Don't know what to call this post--update

I posted about a week ago and got great support, which calmed my anxiety, and thus my pain was more tolerable. My story is much like the people with RSI-type issues. I need to add my story to my profile. I had a neurologist appointment this week that had been scheduled for months so I kept it, although I thought of cancelling. He sent me for a doppler ultrasound for possible thoracic outlet (had it today) and I have nerve conduction tests and a follow up with him on Monday. I want to start the SEP but it says everywhere on this site to have a firm diagnosis of TMS first. I tried to explain the psychological issues to this neurologist and told him I wouldn't be offended if he told me it was psychological! I have been to so many doctors--I'm ready to be done! One alternative medicine doc tested me for MTHFR--some kind of genetic mutation. I was positive. I ended up thinking he was a quack and kind of forgot about that, but now this neurologist seemed very interested in the MTHFR thing, which got me getting all paranoid about it again. If you start going down that route you're into special diets, supplements and lots of other weird stuff. I did try gluten free for 6 months and no change in pain or anything. So...specific questions:

*Can I start the SEP and journaling yet? (I already bought a pretty 3 ring binder and notebook paper!)
* Can I just diagnose myself with TMS? I'm not near any TMS specialist?

 

Reading your post, you are really excited about pursuing TMS as the cause, and working on the cure. You seem ready to jump in. In a way you've already jumped in, because you are getting symptom relief contemplating Dr. Sarno's information.

Therefore, in my opinion you should start the SEP, and use it as a process to educate and convince yourself, and follow your passion right now. Why not? It doesn't need to be done "perfectly" in my opinion, or without some doubts or questions along the way.

My experience was one of investigating, removing doubts, inquiring into doubts, educating, and being urged by a friend to embark. If you look at this as a process, that might be relaxing. I was scheduled for surgery and just gave myself two months of space, telling myself that I would put all medical stuff aside, and try the Sarno method. Having said that, during that time I did get help from Dr. Sopher, the TMS doc to re-assure me. I suggest you do that, sooner than later to relieve doubts.

I am happy for you that you are finding something that touches you, in your approach to your symptoms.

Andy

 

Thank you, Andy! Can you consult with Dr. Sopher remotely, via Skype or something?

 

Hi Barb,

I'm going to refer you to this wonderful by post by @Anne Walker . She answers your questions better than I ever could.


http://www.tmswiki.org/forum/threads/such-severe-pain-tms.7035/#post-39710

Many of us have diagnosed ourselves with TMS. If all your medical tests have ruled out anything serious and you feel you fit the profile---then just go for it. Keep an evidence sheet and keep accumulating evidence that you do in fact have TMS.

I say start the SEP, and enjoy writing in your pretty binder.

Best wishes

 

Thanks, Ellen!

 

Hi Barb,
The work he did with me was via email. I sent him a my medical history on a word doc.

His contact last I heard from him was

mdsophermd@comcast.net

or you can find him in the practitioners at the Wiki here.

Best,

Andy

 

Hmm, MTHFR??? Sounds like? you're being F'ed over by the quack and the neuro sounds like a perv.

*SEP & journaling yet? sure why not, it's your life you can do anything you want with it.

*If the TMS dx fits, why not wear it?