I need some hope and reassurance. I’ve struggled with one mind body issue after another. Years ago, I resolved panic, chronic fatigue, and bladder issues among other symptoms. In 2011, I developed severe leg pain and weakness. Flash forward, the leg pain is still there but much improved. I now get migraines, brain spasms, esophagus spasms, periods of difficulty swallowing. I feel like my system has become over sensitive and reactive. Even standing and walking triggers head and leg pain. I’ve developed fear and avoidance of walking. Has anyone gone through this? I’m thinking I may need to speak with TMS doctor. Does anyone have a recommendation?
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Alan has completed the new Pain Recovery Program. To read or share it, use this updated link: https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/painrecovery/
Diana-M
Beloved Grand Eagle
Hi, NayNay,
We are all about hope here! Yes, I avoid walking due to my TMS. But that doesn’t matter. Here’s what matters: you need to read or listen to 2 books. One is The MindBody Prescription by John Sarno. The other is Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Claire Weekes. These books will explain everything you need to get you started on your journey to recovery. it sounds like you’ve succeeded in getting rid of TMS before— so you should be able to do it again. Sometimes when TMS comes back, it takes more work to get rid of it. You have to do more digging, more journaling and more learning about yourself. You might have to go deeper. There are so many resources and great suggestions on this forum. Stick around!
We are all about hope here! Yes, I avoid walking due to my TMS. But that doesn’t matter. Here’s what matters: you need to read or listen to 2 books. One is The MindBody Prescription by John Sarno. The other is Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Claire Weekes. These books will explain everything you need to get you started on your journey to recovery. it sounds like you’ve succeeded in getting rid of TMS before— so you should be able to do it again. Sometimes when TMS comes back, it takes more work to get rid of it. You have to do more digging, more journaling and more learning about yourself. You might have to go deeper. There are so many resources and great suggestions on this forum. Stick around!
Cactusflower
Beloved Grand Eagle
“I’ve developed fear and avoidance of walking. Has anyone gone through this?”
Yes, because I had horrific pain and was bed bound for over a year.
Your pain, fear and anxiety can be overcome. Today I walked 3 miles to get to the store and back. I do not drive and walk everywhere.
Dr. Sarno gives scant but direct instruction in his book:
Education about how TMS is generated in the mind and body
Think psychologically about internal stress and anxiety that generates subconscious rage and other difficult emotions we have buried with coping mechanisms like goodism, perfectionism, people pleasing etc.
And as you do this work he also instructs us to get back to movement and everyday routines even if there is pain, so that we can conquer our fear and teach the mind that we are ok. The pain is real, but it cannot harm you.
If I can do this, so can you.
It takes patience and percerverance and we’re here to answer your questions.
Yes, because I had horrific pain and was bed bound for over a year.
Your pain, fear and anxiety can be overcome. Today I walked 3 miles to get to the store and back. I do not drive and walk everywhere.
Dr. Sarno gives scant but direct instruction in his book:
Education about how TMS is generated in the mind and body
Think psychologically about internal stress and anxiety that generates subconscious rage and other difficult emotions we have buried with coping mechanisms like goodism, perfectionism, people pleasing etc.
And as you do this work he also instructs us to get back to movement and everyday routines even if there is pain, so that we can conquer our fear and teach the mind that we are ok. The pain is real, but it cannot harm you.
If I can do this, so can you.
It takes patience and percerverance and we’re here to answer your questions.
JanAtheCPA
Beloved Grand Eagle
Most of us diagnosed ourselves with TMS after traditional doctors told us they had no idea why we had symptoms, and no idea what we could do about our symptoms other than to try temporary relief treatments or medications. Presumably you've already been seen by traditional MDs and not found answers?
Once we discover Dr Sarno's theory of TMS and realize how much sense it makes, it becomes clear to many of us that it's pointless to go to the expense of consulting yet another MD just to receive a diagnosis that, if you are being honest with yourself, you already know is true. Save your money.
The first step in taking back your life is to trust your instincts and just start doing the work. For the cost of a couple of books (which are available in multiple formats at many libraries), what have you got to lose? After those two books, the next step is to complete our Structured Educational Program which is provided free of cost, registration or obligation.