1. Our TMS drop-in chat is today (Saturday) from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM DST Eastern U.S. (New York). It's a great way to get quick and interactive peer support. Bonnard is today's host. Click here for more info or just look for the red flag on the menu bar at 3pm Eastern.
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  2. Alan has completed the new Pain Recovery Program. To read or share it, use this updated link: https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/painrecovery/
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My Story
Oh my, you and I have a LOT in common (you can search my name to see what I posted). You are NOT alone. I came here, not really because of "pain" though I developed some, but more because of numbness, weird migrating neuro symptoms and unexplained twitches etc. I did the exact same thing. I googled my initial symptoms which brought up a forum on ALS, MS, you name it. I completely freaked out, spiraled down, and literally "gave" myself new symptoms as I convinced myself that I had all these things. Became totally OCD about trying to figure out what was wrong with me and not trusting the drs. Complete health anxiety!! I had never had a day of anxiety in my life before this.

I had every test in the book, and like you the ONLY thing that came back was a slight Vit. D deficiency. I developed severe anxiety and insomnia - and only this week I am really starting to feel better - (physically I still have weird stuff going on, feel like electricity down my arms, some faciculations, etc.) and I always have pain(ish) in the backs of my shoulders but mentally the FEAR is decreasing. But, I ended up going to see a psychologist. I've been three times so far and its been so helpful - I can't recommend therapy enough! The sleep is still not great, but I went to see a specialist for that as well - and I am now on a sleep compression program which is giving me hope and already helping.

Anyway, I wanted to give you hope that you are not alone. The mind is so powerful its kind of scary! But I keep telling myself that if my mind was powerful enough to create symptoms once I read about them/thought I had them - they can one day all go away. And, some things have definitely gotten WAY better.

One reason I believe that I am finally improving is that through this I realized that my job is so over the top stressful - and I wasn't even realizing it. I had always wanted to work less, but I'm a people pleaser and didn't want to ask for it. This week I finally took steps to reduce my hours - empowering. My anxiety dropped 10x this week (I hope it stays that way!). I have hope that the tingling, weird nerve pain, etc. goes away for me and you.

Again, if you're not seeing someone. I totally recommend that you do. If you are like me, the anxiety is really contributing to the symptoms a LOT. You probably do a lot of shallow breathing without realizing it which can lead to numbness etc. A therapist can help you turn the negative thinking around.