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New mom sciatica

Lavender_lily

Newcomer
I’ve frequented this site for many years ever since healing myself from debilitating back pain after reading Dr Sarno’s book back in 2018. I’ve had small bouts of back pain since but I could always focus on the psychological stress and it would go away within a day or so.

10 months ago I gave birth to my first child (we already know children can cause stress along with the stress of giving birth). A few weeks later I developed severe sciatica pain. Knowing this was tms I didn’t worry about the pain and tried to address the anxiety I had around being a new mom. I was able to get rid of the pain 3 separate times but it kept coming back and each time it came back with more vengeance, along with more fear as the pain worsened and increased in time. There is no fear for structural damage let’s be clear. Mainly the fear of struggling to care for my child as a stay at home mom when at times has been almost impossible to carry or pick him up. It has now been 10 months and I’ve journaled, meditated and tried all my tools I’ve used previously and seen some progress but not full recovery and still have lots of pain doing everything.

Pretty much all the stories I’ve read are people who need to get over the fear of structural damage, but I released that fear back in 2018. I feel a bit lost on how to help me progress and was hoping to hear the advice of others. I’ve reread the book, I journal following the nicole sacks method, and I’ve also tried to work on outcome independence but will admit it’s difficult to do when the pain level is still fairly high, much easier when the pain is more manageable.

I would love to hear your support and advice.
 
Also if anyone can share how I can add tags to my post I would appreciate it. I found this page however my post has no option for tagging.
https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/threa...nd-important-way-to-help-this-community.8201/

@Ellen maybe you can help me? The post above shows you were at one time part of a tagging team.
Oh my, I'm afraid I've forgotten how I used to add tags. I think it has to be done when the original post is written, unless given special permission by a moderator. @JanAtheCPA can you address this?
 
I included a screenshot and circled where you can insert your tags. I hope this helps!
 

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Hi @Lavender_lily. I love your name. I drink Lavender Honey tea almost nightly -- so comforting and a total hug in a mug.

I'm extending my hand to you. You are in the right place. I see you are carrying a lot of pressure.

There are many folks here who I know will help you navigate and take the next step. I know you will feel better soon.
 
I think it has to be done when the original post is written, unless given special permission by a moderator. @JanAtheCPA can you address this?
That's correct - it's an option before submission. A moderator can edit tags after posting if there's a significant advantage to the community for doing so.
 
I released that fear back in 2018
A lot has happened since 2018. In just eight years the world has become a shockingly different place, fulfilling signs that were there for some years, but seemed unreal. And the last year, the time period when you were getting ready and then having your baby? Don't get me started (this is not the place).

So, have you considered the stress of raising a child in the current climate? In all senses of that word. The media is full of it, after all. We know that therapists are reporting epidemic levels of existential depression and anxiety. And, we know that those who repress existential stress will succumb to the TMS mechanism.

Just asking. No specifics expected, just consideration. It's a great topic for journaling. Or for therapy, which is what I'm doing.
 
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