Sussex TMS
Peer Supporter
Hi All…
Well where to begin? I’ve had back and leg pain (both legs) varying between mild and severe for 4 ½ years now. I’ve had several MRI scans (which have showed bulging/degeneration at L4/5) and recently saw one of the top neurological consultants in London. I’d been bracing myself for surgery but even he didn’t think it was severe enough to cause the pain that I’ve been experiencing.
Over the last four years I’ve tried physio, TENS, the Egoscue technique (as suggested by the consultant mentioned above) various exercises, swimming and of course shed loads of drugs. I’ve also seen three or for neurological consultants, numerous GPs, pain specialists, etc. None have helped (except perhaps swimming, a little) and most have actually made the pain worse.
Over the past year I’ve started getting increasingly miserable, particularly when the consultant said I may not be able to ever again do the things I enjoy (climbing, badminton, cycling, etc.). This has been compounded by a number of stress factors: I started a new job a couple of months back, I’m getting married at the end of next month, my fiancée started a new job last month, my fiancée and I are in the process of buying our first house, we have money issues due to the above and one of my closest family members has been seriously ill in hospital for two months!
Anyway, two weeks ago, I Googled “back pain caused by stress”, upon realising myself that the worst episodes have coincided with high levels of stress. I came across Dr Sarno’s “healing back pain” and bought it about 2 weeks ago. I felt a little better by the time I was a third of the way through the book (the same evening it arrived in the post)! As with many others on here it seems like the book was written about me! This week I have felt a little worse, largely as I’ve read how much some people struggle… and seeing a 60 day programme on here is a little daunting!
In some ways I feel like a fraud as I know that I’m very lucky; I had a great upbringing and have a loving family. But I am a worrier and I know that I have repressed a lot of feelings, from bullying at school/work amongst other things. I’m exactly the personality type that Dr Sarno speaks of; particularly in that I always worry about other people before myself. I also have a history of other stress related illnesses: eczema, hayfever, headaches, stomach ulcer, etc.
A number of aspects of my pain make me believe that I have TMS. Particularly the fact that the sciatica switches from one leg to the other (which several specialists have basically said they don’t believe, after the disc bulge could only cause pain in my left leg!) and I am very hung up on certain positions/movements. For example there are certain types of chairs that I know I will experience pain when I sit on them. Having said that, I’ve already improved since reading Dr Sarno’s book. I’ve ditched the “special cushion” I had in my car with no ill effects, and I did a vigorous 10 mile cycle ride at the weekend, with only minor pain after – which I told to “go away!”
I’ve accepted a diagnosis of TMS by about 99%. I realise I need to get this to 100% and wonder if I need to see a professional to get it there; but can’t afford to at the moment. I’m hoping I can get there without and would appreciate any advice; this is a fantastic resource. I have at least shown that there is nothing seriously wrong with my back. I’m very sceptical about “alternative therapies” such as homeopathy, but this seems to make a lot of sense.
Blimey. I didn’t realise how much I had to say and that’s not even half of it. I really do appreciate the support on here and think talking about the issue could be exactly what I need.
Well where to begin? I’ve had back and leg pain (both legs) varying between mild and severe for 4 ½ years now. I’ve had several MRI scans (which have showed bulging/degeneration at L4/5) and recently saw one of the top neurological consultants in London. I’d been bracing myself for surgery but even he didn’t think it was severe enough to cause the pain that I’ve been experiencing.
Over the last four years I’ve tried physio, TENS, the Egoscue technique (as suggested by the consultant mentioned above) various exercises, swimming and of course shed loads of drugs. I’ve also seen three or for neurological consultants, numerous GPs, pain specialists, etc. None have helped (except perhaps swimming, a little) and most have actually made the pain worse.
Over the past year I’ve started getting increasingly miserable, particularly when the consultant said I may not be able to ever again do the things I enjoy (climbing, badminton, cycling, etc.). This has been compounded by a number of stress factors: I started a new job a couple of months back, I’m getting married at the end of next month, my fiancée started a new job last month, my fiancée and I are in the process of buying our first house, we have money issues due to the above and one of my closest family members has been seriously ill in hospital for two months!
Anyway, two weeks ago, I Googled “back pain caused by stress”, upon realising myself that the worst episodes have coincided with high levels of stress. I came across Dr Sarno’s “healing back pain” and bought it about 2 weeks ago. I felt a little better by the time I was a third of the way through the book (the same evening it arrived in the post)! As with many others on here it seems like the book was written about me! This week I have felt a little worse, largely as I’ve read how much some people struggle… and seeing a 60 day programme on here is a little daunting!
In some ways I feel like a fraud as I know that I’m very lucky; I had a great upbringing and have a loving family. But I am a worrier and I know that I have repressed a lot of feelings, from bullying at school/work amongst other things. I’m exactly the personality type that Dr Sarno speaks of; particularly in that I always worry about other people before myself. I also have a history of other stress related illnesses: eczema, hayfever, headaches, stomach ulcer, etc.
A number of aspects of my pain make me believe that I have TMS. Particularly the fact that the sciatica switches from one leg to the other (which several specialists have basically said they don’t believe, after the disc bulge could only cause pain in my left leg!) and I am very hung up on certain positions/movements. For example there are certain types of chairs that I know I will experience pain when I sit on them. Having said that, I’ve already improved since reading Dr Sarno’s book. I’ve ditched the “special cushion” I had in my car with no ill effects, and I did a vigorous 10 mile cycle ride at the weekend, with only minor pain after – which I told to “go away!”
I’ve accepted a diagnosis of TMS by about 99%. I realise I need to get this to 100% and wonder if I need to see a professional to get it there; but can’t afford to at the moment. I’m hoping I can get there without and would appreciate any advice; this is a fantastic resource. I have at least shown that there is nothing seriously wrong with my back. I’m very sceptical about “alternative therapies” such as homeopathy, but this seems to make a lot of sense.
Blimey. I didn’t realise how much I had to say and that’s not even half of it. I really do appreciate the support on here and think talking about the issue could be exactly what I need.
