Question About Seeing a TMS Doctor

Thanks Jan. I think this forum and the success stories are invaluable. It is one thing to read stories in a book, and quite another to interact with people who are actually healing using the techniques developed by Dr. Sarno and others.

 

Gail, I had my third visit on Friday. He presented the psychology of TMS. I concluded that I was a good candidate for TMS based as a result of my upbringing and personality. I believe I have had a series of pain syndromes and other seemingly physical problems that were probably of psychosomatic origin. I wonder if the rotator cuff surgery on my left shoulder years ago was actually necessary. About two years later I developed a frozen and extremely painful right shoulder, which was "cured" by a steroid injection. Now I'm convinced back surgery is unnecessary for my "severe spinal stenosis."

I went to a museum today, which I've been avoiding for a couple of years because of my back.

Luckily, I was able to schedule a fourth appointment with Dr. Rashbaum for tomorrow, Monday.

 

Gail,
I had my fourth visit yesterday. Dr. Rashbaum gave me a "diploma," actually a study guide that I need to follow for the next two months. Now the hard work begins; writing and meditation. I would love to hear how your next visit goes.

 

Larry, I will report back! Do you have a follow-up with him in two months?

 

Gail, I'm supposed to call him in two months if I'm still having significant systems. Then he would probably refer me to a psychologist.

 

I had my second visit today. It was frustrating. He brought in a little laptop screen and was prepared to do his presentation, but first he told me that we had 25 minutes and if I had any questions or concerns, or wanted a follow-up physical exam, I should ask them, as we could spend those 25 minutes in whatever way I wanted. I did have some questions, which I asked. He seemed annoyed, and nitpicked on the phrasing of one of my questions, and couldn't give me a straight answer (instead, he answered with a long discussion of using the word "possible" instead of the word "probable"). I actually got a better answer here on the forum when I asked the same questions (about the build-up of physical stress in the body). I also mentioned that I'd like a TMS tender spot exam, which I've read about in the books but which he did not give me during my first visit.

At this point he took the laptop out of the room, telling me we wouldn't have time for the lecture after all. During our whole visit, he never once asked how I was or if there was any improvement since last time. Not a warm and fuzzy doctor.

I told him that I was asking these questions because I felt my biggest problem right now was fear, and that one of the things that I was concerned about was that although consciously I completely accept the TMS diagnosis, subconsciously I wonder if I still have some doubts. He said that the best medicine for fear was his lecture on the physiology of TMS, which unfortunately we would not have time for today. I scheduled another appointment but the soonest one available was for June 24! I already had one for July 1 so I just kept that one (that way I don't have to take another day off work--school will be out for summer break).

I guess I am learning through all this that I really have to take care of myself--no one, not even a TMS doctor, is going to do that for me. I have to do the work, keep reading, keep journaling, keep reminding myself that "it's only TMS, there's nothing physically wrong with me," etc. But right now I feel really frustrated.

 

Gail,
I'm sorry to hear about your frustration. I think the key thing is your recognition that we have to do the work ourselves. The lectures are only a prelude. I too felt my visits were a bit rushed. However, the reality there is only so much he can say in a few 25 minute sessions. Most of what he told me is covered in Sarno's books anyway. So there was hardly anything he said to me that I hadn't read already. The difference to me was that I was given a formal diagnosis by a TMS doctor. If he is still seeing you it is because he believes you have TMS and that you can cure yourself.

In a way I feel a little bit like one of the characters in the Wizard of Oz (the Judy Garland movie). I was being told by the wizard that I already had the brains, heart, courage, etc. all along. What he did is officially acknowledge that the origin of my pain is psychosomatic (and he did check my tender spots at the first visit) and tell me to go off and solve it myself. If I fail he will refer to me a psychologist who presumably will have a better "bedside manner."

 

You are SO RIGHT about this. I need to keep reminding myself of it.

Ha, good comparison!

I guess I've read so much about Dr. Sarno's warmth and positivity (I'm confident that he would have looked at my toes and said, "pshaw! TMS!") that I've been disappointed by Dr. Rashbaum's lack of both. But you are absolutely right that it is up to me now to "do the work."

