I am new to this website and need help navigating my chronic back pain

[gthaler]

Hi everybody, I am new to this website and I’ve been suffering with chronic back pain for two years and trying to determine whether I have TMS or not in which case I think I do and I’m looking for peer support. In addition, I did reach out to The doctor here whose name I already forgot because the pain is overbearing at the moment.
I’m not really sure how this website works and hopefully I am sending a message that will be read by someone.

 

[Ellen]

Welcome to the Forum! Glad you found us. You are now on the road to recovery. Tell us more about your knowledge of TMS and what resources you have explored. Ask any specific questions you have. We are all here to help.

 

[gthaler]

Hi Ellen,
I have had debilitating chronic back pain for the past two years. I had purchased the Dr Sarno my body connection book however it is hard for me to read books because of a stroke. I had a few years ago, so I listened to it on YouTube and then I got more and more interested in what was happening with me and due to a lot of emotional trauma and stress levels. I am convinced that I have TMS but I am not sure. From all my scans it seems like nobody can figure out what’s wrong with me. And that’s when I decided to try to figure it out myself. I am waiting on one last scan that I had yesterday. It’s very confusing cause I was in the hospital and when Neurosurgeon came to me about doing a very complex and risky surgery that not one other doctor had suggested and that doctor does not accept my insurance not that I want to do that Surgery. When I read about TMS and all the emotional and stress related symptoms that accompany this diagnosis it resonates with me very much. I am terrified of doing everything because every time I do something that I’m afraid to do which I’m understanding is now the nature of the beast, I end up in horrible pain so my reference points keep pointing to the fear of doing the thing I wanna do because I’m afraid of the pain and I don’t know how to stop the pain cycle because of this fear that I live with every day. Does anyone on this website actually talk to each other or it’s all messaging and texting? I’m trying to just understand this all works and technology is challenging for me. Thank you Ellen.

 

[Cactusflower]

Hi @gthaler
The people on this website, in general are all simply TMS-ers. We are not professionals and we interact here on this forum. That said, a few folks are TMS coaches or professionals and they do take appointments virtually or by phone for a fee.
Depending on where you live, there are also professionals who will see you in person, again, for a fee. Some take some insurance, many do not. The coaches help you recognize if you have TMS, and coach skills to use to help you overcome the many mental and emotional symptoms which often leads to symptom relief. There are also medical doctors who will help you make some decisions about your treatment based on your current assessments. Some take insurance. It depends on how you want to proceed.

"I am terrified of doing everything because every time I do something that I’m afraid to do which I’m understanding is now the nature of the beast, I end up in horrible pain so my reference points keep pointing to the fear of doing the thing I wanna do because I’m afraid of the pain and I don’t know how to stop the pain cycle because of this fear that I live with every day."

This leads me to believe that on some level you are dealing with neoplastic symptoms. For most people, it is only neuroplastic, for the rare few, there is a mix of things going on - but that is rarely the case. This website features some free programs to help you navigate things like learning the skills to deal with the fear. They are all text based but if you can use a reader on your phone or device, it might help you to listen. Alternatively, if you have a library app or an audio book program, you might find you can educate yourself more about TMS in a way that is easier to manage.

I also have had back pain for years. I can relate.
You have the autonomy to choose your treatment, if or when you have any medical intervention. Someone might suggest surgery but you don't have to make up your mind this very moment. When we feel stressed and anxious, solving the "problem" seems like the answer. But what if the problem is really anxiety about our situation? It sounds like you've been through a LOT.

 

[gthaler]

Hi @gthaler
The people on this website, in general are all simply TMS-ers. We are not professionals and we interact here on this forum. That said, a few folks are TMS coaches or professionals and they do take appointments virtually or by phone for a fee.
Depending on where you live, there are also professionals who will see you in person, again, for a fee. Some take some insurance, many do not. The coaches help you recognize if you have TMS, and coach skills to use to help you overcome the many mental and emotional symptoms which often leads to symptom relief. There are also medical doctors who will help you make some decisions about your treatment based on your current assessments. Some take insurance. It depends on how you want to proceed.

"I am terrified of doing everything because every time I do something that I’m afraid to do which I’m understanding is now the nature of the beast, I end up in horrible pain so my reference points keep pointing to the fear of doing the thing I wanna do because I’m afraid of the pain and I don’t know how to stop the pain cycle because of this fear that I live with every day."

This leads me to believe that on some level you are dealing with neoplastic symptoms. For most people, it is only neuroplastic, for the rare few, there is a mix of things going on - but that is rarely the case. This website features some free programs to help you navigate things like learning the skills to deal with the fear. They are all text based but if you can use a reader on your phone or device, it might help you to listen. Alternatively, if you have a library app or an audio book program, you might find you can educate yourself more about TMS in a way that is easier to manage.

I also have had back pain for years. I can relate.
You have the autonomy to choose your treatment, if or when you have any medical intervention. Someone might suggest surgery but you don't have to make up your mind this very moment. When we feel stressed and anxious, solving the "problem" seems like the answer. But what if the problem is really anxiety about our situation? It sounds like you've been through a LOT.

