Day 4 Question to Ponder

I just wanted to respond the the question, "What is the most disheartening thing a doctor has told you about your symptoms?"

I had to think about this, because doctors haven't really given me many definite or clear answers. Initially this was really frustrating, but in hindsight I'm kind of glad because I probably would have held on too tightly to any definite or structural diagnosis/label. It would probably just be a red herring!

One discouraging thing was when the specialist told me that the nerve pain will take somewhere between nine months to five years to heal. I didn't want to wait five years! Then again, at least he didn't say "you will have this for the rest of your life". I also got discouraged after seeing an osteopath, as he indicated that I have a more difficult back than most people. He also pointed out that I have a longer neck than the average person, which could contribute to my pain issues.

My specialist was pretty optimistic, and emphasised that I really need to get fit and strengthen my core muscles. Even though I don't agree that the pain is caused by weak muscles, at least he seemed positive and said I would get better. I'm also pleased that he didn't tell me to rest and stop moving - all of my doctors have encouraged me to exercise and be active, as much as possible.

 

A good question, Laudisco. For me, it wasn't what a doctor told me but what he didn't.

I had a some anxiety four years ago that I thought I needed to tell my doctor about for some medication.
This was two years before I learned about Dr. Sarno and TMS.

My doctor prescribed Librium so I took it. It really didn't do much for me except make me dependent on it.
I found more relief in just drinking a cup of hot milk. I stayed on the Librium for about three weeks but
then stopped cold turkey. I had some nervous reaction from that and should have told my doctor but I just
toughed it out and the nervousness went away after a few days.

I wish my doctor had told me natural ways to relieve anxiety, like those I posted today in the
general education subforum on deep breathing, mindful meditation, and laughing.

I lost confidence in that doctor since all he seemed to me to be was a pill pusher.
A month ago I got a letter from his office saying that he had dropped me as a patient
because he was no longer taking Humana patients. Swell, Doc. So you're only in it for the money,
like other pill pushers.

 

Thanks for sharing more about your experience Walt. I'm sure that I'll be ready to stop the Lyrica eventually, but I want to be prepared and careful.

 

Hi, Laudisco. Take your time about getting off of Lyrica. Just go with the flow and keep working on your TMS
repressed emotions. There are many good doctors and have faith that yours is one of them. I'm glad the
doctors you have seen encouraged you to remain as active as you can be.

 

Good on you for not believing in the physical abnormalities that doctors usually tell us the problem for where our pain is coming from. I'm still not 100% there hence the reason I'm going to see my specialist tomorrow and see what he says after I took an MRI scan last week. I know I shouldn't go but I guess I'm just playing myself on this one, hopefully I can conquer this TMS.