Day 16 Response to Enrique's Success Story

[Kiara]

I can definitely relate to various aspects of Enrique's success story, as I too went through a phase where I thought that the computer was causing my back and shoulder pain. I ended up avoiding sitting and computers for a long time.

Thankfully I've realised that this back pain is actually TMS, so now I can use the computer as much as I want without any real issue. I have noticed that when my back pain flares up, it's usually because I'm stressed, anxious or angry. For instance, one day recently I had back pain which I don't normally have. I realised that I was annoyed at my housemates, so once I acknowledged the emotion and dealt with it, the pain went away.

I also relate to Enrique's experience of losing so much:

The last 2 years had been tough... I experienced loss of income from RSI (a demotion at work), loss of favorite hobbies, lack of confidence, worry about paying the bills (I have 3 kids, wife, mortgage) since I'm the only bread-winner in the family. I was willing to do whatever it takes to get better. I was "open minded".

Thankfully I don't have a spouse, children or a mortgage, but I have experienced a great deal of loss in terms of my ability to study, work and socialise. I also understand what he means by losing confidence. One of my challenges has been to regain that confidence in myself and my ability to get better.

I have overcome the back and shoulder pain mostly, although it does recur at times when I'm stressed, but the main issues I'm dealing with now are neuropathic pain and severe fatigue. I know they are TMS but it's a journey of growth and emotional healing for me. I actually find the mental/emotional healing is the most challenging part… but I'm sure it will be the most rewarding!

 

[Kiara]

As well as that, I found Howard Schubiner's article about the role of triggers is very relevant. I've been feeling quite apprehensive about Christmas and my brother's upcoming wedding, as spending lots of time with my family can be quite stressful. I honestly wish I didn't have to be with my family over Christmas, but I'm not sure if I can get out of it… so I'm going to have to find a way to manage it more effectively.

Symptoms that occur at times like this may be caused by underlying feelings about certain family events, or missing certain family members who are not present, or stressful memories that are associated with the holiday season.

I realised that I had a pretty negative experience over Christmas last year due to my older brother, who was quite insensitive and rude towards me. I'm going to be more careful to keep my distance from him this year. However, thankfully he and his fiancé are moving to Beijing next year, so they will be gone for about three and a half years.

Another fascinating finding in the study was the role of triggers and the experiments with rats. I found this so compelling! It really challenged my mindset about the power of TMS and conditioning:

Robert Ader of Rochester, NY conducted one of the most important of these studies in the 1970’s.Dr. Ader put a powerful immune suppressing chemical (cyclophosphamide) into the bowls of mice and flavored it with saccharine. Predictably, the immune system of the mice was severely affected after they drank the chemical. Several weeks later, after their immune system had recovered, Dr. Ader gave them bowls of saccharine with its distinctive flavour. Amazingly, their immune system became depressed again as their brain and body had learned that the flavor of saccharine was associated with changes in the immune system. This study has also been conducted in people with similar results.

Anyhow, this article was rather timely for me, and helped me reflect on how I can manage the holiday season this year so it's less stressful and more enjoyable.

 

[Kiara]

Since starting this program have you told anyone about your condition and TMS? Why or Why not? If you have how did they react?

Yes, I have told a few people about my condition and TMS, although I am careful who I tell. I must admit I sometimes find it a bit embarrassing as well, because I don't know what people will assume. Will they think I'm really emotionally unstable? That may be true, but I don't want to be judged for it.

Sometimes people have trouble understanding the concept of mindbody/stress illness, or they don't really believe it's possible that so much pain could have a psychological root. I have told a few close friends and family members, yet I am reluctant to say too much about it until I get more noticeable results from the program.

 

[Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021)]

Fortunately, word is spreading about the MindBody connection. More people including doctors are
coming to believe the mind can give us pain or heal what ails us. For many, adding prayer is a big help.


On the call-in last night we learned more about progress on a film documentary about it
and Dr. Sarno and the TMS theory.

I do think it will be better received and accepted by others if you wait until you're completely pain-free, or close to it.