Pain Everywhere

[ilikecoconuts]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on here.
I've always been an anxious person, which is why TMS resonates with me quite a bit. I am literally the typical TMS patient that Dr. Sarno talks about in his books. However, I've been experiencing some new and scary pains recently. They feel much more connected to the joints, and they're everywhere: my back, my neck, fingers, knees, in the plantar area...I also had blood tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis (which came back negative) but no x-rays or imaging. This is an extremely stressful period of my life, as I've undergone some major life changes and I've also been taking care of sick family members. I'm exhausted. It feels like my body is always in pain, and it only goes away when I see doctors or when I get distracted...but I can't see doctors every month, and it's hard to get distracted when this pain is always on your mind! I'm curious if this is something that many TMS patients have experienced, or if it is usually limited to just a single area of your body. Thank you!

 

[mrefreddyg]

It is a common experience for pain to move and be everywhere for people with TMS -> actually it is one of the tell-tale signs of TMS. In my experience my pain moved from my right shoulder to the left, into my back, down my right leg, and into both sides of my neck.

Actually one of the most common TMS diagnosis is fibromyalgia which is widespread musculoskeletal pain which doctors cannot find a physical cause for amongst other presentations.

But a key part for me of knowing it was TMS was getting the scans and X-rays that ruled out anything serious such as a tumour, infection, fracture, or cancer. You have already ruled out RA, would it be possible to get the necessary scans to rule these out too? We cannot advise you on this part of the process as we are not medical professionals and we approach chronic pain from a psychoemotional perspective.

I am sorry to hear you are experiencing such high levels of pain and totally understand that it is hard to distract from. There are good signs and possibilities that your pain is TMS (which is great as TMS is reversible) that you mentioned: anxiety and chronic pain coming together, pain moving, pain not being present while distracted, and pain increasing with stress but I want to make it clear that the first step is ruling out a serious medical issue.

 

[JanAtheCPA]

Actually one of the most common TMS diagnosis is fibromyalgia which is widespread musculoskeletal pain which doctors cannot find a physical cause for amongst other presentations.

Indeed - fibro was in fact really "popular" as a MBS/TMS condition for a while, but it's fallen out of popularity lately, while others rise - pelvic symptoms are pretty high on the list right now.

You have already ruled out RA, would it be possible to get the necessary scans to rule these out too?

They feel much more connected to the joints, and they're everywhere: my back, my neck, fingers, knees, in the plantar area...I also had blood tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis (which came back negative)

Okay, so I am a retired tax accountant, and NOT a medical professional by any stretch of the imagination... Also, as many people here know, I am a forum administrator and I am frequently the one to remind new community users to be medically checked out. I also have RA (under control and blood tests back to normal with low-dose methotrexate).

All that being said, my admittedly unqualified conclusion is that, having presented with "all-over" pain, individual scans are probably not warranted - which in my own experience is the conclusion already reached by the medical professionals, am I right? I actually think you're good to go to @ilikecoconuts. This certainly sounds like what a non-TMS doctor might diagnosis as so-called fibromyalgia. Even if you also had the physical swelling symptoms of RA (don't let your brain give you that as well, LOL!) they could attribute that to what WE know is another mindbody condition - it's often labeled "complex regional pain syndrome" by the medical industry which is just another meaningless combination of symptoms which sounds like a diagnosis but tells you nothing.

You're familiar with Sarno - you may want to check out Dr Gabor Mate MD, who has written many books and given many talks on YouTube and I think maybe even TED, on different aspects of the stress-disease connection, and one of his topics is caretaker syndrome. Along with all of the other stressors going on in the outside world, you've also got an unfair and rage-inducing pile of pressure and obligation to deal with, and it's no wonder your brain is trying to bring your entire body to a screeching halt.

It might help to learn some release/relief and coping techniques, which is what our free Structured Educational Program can offer. It's in pretty easy-to-manage "daily" modules which don't even have to be done every day. We're here to support your SEP journey.

 

[Diana-M]

I'm curious if this is something that many TMS patients have experienced,

Hi! I’ve read a lot of people’s stories on here— And yes, it is something that happens quite a bit. Some of my good friends on this forum have the same thing. And I certainly do. I think it’s just a reflection of how much stress you’re under and how far your TMS-inducing circumstances have advanced. You’ll have to learn all about yourself and how you handle life; Your past; And so much more to get relief. It’s not a matter of just knowing you have TMS and it will go away. It sounds like you could really benefit from the Structured educational program. Check it out!

 

[HealingMe]

Don't fear them. Accept them and move on with your day. And please be compassionate to yourself; if you need an Ibuprofen or a hot bath, take it because you are being kind to yourself and not because you think it is structural.