Derek S. Disregarding doctors?

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Question

I have been healed of back pain by reading Dr. Sarno's book, so I believe that TMS is real and that I am prone to suffer from it. My right knee is stiff but not painful and there are no other symptoms. My PCP says it is OA while a DO says a meniscus tear and wants to operate. How can I know if it is physical or TMS? Should I disregard the doctors and just resume full activity?

 

Answer

This question brings up an extremely important issue. It is imperative that when experiencing symptoms that you are unsure of to never just assume that it is TMS. It is always a good idea to rule out legitimate structural issues. The problem with this is that you may get different diagnoses from different doctors and there could be incidental findings (a meniscus tear is a common incidental finding).

One of the best things that you can do is to consult with a TMS physician or a physician who has an understanding of TMS. They can help to determine whether or not the symptoms that you are experiencing are in direct relation to the diagnostic findings from your MRI. Here is a link to assist you in finding a TMS physician: http://www.tmswiki.org/ppd/Find_a_TMS_Doctor_or_Therapist

Joints such as knees, wrists, and shoulders are particularly tricky when it comes to TMS. I do not recommend that you disregard the doctors that you have seen until you get a green-light from a physician, TMS or otherwise. I would suggest that you get more information prior to moving forward. It is absolutely possible that it's TMS, but not everything is. If you are finding yourself unsure as a result of conflicting opinions from different physicians, see a specialist and/or a TMS physician to ensure that it is safe for you to resume your regular activities.

I hope that further medical consultation will provide you with clarity on the cause of your symptoms.

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