Probable TMS, My Story

To provide an overview of my story, I will begin with physical symptoms. Since I was a boy, I have had significant environmental allergies. I also developed a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis as a teenager (this is a condition where food gets stuck in your throat while eating--apparently, allergy related). The eosinophilic esophagitis has vastly improved on a gluten/dairy free diet that I started about three years ago.

My allergy symptoms were pretty typical but, as I entered college, they also included dizziness and occasional diarrhea. Along with these symptoms came anxiety.

My major health concerns really emerged in my 40s (I am now 52). About nine years ago, I started to develop neurological symptoms: left temple ache (extending into the left jaw at times), left neck pain, pain/itching on the left side of my back, right leg weakness and right foot neuropathy. I also experienced fatigue and muscle tightness in my legs. A huge amount of anxiety came with these symptoms.

Over the last several years, I have seen three neurologists, two rheumatologists, one integrative health doctor, two allergists, as well as a variety of other health care professionals, including chiropractors and homeopathic practitioners. All tests including MRIs and nerve tests came back normal (with the exception of allergy tests and I am now getting allergy shots).

Emotionally, I have encountered a variety of challenges in my life. My dad was an alcoholic, my mom struggled with anxiety, my sister has mental health issues which became evident in her early 20s, I was a closeted gay man until I came out at the age of 35 and I currently feel somewhat disconnected from a support system (I do not have a partner and my surviving family members cannot provide the emotional support I would like).

I read "The Mindbody Prescription" two weeks ago. The symptoms described in the book sounded so familiar to me. In addition the personality types sound familiar as well. It was amazing to read a book that made so much sense to me regarding my physical/emotional experiences.

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts/insights regarding my experiences.

 

Hello there.
My father was also an alcoholic and my mother suffered from anxiety. Your childhood was probably very stressful and there may be a lot of stuff that you have repressed. The symptoms you have described sound like TMS. I have experienced a range of symptoms since I was in my late 20's. I am now 59. I can relate to the anxiety that seems to mostly accompany tms symptoms. I have just completed the SEP and found it helpful. I think you should also give it a go. I wish you well.

 

Thank you, Kev. I am just beginning the SEP and I've also connected with a Jungian therapist to explore more of my subconscious issues.

 

Hiya Hiawatha922

I think you are 90% of the way along the journey already - you have seen all possible medical specialists and they say that nothing is physically wrong, and you have started to read Dr Sarno, have introspection into your own psyche, and post on this forum. The last 10% is to really to throw yourself that last 10% behind the ideas of Dr Sarno and TMS. That's not easy (I know!) but what have you got to lose? If the TMS techniques don't work, then you've lost nothing, if they do, you've got your life back. That's a pretty good bargain!

Personally I found that the last step that I required was meeting/talking with other TMS sufferers/practioners. Whilst the internet is hugely helpful, some kind of actual contact really helps to make things "real". I would recommend looking up a TMS professional - and if not then logging into the next TMS wiki skype-chat. I think my final eureka moments were 1) talking to Georgie Oldfield 2) listening to some of her cured patients talk about their experiences. The latter required a 3 hour drive across the country - but the strength of belief that I got from actually meeting other TMS sufferers who had overcome terrible pain (far worse than anything I had had to deal with) was awesome.

Good luck on your journey!

Andrew

 

Hiawatha, I grew up with childhood traumas because of alcoholism and anxiety in my parents, and by putting myself in their shoes I realized they had TMS from their own lives and childhood. I was able to forgive them, and believe that is one of the best TMS techniques for healing any pain whether emotional or physical. I hope you can work on forgiveness. It really helps us.

 

Thanks Andrew and Walt. Andrew, I agree that it would help to check in with a professional. I live in Minneapolis and I am currently looking to connect with a TMS doctor. And Walt, I appreciate the reminder on the importance of forgiveness.

This seems like a good place to find support in the healing process.