This is my first post. I discovered TMS about 3 weeks ago from my brother (long-time FM sufferer). I have read Dr. Sheckter's book and started using the workbook/journal yesterday. I also started therapy about two mos. ago. It's been a difficult journey to get to this point. I never thought I would be inclined to discuss my heath and emotions on line with strangers but here goes...
Nine years ago I was a highly functioning person. Then I suddenly became extremely fatigued and experienced constant debilitating brain fog. Since then I have seen over 50 Dr's. and had too many test and studies to remember. I was initially diagnosed with sleep apnea, ultimately having MAA jaw surgery in 2008 with no change in symptoms. I have had to dramatically change my life, I am barely holding on to my career and my social life is non existent.
Additional symptoms include dizziness, tinnitus and some minor migrating muscle/joint pain. Fragmented and un-restorative sleep is a constant part of my life. I have difficulty focusing and cognition feels impaired as does memory.
Based on my recent TMS research and reading, my hypothesis is that a highly stressful childhood (alcoholic father) caused mal-developed brain function, specifically impaired autonomic system as is related to processing stress/anxiety. This results in reduced blood flow and oxygenation of brain tissue, causing my symptoms. There are many aspects of my history which support this conclusion including a high stress career. I also have many of the personality traits associated with TMS.
Besides doing this post for the therapeutic benefit, I would like some guidance. All of the written material I have seen on TMS focused on pain symptoms. While I have read various post and heard mention of brain fog on recordings/videos, I think I would benefit from a more in-depth treatment of this aspect of TMS. I know I am harboring a little doubt about the TMS diagnosis and anything to reinforce my self-diagnosis would be helpful. I do have an appointment with a TMS MD in 3 weeks which should go a long way towards firming up my believe in the diagnosis.
Thank you for any suggestions.
Nine years ago I was a highly functioning person. Then I suddenly became extremely fatigued and experienced constant debilitating brain fog. Since then I have seen over 50 Dr's. and had too many test and studies to remember. I was initially diagnosed with sleep apnea, ultimately having MAA jaw surgery in 2008 with no change in symptoms. I have had to dramatically change my life, I am barely holding on to my career and my social life is non existent.
Additional symptoms include dizziness, tinnitus and some minor migrating muscle/joint pain. Fragmented and un-restorative sleep is a constant part of my life. I have difficulty focusing and cognition feels impaired as does memory.
Based on my recent TMS research and reading, my hypothesis is that a highly stressful childhood (alcoholic father) caused mal-developed brain function, specifically impaired autonomic system as is related to processing stress/anxiety. This results in reduced blood flow and oxygenation of brain tissue, causing my symptoms. There are many aspects of my history which support this conclusion including a high stress career. I also have many of the personality traits associated with TMS.
Besides doing this post for the therapeutic benefit, I would like some guidance. All of the written material I have seen on TMS focused on pain symptoms. While I have read various post and heard mention of brain fog on recordings/videos, I think I would benefit from a more in-depth treatment of this aspect of TMS. I know I am harboring a little doubt about the TMS diagnosis and anything to reinforce my self-diagnosis would be helpful. I do have an appointment with a TMS MD in 3 weeks which should go a long way towards firming up my believe in the diagnosis.
Thank you for any suggestions.
