New to this forum

Hello,
I have never joined a forum before. I am hoping some of you will respond. My name is Richard..I am retired w no wife no children. Trying to summarize ones history in a few paragraphs is not easy...so please understand I am not a writer and try to read between the lines...

I have had back pain off and on for over 35 years. Diagnosed w 3 hern disks/one desicated disk and arthritis...35 years ago. My last flare up was over 5 years ago (lasted a week or so)..this time is it very bad...started 3 weeks ago...went away after 2 weeks and has come back now for the last 5 days. I know I am fearful and obsessing.basically 24 hrs a day, I am exhausted from the pain and the over thinking and fear.
It started in my sacrum and the pain and "cramping" has worked its way up to my mid back area now. I am moving totally un naturally/stiff/ petrified to cause more pain. I just bought Dr Sarno's book a few days ago. I def can relate and def feel I have TMS..I am not clear how to incorporate what he says so that I can be free of this pain...Just by knowing this the source is "menta" not physical? I am 67 yrs of age...I know I def repress anger..and over think/worry alot in general. I also know at this age I am not going to change my basic emotional make/working through the underlying emotions..thats not who I am...Just need some support...as I am feeling very alone. I have nipped back pain many times over the decades but sadly one time it last 10 months..(that episode was 25 years ago...after pills/Dr's/scans and pain 24/7...one day I decided to do some stretching out of desperation...although I was so afraid I would end up in the ER..and I did it and I was ok..that gave me courage to relax a bit emotionally and mentally and then my body followed suit and w some talking to myself in a few more days the pain was 100% gone...since then..as I say I get the same exact pain...where I can barely stand walk etc about every 4-5 yrs. Maybe this time is worse because I am older and do no exercise at all? I do not smoke/drink or do drugs and eat a very healthy diet.
Anything words of kindness or support or insight will be greatly appreciated
thank you
Richard

 

Hello Richard,

Welcome to our forum, somewhere you will surely find much in the way of comfort, support and solid advice.

Given how new you are to TMS, I imagine you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Generally speaking we suggest people begin with what we call The SEP which is a structured program designed to take you through the basics of the recovery process.

Here is the link to The SEP:

http://www.tmswiki.org/ppd/Structured_Educational_Program (Structured Educational Program)

The other great place to spend some time is where people post their success stories. You'll find oodles of information and inspiration there. Here it is:

http://www.tmswiki.org/forum/forums/success-stories-subforum.27/ (Success Stories Subforum)

Aside from this just go gently. TMS healing is a major mind shift and while we tend to 'get it' intellectually, it can take a while for it to sink in. There are loads of really friendly folk here, all at different phases of learning and recovery, and everyone is incredibly supportive. This emotional connection really forms the bedrock of healing so be of good cheer. Get comfy, relax and enjoy the discoveries that are coming your way.

Plum

 

Hello Richard, and welcome to the forum! I echo everything that Plum said. In addition, I'd like to address your statement here:

If you accept Dr. Sarno's premise, which is that our brains create physical symptoms in order to distract us from the danger of wallowing in deep emotions, you might want to re-think this statement.

I might also suggest that "I know I am not going to change..." is the hallmark of a fixed mindset. And a fixed mindset will not get you very far in this work! My very best advice right now is to see what you can do about letting go of this, at the very least.

I'm 66 years old, and I got my life back thanks to Dr. Sarno and this forum and community - and I'm not the youngest member here. Feel free to read my profile story and some of my bookmarked posts.

Do the SEP, read the Success Stories, and keep us posted - we're all in this together!

~Jan

 

Thank you Jan for your reply. It is difficult for me to put into words clearly what I wish to convey.
I am not sure I can be my own "counselor" as I cannot afford to see a TMS specialist. I am willing to adapt/change my thinking etc...I believe Dr Sarno said that for many people knowing and accepting the premises of TMS is enough to free them from their pain...they required no "counseling" or delving into their past/childhoods etc...that the knowledge of TMS was enough..I am def open thats why I bought Dr Sarno's book and have been watching his videos online and joined this forum. I will read your story.
warm regards
Richard

 

Yep! That is the crux of the theory and practice, right there!! You got it.

 

thank you ..I know I have a ways to go..just starting on this journey in the last few days re TMS
What is beloved grand eagle? I see that below a few peoples screen names?
RIck

 

Many of us did this work without engaging a therapist or getting a TMS diagnosis from a TMS-focused MD, myself included. I was seeing a counselor for disabling anxiety when I discovered Dr. Sarno, and never went back. Most of us, however, engaged (and still do engage) in self-discovery and emotional work.

It's my personal observation (which I can't substantiate in any meaningful way) that those who experience what we call "the book cure" typically don't end up here - or at least not until several years have passed and their TMS symptoms return and are not so easily banished. My other personal observation is that those who need more than just the book knowledge generally discover that they need to do some kind of emotional work.

The SEP is free, put together by @Forest, the founder of tmswiki.org, and some early volunteers. It will introduce you to different resources and self-help techniques that are related to Dr. Sarno's theories.

LOL, that is Forest's little joke. It simply means that we've spent a lot of time here, and that we love responding to posts!

 

thank you very much for your time. I will do my best going forward
Rick