Hi, yes a lot of what you are rating is very relevant to me. How do I contact? I’m terrible Technology how do I contact one of these doctors or coaches to find out if they take my insurance and if they can help me? The overwhelming amount of information every single day is really too much for my nervous system. I had a scan yesterday that was like the final scan and I don’t know if that’s gonna be relevant to anything productive or if this is just simply TMS which also makes sense. I assume no one exchange his phone numbers here? Any help or guidance very much appreciated thank you. I’m glad to have found this site.

 

[Cactusflower]

I have had scans, and MRI's. In the past, they showed what Dr. Sarno called "normal abnormalities" some of which might cause pain from time to time. The last time I had a scan, I had a multitude of "abnormalities" listed by the technician. However, when the neurosurgeon read the MRI he stated they are "normal" and might cause pain but not enough to keep me in bed and in such an obviously distressed and anxious state. He was the most honest and straight forward medical professional I saw over many years. Most wanted to help me find a solution within their realm of expertise which was usually limited to sending me to a physical therapist, gym, medication etc. I usually went with their suggestion but when TMS was presented, I realized I could make up my own mind for my treatment - which when you are overwhelmed is difficult to make.

I do not know where you are located to suggest a doctor or a place to find a therapist/coach. Some are online, some are in person. A state (if in the USA or a country is helpful.

 

[gthaler]

I have had scans, and MRI's. In the past, they showed what Dr. Sarno called "normal abnormalities" some of which might cause pain from time to time. The last time I had a scan, I had a multitude of "abnormalities" listed by the technician. However, when the neurosurgeon read the MRI he stated they are "normal" and might cause pain but not enough to keep me in bed and in such an obviously distressed and anxious state. He was the most honest and straight forward medical professional I saw over many years. Most wanted to help me find a solution within their realm of expertise which was usually limited to sending me to a physical therapist, gym, medication etc. I usually went with their suggestion but when TMS was presented, I realized I could make up my own mind for my treatment - which when you are overwhelmed is difficult to make.

I do not know where you are located to suggest a doctor or a place to find a therapist/coach. Some are online, some are in person. A state (if in the USA or a country is helpful.

Thank you for sharing, I am located in Florida. I have also had the same experiences where none of the doctors know what’s wrong or it doesn’t match my pain level and I’m right now. I’m waiting for Neurosurgeon to get back to me on the last scan that I had. I am doing journal entries via voice dictation because I can’t sit and write nor can I read my handwriting, cause I had a stroke a few years ago. I do have a therapist who knows about TMS very well and sends me helpful things to do including getting me to this website. I was under the impression that there are TMS therapist and coaches here is that accurate? If so, how do I go about it? I do not have any extra money as I have to stop working a very long time ago however they may take my insurance. I don’t know how this all works. I am new to all of it.
Please advise if you have any other advice or input on where to find this coach or TMS person for me. It feels like TMS feels like a death sentence I would prefer to. I’m sorry to say that I don’t wanna trigger you or anybody else actually I just feel like I want there to be something in my back that they could say OK we have to take this out and that’s it. TMS feels like a much longer road to recovery and I am so discouraged at this point I don’t think it’s one or the other. I think it’s both and I know I have a lot of degenerative stuff and I know I have an osteophyte or a few of them, but I believe I also have TMS.

 

[Cactusflower]

Rest assured that TMS is not a death sentence, it is exactly the opposite, but at first it can seem frighteningly overwhelming. Instead of putting your wellness in the hands of someone else eg. a Doctor etc, it lands in your lap. Which for someone who is stressed and overwhelmed and is seeing that they have to look into their emotional world can see insurmountable. It is hard, but the journey is a strangely miraculous one in which in the process of feeling like everything is falling apart, it is actually bringing you back together.

There are psychotherapists, which is sounds like you see and there are TMS coaches and there are people who are both. Since you have what sounds like a very supported psychotherapist, a coach is a great option. Most of the people who practice Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) (a form of TMS work) in Florida are also psychologists.

Kelslie Timpe: Chronic illness and pain recovery coach in Winter Haven 863 521 2550

Dr. Michelle Weiner is a physician who also uses PRT with her patients (amongst other treatments. If you call, I'd specify you want to treat your chronic pain with PRT) She is somewhere in South Florida (954) 919-7706

Blair Goldson is a coach and a Clinical Social Worker Intern in the Tampa area (727) 615-7225

Dr. ilene B. Donin is in Coral Gables, FL 33134 and her biography says she follows Dr. Sarno's principals
(786) 471-3208


I can not find out any information about insurances, you'll need to call and ask each person. I love that you are journaling with your voice. Fantastic! In Dr. Schubiner's (he's a TMS doctor but in the north) first book he actually discusses using forms of self-talk both as kind of journaling and also having an imaginary two way converstation with someone (a friend, family member etc) as a way of being able to express yourself in a way you've never been able to with words.

