Alan G. Is my back fracture TMS?

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Question

My name is Fionnuala. I am scheduled for bone fusion surgery on my lower spine next month. I have just read John Sarno's book and I believe that TMS is the cause of my pain, not a broken spine. I am on day four of writing, ignoring the pain, re-reading the book and I have ordered Sarno's other book. I have already resumed my full daily chores and swims,( I was bed ridden this time last week). I have not cancelled the surdery yet, which is breeding doubt. in my mind, and not doubt stunting my TMS recovery. I feel like Im at a cross roads. Do you have any advise? Any at all would be great!
I am a 36 year old female

 

Answer

About a month ago, I began writing a book on how to recover from TMS. I was really into it. One day, I typed for about ten straight hours. I was lying down with the computer on my stomach. When I pushed to get up off the bed, I felt a sharp pain in my left wrist.

"Clearly this has to be TMS," I thought. I mean, I was literally in the middle of the RSI section when it happened. Maybe I was putting too much pressure on myself and this was my body's way of telling me to slow down.

I ignored the pain. I kept using my left hand. I laughed at it's feeble attempt to preoccupy me. Then I woke up the next morning with a swollen hand. "That's not good," I thought. I'd never seen TMS do that before.

I went to the doctor, he ordered an MRI, and I'd torn two ligaments.

Not everything is TMS.

You are not a doctor, Fionnuala. Do not make this determination on your own. If you do in fact have a recent fracture, this is a real injury. Injuries heal, but you need to take them seriously. I strongly encourage you to consult a physician knowledgeable about TMS. They are the ones most qualified to make the TMS/not TMS distinction. When you've been cleared, then you can go ahead and resume your normal activities.

You need to tailor the treatment to the correct diagnosis. Penicillin is great, but won't do anything for a viral infection. Reading Dr. Sarno's books, journaling, and ignoring the pain are fantastic interventions, but won't help if you have a broken bone.

Alan

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Hi, Fionnuala. Dr, Gordon has given you the best advice.
Good luck finding a doctor who knows about TMS.