Program Pushed to the edge

[Devont2007]

Hoping to gain some clarity about my situation. Dealt with chronic pain most of my life (36), mostly back, neck, hand/wrist, and knee. Here recently I even developed shoulder pain which has been horrible. I’ve been able to deal with the pain via chiropractor and PT exercises but ever since my first child has been born(3M) the pain has ramped up enough for me to seek help from specialists. After several tests and MRIs they found nothing wrong other than a mild bulging disc at c4/c5 which isn’t even the correct disc for the pain/numbness I feel in my wrist/hand. Between my work stress and worries over my health I even contemplated taking my life last weekend, it was considered a mental health crisis and I’ve been put on some meds to help. I think I have undiagnosed anxiety with OCD that leads to depression when I become so exhausted from worry. I’m seeing a counselor to help with my mental health but I’m kind of at a loss. I had a few hours of total peace a couple nights ago when I thought about leaving my job after praying for help so I’m starting to think my cup is too full and work is pushing me over the edge. I was barely coping before my son was born and now it seems unbearable some days.

Im sure there is a ton more I could talk about but I think this is enough for my first post. I’ve read/listened to a couple of Dr. Sarno’s books but I’m having trouble buying into this being my brain causing this pain even though it does make sense.

thanks for any replies/input

 

[Ellen]

I'm glad you reached out to mental health professionals and are receiving medication and counseling. Give it some time to help. One day at a time.

Having a newborn is a major life stressor and exacerbates all other sources of stress. Still it is a wonderful blessing and I hope you are able to experience some of the joy of it.

It seems clear that you have TMS and it's good that you've read some Sarno. If you can find about 30 minutes a day (I know it's hard), it would be helpful to engage in a Structured Education Program designed to treat TMS. We have a free one on this site. https://www.tmswiki.org/ppd/Structured_Educational_Program

Please keep us informed of how you're doing and feel free to ask questions at any time. We are all here to support one another. You are in the right place.

 

[Cactusflower]

“I think I have undiagnosed anxiety with OCD that leads to depression ”

More very common TMS symptoms.
I like, you have had many and widespread symptoms. There is no physical explanation, no illness. No reason other than Sarno *might* be right. Opening my mind to just the mere possibility and exploring that possibility helped me a lot.
Recently I found Dr. Fanestil on YouTube. A regular Dr. who explored these ideas to help the patients he couldn’t otherwise help. Many found lasting success. You might find him helpful:

https://m.youtube.com/@Dr.Fanestil/videos

 

[Devont2007]

I'm glad you reached out to mental health professionals and are receiving medication and counseling. Give it some time to help. One day at a time.

Having a newborn is a major life stressor and exacerbates all other sources of stress. Still it is a wonderful blessing and I hope you are able to experience some of the joy of it.

It seems clear that you have TMS and it's good that you've read some Sarno. If you can find about 30 minutes a day (I know it's hard), it would be helpful to engage in a Structured Education Program designed to treat TMS. We have a free one on this site. https://www.tmswiki.org/ppd/Structured_Educational_Program

Please keep us informed of how you're doing and feel free to ask questions at any time. We are all here to support one another. You are in the right place.

Thanks! I think the meds are already helping, I just shoveled the driveway for 2 hours straight so I definitely have energy. Anxious energy is down a bit but worried about work tomorrow.

Finding it hard to enjoy the baby when I feel like my cup is full. I am very seriously considering leaving my job and taking a break or letting my wife go back to work while I become a SAHD (she actually really enjoys her job). When I think about how it would be to not be in this job, my anxiety melts away and I feel my pain let up. I’ve saved up several years worth of living expenses worse case.

Will definitely look into the education. My recent medical results are fresh so I’m more open to the idea that my pain isn’t caused by a structural issue. There a couple YouTube channels I have been watching and have given some helpful tips around journaling.

 

[Devont2007]

“I think I have undiagnosed anxiety with OCD that leads to depression ”

More very common TMS symptoms.
I like you have had many and widespread symptoms. There is no physical explanation, no illness. No reason other than Sarno *might* be right. Opening my mind to just the mere possibility and exploring that possibility helped me a lot.
Recently I found Dr. Fanestil on YouTube. A regular Dr. who explored these ideas to help the patients he couldn’t otherwise help. Many found lasting success. You might find him helpful:

https://m.youtube.com/@Dr.Fanestil/videos

Thanks, I’ll check out his channel!

 

[Sid Hartha]

If you are having trouble with the idea that your brain can cause pain watch this

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rvjdmSQSpio

 

[Adam Coloretti (coach)]

Hoping to gain some clarity about my situation. Dealt with chronic pain most of my life (36), mostly back, neck, hand/wrist, and knee. Here recently I even developed shoulder pain which has been horrible. I’ve been able to deal with the pain via chiropractor and PT exercises but ever since my first child has been born(3M) the pain has ramped up enough for me to seek help from specialists. After several tests and MRIs they found nothing wrong other than a mild bulging disc at c4/c5 which isn’t even the correct disc for the pain/numbness I feel in my wrist/hand. Between my work stress and worries over my health I even contemplated taking my life last weekend, it was considered a mental health crisis and I’ve been put on some meds to help. I think I have undiagnosed anxiety with OCD that leads to depression when I become so exhausted from worry. I’m seeing a counselor to help with my mental health but I’m kind of at a loss. I had a few hours of total peace a couple nights ago when I thought about leaving my job after praying for help so I’m starting to think my cup is too full and work is pushing me over the edge. I was barely coping before my son was born and now it seems unbearable some days.

Im sure there is a ton more I could talk about but I think this is enough for my first post. I’ve read/listened to a couple of Dr. Sarno’s books but I’m having trouble buying into this being my brain causing this pain even though it does make sense.

thanks for any replies/input

I am sorry to hear of your struggles and I feel for you.

I am curious as to what you feel is the true roadblock or cause even in your doubt that this could be brain caused? Because from experience your evidence is very strong, especially the fact that the pain/numbness doesn't align with the structural finding and also that you are struggling with your mental health (highly likely that this is linked to the physical symptoms). Is it more I don't believe in the science itself or I believe in the science and I have no doubt that is the cause for others, but I can't get around this being possible for me. I.e. Is it broad doubt around the science or individual doubt around its application to you?

I will say too that we don't have to remove all doubt! Just that doubt that can be logically challenged and snuffed out. I would argue that everyone probably has a 1% at least doubt up until they are fully recovered (because a full recovery through TMS methods is the ultimate proof that it was TMS!).