​

 

[gthaler]

I have had scans, and MRI's. In the past, they showed what Dr. Sarno called "normal abnormalities" some of which might cause pain from time to time. The last time I had a scan, I had a multitude of "abnormalities" listed by the technician. However, when the neurosurgeon read the MRI he stated they are "normal" and might cause pain but not enough to keep me in bed and in such an obviously distressed and anxious state. He was the most honest and straight forward medical professional I saw over many years. Most wanted to help me find a solution within their realm of expertise which was usually limited to sending me to a physical therapist, gym, medication etc. I usually went with their suggestion but when TMS was presented, I realized I could make up my own mind for my treatment - which when you are overwhelmed is difficult to make.

I do not know where you are located to suggest a doctor or a place to find a therapist/coach. Some are online, some are in person. A state (if in the USA or a country is helpful.

My words
Exactly
I don’t want this to be TMS it makes me feel more hopeless I’ve done so much therapy over the course of my life including now waiting on neurosurgeon to call I
Never thought of myself as a repressed person but learning I am more than I realized I’m in Florida 🫩
Thank you for your post. This is only place I can really share about TMS-even in my chronic pain group, you’re not allowed to discuss diff docs or diagnosis’

 

[gthaler]

Welcome to the Forum! Glad you found us. You are now on the road to recovery. Tell us more about your knowledge of TMS and what resources you have explored. Ask any specific questions you have. We are all here to help.

Hi, I’m trying to figure out how to navigate this site to the best of my ability while I am in severe pain in the back. I am trying to find out how it works to see or speak with a TMS Therapist or Coach. I have been out of work for two years and I don’t know if any of them take insurance or if it’s all out-of-pocket.
If anyone could point me in the right direction, I would really appreciate it.
I’m not sure, but I don’t think people actually call each other here. I think it’s only Online, which is not ideal for me but if that’s all there is, that’s all there is. Any help greatly appreciated. I need help. I desperately need hope.

 

[gthaler]

Rest assured that TMS is not a death sentence, it is exactly the opposite, but at first it can seem frighteningly overwhelming. Instead of putting your wellness in the hands of someone else eg. a Doctor etc, it lands in your lap. Which for someone who is stressed and overwhelmed and is seeing that they have to look into their emotional world can see insurmountable. It is hard, but the journey is a strangely miraculous one in which in the process of feeling like everything is falling apart, it is actually bringing you back together.

There are psychotherapists, which is sounds like you see and there are TMS coaches and there are people who are both. Since you have what sounds like a very supported psychotherapist, a coach is a great option. Most of the people who practice Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) (a form of TMS work) in Florida are also psychologists.

Kelslie Timpe: Chronic illness and pain recovery coach in Winter Haven 863 521 2550

Dr. Michelle Weiner is a physician who also uses PRT with her patients (amongst other treatments. If you call, I'd specify you want to treat your chronic pain with PRT) She is somewhere in South Florida (954) 919-7706

Blair Goldson is a coach and a Clinical Social Worker Intern in the Tampa area (727) 615-7225

Dr. ilene B. Donin is in Coral Gables, FL 33134 and her biography says she follows Dr. Sarno's principals
(786) 471-3208


I can not find out any information about insurances, you'll need to call and ask each person. I love that you are journaling with your voice. Fantastic! In Dr. Schubiner's (he's a TMS doctor but in the north) first book he actually discusses using forms of self-talk both as kind of journaling and also having an imaginary two way converstation with someone (a friend, family member etc) as a way of being able to express yourself in a way you've never been able to with words.

​

Thank you so much for this. I did reach out to these practitioners that you listed very grateful. I don’t know what I can afford. I just know that I’m trying. I don’t feel like the journaling that I do through voice just like the voice leaving messages. Basically, I bet my feelings that I don’t feel like it’s super helpful cause I don’t really get into the nitty-gritty in order for me to really process. I need to be evoked. The feelings have to be provoked maybe is the right word. I just wanted to thank you for making it a little bit easier for me so I’ve left messages and that’s all I could do the financial. I don’t know if I could afford it. I was hoping maybe there’s some people here that these Insurance or I don’t know anyway thank you very much.

 

[Cactusflower]

My words
Exactly
I don’t want this to be TMS it makes me feel more hopeless I’ve done so much therapy over the course of my life including now waiting on neurosurgeon to call I
Never thought of myself as a repressed person but learning I am more than I realized I’m in Florida 🫩
Thank you for your post. This is only place I can really share about TMS-even in my chronic pain group, you’re not allowed to discuss diff docs or diagnosis’

There are different ways of understanding TMS. Predominantly it is fear based, since you are already doing psychological work, focusing on the fear by utilizing the principals of PRT may be very beneficial. In essence, you are already probably doing half the work so don't sweat doing a little more. At first I was paralized by the dread and fear of dealing with things. I was bed bound for 2 years. Now I still have symptoms but lead a relatively normal life.

 

[gthaler]

There are different ways of understanding TMS. Predominantly it is fear based, since you are already doing psychological work, focusing on the fear by utilizing the principals of PRT may be very beneficial. In essence, you are already probably doing half the work so don't sweat doing a little more. At first I was paralized by the dread and fear of dealing with things. I was bed bound for 2 years. Now I still have symptoms but lead a relatively normal life.

Thank you for posting this. It helps me feel helpful.