Day 1 Just beginning

I have been dealing with sciatic pain in my left leg for over a year. My pain has been concentrated in the back of my upper thigh. I received a medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease and it was recommended that I have steroid injections. I was not ready to go that route because my physical activity had not been curtailed and I was handling the pain through massage, chiropractic manipulation, icing, heat, and physical therapy. However, none of these medical interventions were long lasting. Along the way of dealing with this issue, I discovered the work of Dr. John Sarno. I ordered his book, "Healing Back Pain." Some of the personality traits that he describes of TMS sufferers fits me. I'm not a perfectionist but have always been overly conscientious. I have discovered in myself a fear of failure or lack of confidence when starting new assignments. In the past, I have dealt with some anxiety issues mainly in relationship to my expected performance. I recognize that I have developed a conditioned response and associate sitting with my pain. I also have become preoccupied with the discomfort, and it occupies a lot of my thoughts. I'm ready for a different focus.

 

Hi, koolkat. Your post indicates to me that you are definitely moving in the right direction toward TMS healing.
You are learning more about yourself and know you have to deal with being overly conscientious. I am one of those, too.
I work for a book editor who is very demanding and a perfectionist's perfectionist. I used to be overly conscientious and
try to do the work he wanted as fast as he wanted. That caused me a lot of stress so I learned to work at a more healthy pace.

And you've recognized that you have developed a conditioned response to feel pain when you sit. Try to switch your mind
from pain to more pleasant thoughts. Imagery is one way to do that... imagine yourself being at your favorite beach or
other calm place. Your mind gives you fear. It also can give you peace.