Day 1 My confusion is killing me

[Trev95]

Having been a sufferer of chronic pain, IBS (constipation, gas) and acid reflux ever since I can remember, I have tried over 10 different systems of healing all with disappointing results. All of these treatments were met with intense optimism and hope for the future only to end with debilitating hopelessness and grief when my expectations were not met.

My chronic pain has been the most debilitating of them all and has created a hypervigilante OCD about body symmetry and mechanics. Most recently I began MoveU, a structured once a day workout plan, covering 5 areas of the body lasting around 15 months if completed in its entirety. This program was promoted at fixing the imbalances and asymmetries in the body that cause chronic pain. After about 5 months of doing the program things don't seem to be getting all that better.

When it comes to Dr. Sarno's books I relate to them on so many levels, and want to believe so badly that this is the answer to my troubles. As this seems to be a pre-requisite for success. However, I cannot get my mind currently to stop thinking about XYZ asymmetry or structural issue as the cause after years of building these assumptions in my head. I have some hope that this may lead to remission of my physical sensations, but am scared to proceed with limiting the physical therapies which have consumed my life and the activity cessation which has caused me to cut back on all of my favourite hobbies and past times. Genuine question, how does believing in his method fully not constitute a placebo cure?

I have read Alan GORDON'S book in the past and find it odd that this website all about TMS and the simple knowledge based cure of Dr. Sarno is now promoting what seems to be a very complicated formula for success. Alan Gordon's techniques seem daunting, difficult and bound to fail for someone like myself who stresses about perfection and doing everything "right".

Anyways, that's all for now. I will post again tomorrow.

 

[Cactusflower]

Hi @Trev95
You are in the right place, trying the Structured Educational Program then, instead of Alan Gordon’s program. This website offers choice in how you approach your symptoms, and the great thing is, you are trying a new approach. I utilized only some of Gordon’s methods when I began and more later..incorporating them when needed - sometimes it’s just ideas he presents but not exact methods. What I’ve taken from him is a mindset of curiosity. The SEP leads you through a variety of methods so you can see what works for you, and encourages you to see where personality traits aren’t serving your best interests. Take your time, and enjoy the process. It’s challenging and rewarding.

 

[JanAtheCPA]

Genuine question, how does believing in his method fully not constitute a placebo cure?

Genuine answer: you're making a serious mistake by discounting the power of the placebo effect. I literally just came across an article from National Geographic, which they revived in their weekly roundup but which was actually from 2016. Here are a few excerpts:
"Scientists have known about the placebo effect for decades and have used it as a control in drug trials. Now they are seeing placebos as a window into the neurochemical mechanisms that connect the mind with the body, belief with experience."
and
"Expensive placebos work better than cheap ones. Placebos in brand-name containers work better than those labeled generics. Placebo suppositories work better in France, while the English prefer to swallow their placebos. Often fake injections work better than fake pills. But fake surgeries seem to be the most powerful of all."
and
"Most astonishingly, placebos can work even when the person taking them knows they are placebos. This was reported in a now classic 2010 paper published by Ted Kaptchuk, a researcher at Harvard Medical School, and his team. After 21 days of taking a placebo, people with irritable bowel syndrome felt markedly better when compared with people who received nothing, even though those who reported feeling relief were told beforehand (and reminded afterward) that they were receiving placebos."

This work is all about our brains. But doing it successfully requires a level of flexibility and openness that I will suggest does not seem to be present in your narrative. This is also a genuine answer and I would not risk saying it if I didn't think there was a possibility that it could help you make the mindset change which I think you sense is needed.

In the almost thirteen years I've been hanging out here, I'm convinced that over-thinking and rigidity, along with victimhood, are significant roadblocks to success.

Start the Structured Educational Program with one entirely new goal, which is to practice emotional vulnerability. Alan used to be good at teaching that, as evidenced by two audio webinars he did for us back in 2012. These were extremely influential for me back in the day and really helped me with longer-term recovery. The links are in the list of resources after my profile story.