Day 1 hopeful!

[hopefuldan]

I struggle with tinnitus and migraines, both of which have cause hours of despair and anxiety (an lots of money!). I heard about Dr. Sarno on Howard Stern, who claims Sarno saved his life. After researching Sarno and reading two of his books, I am convinced I can get help. I see myself in the descriptions of the typical TMS sufferer. I am hopeful!

While I know most of the people here suffer/suffered from back pain, I have heard of many who have recovered from other physical problems as well - lots of these problems, including tinnitus and migraines, are mentioned in Sarno's books. I truly believe my tinnitus and migraines are caused by repressing my unwanted and uncomfortable feeling. Like many who suffer from TMS, I am a people pleaser, perfectionist, and had a very traumatic childhood. I look forward to working this program so I no longer need to suffer!

BTW: Since developing tinnitus I have noticed that the internet is the worst place to be when trying to discuss and gather information. There are a lot of horror stories and I have come to realize that people online discussing tinnitus are either there because they are in the throes or someone is trying to sell something by saying things like "tinnitus almost destroyed my life". The truth is, like migraines, there are a ton of people who have tinnitus. A vast majority of tinnitus suffers habituate and are fine. I am living with tinnitus fine (although I don't like it). The reason I am here is because I suspect my physical struggles are coming from a mind produced place and that it is time for me to address these issues and find some peace. I am not here to exchange tinnitus horror stories or really focus on tinnitus at all. I am here to work the TMS program so I don't have to suffer needlessly. My theory is tinnitus, back pain, migraines, stomach problems, etc... are all the same in the end. If we can get to the root, it does not matter the symptom. So, I would like to avoid discussing tinnitus and focus on the TMS program. Thanks!

 

[Watermelon]

Welcome! I agree with your observation about horror stories on the internet. I have suffered from the chronic pain of tarsal tunnel syndrome in the foot (nerve pain from nerve entrapment) and every time that I looked for support on the internet all I found were horror stories ...luckily I found this site! I also look forward to focusing on the program and not talking about my pain. I am on Day 17 of the program and have gained many insights. Good luck on your journey.

 

[MindBodyPT]

Welcome, glad you're here! I'm with you and experienced the same effect in a real way...but not on the internet. I'm a physical therapist who has recently recovered from TMS back pain. My "diagnosis" was herniated discs. People at work knew this and were always worried about me...doing lifting etc and talking about their own back or neck problems in a very pessimistic, pathological type way. This always stressed me out really badly and made my back pain even worse! (I wish someone had just told me that I was fine all along!) But since finding TMS and going through the program I have lots of defense against this mindset. So if you encounter people worried about their tinnitus or pain online or in real life, you'll now know the truth and be on your way to recovery.

 

[hopefuldan]

MindBodyPT,

It's interesting how negative information (often times not based on reality) can cause me stress and in turn I will start to monitor or focus in on my tinnitus. Once I do, my tinnitus starts to "get louder" and more upsetting. I can be doing fine with my tinnitus (barely noticing it) and then I read a scary or upsetting story about tinnitus and almost immediately the symptoms get worse. I think it just shows how powerful the mind is at scaring me and making me suffer. There are two sides to that coin though... if the mind can bring on pain and suffering, it can also make it go away.

I think the internet is particularly bad because people are there posting when things are really bad, either when they first develop a symptom or during a flare up. People generally don't post when they are doing fine, they are busy getting on with their lives!

I suspect when it comes to your symptoms and talking to people in person, what you have is people trying to show you sympathy by making you feel "it could be worse" or "I can relate". I get the same with tinnitus, people say "sounds horrible". I think they have good intentions of making you feel like you are brave or not alone, but sometimes the statements are upsetting!

The bottom line is I think the TMS program is a perfect tool to guard against thoughts that might trigger a flare up (tinnitus, migraines, back pain, leg pain, whatever a person's symptoms might be). I am already starting to see a pattern in my flare ups and they have nothing to do with anything physical; it's all generated by my unconscious fear and anger.

Thanks for the message!

 

[Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021)]

Hi, hopefuldan. I have had tinnitus since I was about 35. An ear specialist said not to worry, it's very common.
I am 86 now and still have it, but rarely hear the ringing unless I think about it. I usually hear it if I am under emotional stress about anything. If I keep my mind on work or pleasure, I don't hear it.

You know you are a perfectionist and "goodist" who tries hard for people to like you. They are common reasons for having TMS pain. Dr. Sarno says we don't have to change our personality, just recognize we may be overdoing those traits and if we truly believe they cause TMS pain, our subconscious will stop it. I do suggest you try to modify those personality traits. Let up on them as best you can.

You've got it right... Try not to think about tinnitus and instead work on the SEProgram. Journaling helped me to discover emotions I had been repressing for years, and I healed of severe back pain. You have started on a fantastic journey of self-awareness that is going to make you healthier and happier than you ever believed.

Here is a recent post to encourage you about believing in TMS:

"I often get pain in my stomach as a TMS symptom. Last night I felt it coming on after I laid down to sleep. I asked myself what emotions I was feeling, then took several breaths directed at the spot that hurt, and it was gone in minutes! I slept peacefully all night and woke up without any pain. –- wife and mother of two young children."

 

[hopefuldan]

Hi Walt, thanks so much for your words. Your feedback on TMS is very helpful and I am encouraged. I am also encouraged by your experience with tinnitus. I have only had it for about a year or so, so I still worry at times. That said, most people I speak to with tinnitus are much like you, they habituate and don't hear it much once they do.

I'm glad to hear your sever back pain was healed! Yeah! Your black lab is super cool... I love those dogs.

Take care.