Alex B. Getting rid of the rest of the pain

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Question

It has been more than 4 months since i have started TMS approach. I am feeling much better and resumed almost all my physical activities and doing 90% of activities without fear ( 10% am still a bit fearful as am doing it really with the same pace as previous). But my pain is still not completely gone. And i admit i become a bit concerned when i feel pain is more. I am reading Dr Sarno's books on daily basis. Now i doubt if reading these books might be reinforcing my symptoms. I mean reading these books remind me that i still have symptoms and could be the case that they are reinforcing the symptoms. Will it be a good idea to stop reading books? Also shall start meditation be helpful? I have very less symptoms remaining and i feel even a bit of reduction in pain level will lead to get me closer to my success

 

Answer

Hi, thanks for the question.

Overall it sounds like you are having a lot of success, which is really great. You have arrived at a spot that can be frustrating for many people who deal with TMS. You feel like you are doing everything you are supposed to be doing, reading, exercises, etc. And yet, symptoms still keep coming up from time to time. To deal with this "plateau" it is important to remember that what we are trying to focus on is the fear, the response that the symptoms generate, not the symptoms themselves. Just as when one begins the process, by measuring your success against your symptoms you will continue to give them the power to dictate how you are feeling overall about yourself and your progress. So, we want to focus on the purpose of the pain and how you can begin to address that. Continue to remind yourself that the symptoms are not about structural problems. If you find that reading and focusing on TMS simply reminds you of the frustrations and you find yourself preoccupied with your physical progress, there is nothing wrong with stepping back from the material for a bit.

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