and about a week later I developed severe digestive problems and pelvic pain. Hmm! I do believe the answer lies in the mind and in the emotions. There's been a good deal of trauma in my life.
I've been severely restricted and my life put on hold these past few years because I've been afraid to go out and start socialising in case my gut acts up or, more worryingly for me, the pelvic/rectal spasms becomes really unbearable - which they can be and are at the moment. While I'm independent and thrive in my own company, I live alone and I miss being social!
What my life would be like without TMS? It would be like being let out of prison. Makes me tearful even typing this. It's been hellish for a long time even though I'm pretty positive and try to make the best of each day. My biggest obstacle in embarking on the program I suspect will be impatience and discouragement if I have setbacks. I do believe that things happen when the time is right, including recovery, and my job is to do the footwork and let go of the results, trusting that the Universe has everything in hand. And I'm willing to do that.
I actually have a plan to take the first step in getting out there and attending a new activity this week, so we'll see how that goes.
In 2011 after a long period of incapacity with my back I got back on my feet yet again with the assistance of my excellent cranial therapist and lo and behold I developed severe digestive distress and pelvic pain/Levator Ani syndrome which has continued on and off (mainly on) to the present time.
After tests and endoscopy I was diagnosed with IBS-C. Since 2011 I have for now dropped sugar, yeast and gluten from my diet (I have had addiction issues throughout my life and I gave up alcohol 2o odd years ago, but food was one of my sources of comfort in dealing with life - lots of processed and junk food). Initially I was in a very bad way and the change in diet helped a lot and I wouldn't go back to my old chaotic eating for general health reasons but the underlying symptoms are still there. I've consulted a naturopath, who helped a bit, a nutritionist who didn't really as well as my GP and done a lot of research online. I also continue with monthly cranial work just as a general support. Whilst researching I came upon the TMS website and have since then read both Dr Sarno's and Steve Ozanich's books as well as the Recovery Program..
So in my case it seems that my back pain and instability was "healed" and about a week later I developed severe digestive problems and pelvic pain. Hmm! I do believe the answer lies in the mind and in the emotions. There's been a good deal of trauma in my life.
I've been severely restricted and my life put on hold these past few years because I've been afraid to go out and start socialising in case my gut acts up or, more worryingly for me, the pelvic/rectal spasms becomes really unbearable - which they can be and are at the moment. While I'm independent and thrive in my own company, I live alone and I miss being social!
What my life would be like without TMS? It would be like being let out of prison. Makes me tearful even typing this. It's been hellish for a long time even though I'm pretty positive and try to make the best of each day. My biggest obstacle in embarking on the program I suspect will be impatience and discouragement if I have setbacks. I do believe that things happen when the time is right, including recovery, and my job is to do the footwork and let go of the results, trusting that the Universe has everything in hand. And I'm willing to do that.
I actually have a plan to take the first step in getting out there and attending a new activity this week, so we'll see how that goes.
