Derek S. Back and knee pain

This question was submitted via our Ask a TMS Therapist program. To submit your question, click here.

Question

Hello Out There!
I soooo appreciate what you all are doing! I’m new to this and have finished Dr. Sarno’s book, watched several of Alan’s videos, am reading testimonies and see a fit in myself for TMS. I have chronic back and knee pain that severely limits my activities, and have been told by my neuro to get the L5-S1 disc replaced as it’s leaking (anular tear) and there is arthritis in L4-L5 etc. I will not get surgery because my gut tells me it’s not as bad as he says it is, but of course I’m still freaked out by my high levels of pain. Since I read Dr. Sarno’s book, I’ve been doing more and even changed shoes which I wasn’t able to do in 3 years with out severe “pain”. But I’m at an impasse and feel like I’m starting to go backwards. Is the low cost program still available? Is there someone who could consult with me to determine if it’s actually TMS or perhaps there is a structural issue I need to keep looking into? I was a caregiver for 12 years and just lost 2 people in my life (0ne was my 37 year old husband and the other his mom, my best friend) in the last year and half. I’ve seen my pain increase especially since my husband died in June 2015. I stay in my house most of the time because I can’t handle too much sitting, standing or walking. I appreciate any help as I’ve just turned 40 and would like to move forward in my life.
Thank you!
Roxie

 

Answer

Thnaks for your question, Roxie.

I'm so sorry to hear about the losses that you have been through lately. Grief is a common reason for a symptom relapse and I think that it would be a good idea to get yourself into some form of counseling, even if it is not with a TMS specialist.

At the moment, all of our low-fee clinicians are full but you are welcome to private message me and I can have someone contact you when a spot opens up. Furthermore, if you still have some doubts about structural issues, consider consulting with a TMS physician who would be able to provide you with more clarity and confidence about your approach to recovery.

All the best,
Derek

---

Any advice or information provided here does not and is not intended to be and should not be taken to constitute specific professional or psychological advice given to any group or individual. This general advice is provided with the guidance that any person who believes that they may be suffering from any medical, psychological, or mindbody condition should seek professional advice from a qualified, registered/licensed physician and/or psychotherapist who has the opportunity to meet with the patient, take a history, possibly examine the patient, review medical and/or mental health records, and provide specific advice and/or treatment based on their experience diagnosing and treating that condition or range of conditions. No general advice provided here should be taken to replace or in any way contradict advice provided by a qualified, registered/licensed physician and/or psychotherapist who has the opportunity to meet with the patient, take a history, possibly examine the patient, review medical and/or mental health records, and provide specific advice and/or treatment based on their experience diagnosing and treating that condition or range of conditions.

The general advice and information provided in this format is for informational purposes only and cannot serve as a way to screen for, identify, or diagnose depression, anxiety, or other psychological conditions. If you feel you may be suffering from any of these conditions please contact a licensed mental health practitioner for an in-person consultation.

Questions may be edited for brevity and/or readability.