Day 1

[Banyantree]

Hi everyone, I listened to one of John Sarno's audio books last weekend and I have decided to try this programme to see whether it helps. It's funny because I think his theories are scientifically unsound, but it also spoke to some emotional truths so I felt strangely calmed by it.

I am a bit skeptical because I have ME, not chronic pain so I don't know whether it will cure my ME. I have had no benefit from years of counselling. Exercise therapy hasn't worked either.

But for some reason I feel inclined to try this. I like that I can work through it and experiment with it my own time.

I figure, if it doesn't help my ME, it might help my mental health... So nothing to lose.

I have never tried any alternative treatment programmes because they all seemed like hunkum to me. But I have been working with specialist NHS clinics for 6 years and made almost no progress, so I think it's time to try something else.

Last week after listening to the audiobook I felt a strong urge to go running. I haven't run in 9 years so I decided it would be unwise to push my unfit body suddenly like that. So I went for a walk and ran gently just about 50 meters down a hill. My legs buckled arterwards and it was hard to walk home without falling (I usually have to use a wheelchair).

I thought I would for sure pay for it with at least a week in bed. But my symptoms actually weren't noticeably worse than normal for the week afterwards, which I found curious. I used the wheelchair for the rest of the week but didn't have to stay in bed all week as anticipated.

I don't want to draw any conclusions yet, but I have decided to explore working through the programme to see what happens.

I hope you are all having a good weekend.

 

[ssxl4000]

I have been diagnosed with ME too, or CFS, or SEID, whatever they want to call it nowadays. If it helps, I am a "logical" person who normally would not subscribe to a theory like TMS. However, the evidence has been too strong. My tests are all clear. If mono/EBV had messed me up this much, surely there would be more signs of the damage. I started TMS like "Happy Thought" training before actually learning about TMS. It seemed to be working, but new, worse symptoms started popping up. I was worried until I read about TMS and realized they were extinction bursts. My brain is trying to fight back, but the last three days have been the best I have felt in 16 months.

I know what you mean about the post-exertional relapses. I still get afraid to do anything out of my limited routine, but am feeling better so far. I used to purposely park far away in parking lots, always took the stairs etc. Now, I get worried about going to the grocery store for fear of what might come a day later. Feeling a lot less cared now, but I still plan on following my gradual exercise build program. I figure why push it and give my brain more reasons to worry when I am trying to let go.

Good luck.

 

[Banyantree]

Hi there, thank you for your reply - I'm glad to hear you are feeling a bit better since starting this.

I have been feeling a bit better too, but taking things slow because as you say I don't think pushing too hard is the right approach.

I am liking the concept of 'outcome independence' i.e. if I work on the psychological parts of the programme, then at the very least my mental health will be better, and if it has a posoposi impact on my physical symptoms that's a bonus, but either way I will at least benefit psychologically .

Wishing you luck too!