Relapse Tips

Hi TMS buddies, after a long period of feeling great (over a year!) I've quickly relapsed into lower back pain again and wanted to ask if anyone has any tips to help me 'float' through it? I'm struggling.

I'm 100% it's TMS (bit of a prolonged stressful job situation I think).

I'm journaling, watching/reading TMS material, have discussed with my family, tried cycling, forced myself to go on a long car journey this morning to meet a client.

Standing, walking is painful and difficult. Sleep, sitting is fine.

Any support, help, guidance really appreciated.

Dan (HEADshr1nker)

 

Hi HEADshr1nker,

I'm so sorry about your relapse; but please don't panic or let any fear start churning - it's a "normal" event. And, the GREAT news is that you've already proven to yourself you can heal from TMS - you've done it before, so you can do it again.

I would encourage you to return to the core recovery principles - i.e., Dr. Sarno's daily reminders. Then, think about what techniques you used to recover before and use the same techniques again. You've already seen what works for you, so there's no reason you won't recover by using the same techniques again. If you need structure, it can be helpful to just start the SEP again and do the day-by-day lessons.

I hope this support and guidance helps! Sunny

 

Hi HS,
You don't have meditation on your list, which seems to be a key component for TMSers who lead busy stressful lives. I don't find it easy to incorporate into my routine, but when I do it even for a few days, I can feel the difference.

Check out the upcoming mindfulness program that is linked in my signature line - it's free, it's got some well - known participants/presenters and even the introductory packet of materials is a good start.

 

Jan, thanks for reminding everyone about the free mindfulness program. I think we can all benefit from it.

 

This is going to sound strange since I am on the site now. But after reading this take 2-3 days and just do your normal TMS work and DON'T go to this or any other TMS support site. See what happens.

 

One helpful tip is patience. Often, TMSer's get quite impatient their second time around. When we experience a relapse, knowing what we know, we want to banish the symptoms right away - we EXPECT the symptoms to be banished right away - and because we do, we can create quite a bit of internal pressure. This pressure can then lead to unconscious emotional reactions and impede reduction in symptoms. I wholeheartedly agree that you should do the TMS work but I'd encourage you not to ramp things up too much and let this relapse play out at a measured tempo.