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Not seeing a lot of improvement

B

bluepenguin

Newcomer
Hey guys, it’s been over a month since I finished reading “healing back pain” and I’ve been on this site every day for about 3 weeks. When I read the book, yes I saw myself on every page and the TMS diagnosis makes total sense to me. I feel like I’m working hard to apply what I’ve learned and Im working through the education program and journaling. I have resumed all physical activity including ice hockey and super strenuous cross country dirt biking. I haven’t gotten worse from the heavy physical activity so that strengthens my confidence in the tms diagnosis but I also don’t really feel like I’ve gotten any better. The 2 times I have felt better have been immediately after my last dirt bike ride and after my last hockey game but the next day felt about back to the same. Trying to be patient but it’s hard...
It’s back pain I deal with and it’s no where near as severe as many cases I read of but it sucks. Would really appreciate any advice or input from some with similar stories.
 
Hang in there. Keep doing what you're doing. Most people take longer than a month to see results. It took me about 9-12 months. I remember TMS author Steve Ozanich saying the average is around 18 months. We all hear tales of the immediate "book cure", but those folks usually have a relapse shortly afterward.

You are on the right path. Recovery from TMS requires a major change in your thinking and how you react to stress, which doesn't happen overnight for most of us.
 
Thank so much for your reply Ellen. Yea I think I need to stay away from those fast cure stories. Starting to tick me off haha .
It helps to know that my timeframe is normal.
 
I’m Thinking about trying psychotherapy. In my small town I haven’t been able to locate anyone trained specifically in this in regards to TMS. Is it vital that they have a deep knowledge of TMS?
 
Hi bluepenguin,

Many people here have successfully used psychotherapy --therapy non-specific to TMS with success. It helps to find someone you make a connection with, who is excited to do in-depth work (childhood stuff), and who is willing to learn about TMS. This would be ideal. Then you need to "make what I am seeing in myself connect to TMS theory and practice." With a therapist who does not practice TMS oriented therapy, it is up to you to make the connections. Many here on the Forums have. Many have not, and reach out to distance TMS specialists.

Distance TMS help, such as physicians, therapists, life coaches know TMS type clients --personality types, what next step is helpful, etc. They usually will not take insurance (if out of state). Long-distance expert support, with its precision, can be huge, but the downside is that you're not physically in the same space, which affects some clients more than others...

Don't be afraid to interview your prospective therapists. Most will spend a few minutes on the phone to see if you both are a good fit. Use this to learn about them!

This is my experience. Good luck.

Andy B
 
I started psychotherapy recently. I found someone who has a holistic approach, who firmly believes in the mind-body connection and who used to have CFS and fibromyalgia. I've only met her twice, and so far so good. We're already deep into childhood stuff. I wasn't really expecting immediate physical results, so it was a pretty nice surprise when my whole lower-back region felt less blocked the day after the first session.

The reason why I started psychotherapy is that physical therapy could only get me so far. My sweet and gentle PT managed to make me aware of the connection between body and and mind (I will be grateful for this until I die, seriously), he did what he could, he even helped me get rid of the first layer of fear, but the vast sadness underneath is not for him to tackle, I don't think. He took the lid off, but he couldn't solve what was underneath, or maybe he could have, but I wasn't able to let him. Anyway, the lid can't be put back, so I had to find another solution. The good thing is, I'm doing this for my mind and my heart. If healing of the body won't follow, so be it, but my heart and mind need healing too, and right now, that's more urgent.
 
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