Thank you so much for your reply--it is really helpful to hear from someone else who's seen him.

 

I am so glad that I have found you all. I have an appointment the end of May with Dr Rashbaum . I am hoping a cancellation opens up sooner. I have been dealing with posterior tibia tendonopathy of my left foot for many months and have gone the usual route of specialists and treatments. Before I allow my podiatrist to add a custom fitted brace to my wardrobe of expensive custom orthotics I am going to visit Dr R. I, like some of you, am afraid he will say it is not TMS! In the meantime I am rereading all my TMS books!

 

Hi - I'm thinking of seeing Rashbaum, and I'd love an update on how things turned out with your work with him.

 

Hi I saw Dr Rauchbaum this past Nov and felt that his examination was very thorough. He confirmed TMS and said that what I did next was my decision. He told me that he runs a group lecture it's two parts (not covered by insurance and costly) what I did was make an appointment for two months later in order for me to work with having a confirmed diagnosis. I canceled the appointment for end Jan and did not do his lecture. I made an appointment for the end of this month as back up as appointments are hard to get. I anticipate cancelling this one as well. I have vastly improved.

I absolutely recommend seeing him if you need to put your mind at ease regarding a diagnosis. You have nothing to lose!

 

Sorry for not getting back sooner. It's been nearly three years since I saw Dr. Rashbaum for my "severe spinal stenosis." He immediately diagnosed me with TMS. I would say I have experienced an 80% reduction in pain since then, and don't feel nearly as limited in my ability to move around. I had also been experiencing severe pains in my leg, which he explained could not be related to spinal stenosis. These pains are nearly 100% gone. I'm not contemplating surgery. However, I wish I could reduce the pain further. I still have "good days" and "bad days."

 

Thanks for the updates! There seem to be a lot of therapists with TMS experience in NYC too - maybe I'll start with one of those, since it's hard to get an appointment with Rauchbaum. I just want a little handholding if I'm really to give up my chiropractor!

 

Thanks for the info, Forest. I'm just gonna chime in here and dump a bit of a resentment I've been struggling with that is directly related to this topic. Firstly, I'm extremely grateful for this site and what Dr. Sarno began. I live in NYC. I have wanted and tried to see both MDs & therapists here, but essentially none of them accept insurance. This may perhaps be due to the medical cannon not accepting TMS practice, but where my resentment manifests is the prices these people charge, especially the therapists. NYC is expensive, yes. I contacted EVERY therapist from the list that works on TMS and they charge typically $250-$300 an hour. No insurance accepted. Doctors, for instance Dr. Gwozdz out in Jersey, $500.

I realize people need to make a living. I realize NYC has expensive rent. But these prices seem excessive to me. That is, people suffering from TMS are generally suffering so much, they'll pay whatever it takes to get some relief.... are these therapists cashing in on this desperation? I'd like to know what justifies charging these prices for an hour-long talk. I have a PhD in linguistics and I do private Spanish tutoring, I charge $80 to $100 per hour, I live in NYC. Many of these TMS therapists hold only Master's Degrees, yet they charge $250 an hour? Some even have the nerve to charge these prices for telephone/skype sessions?!?!?! Boo to that.

 

@KevinB I'm with you that prices here in NYC are outrageous! Dr Rauchbaum does indeed accept most all insurance. He is at Rusk and worked directly with Dr Sarno. However it will be a 2 month wait for an appointment.

Therapists in general can be absurdly priced i dont belueve they need to be a TMS therapist just someone who understands body mind and practices psychotherapy. Check your insurance policy for a therapist covered in your network. As for Skype sessions an hour is an hour of their time regardless.
I teach Pilates and have a sliding scale but if I give that person a Skype session the price is the same. My teacher charges me the same for Skype as well.

 

RE: Forest's impressive collection of listings above, I am having a memory of one of the practitioners (maybe it was Gordon?) who mentioned some newer therapists that were offering lower rates. I will see if I can find it...

 

Hi again, I did a quick search and couldn't find what I was looking for. I want to say maybe the Pain Psychology Center's interns were offering lower rates than the fully accredited therapist... can anyone else remember or confirm this?