Derek S. Tachycardia

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

Question

Hi, I've had TMS for about 15 years and done really well in keeping it under control, but this last year has been really stressful and I've been dealing with pains and stomach symptoms that are old and new. My youngest daughter died of breast cancer earlier this year and I'm having a really hard time coping with the sadness and anger and all the other feelings. I've journaled a lot and read and re-read HBC and TMBP and Steve Ozanich's two books. and thought things were getting better, as the back and hip and leg pain was moving around again and had lessened. But yesterday I had a bad bout of Tachycardia and had to go to the hospital just to be safe. This is the third one in the last five years and because I had a mild heart attack 16 years ago it is a sure-fire way to get my attention and terrify me right back to where I'm feeling helpless and frustrated and out of control again. I will be doing all the tests the doctors set just to rule out any cause other than emotions, fear and anger etc. but I'm afraid to go through all their rigamarole again and have to start back at the beginning. I have no real support system here, just friends and family on the other end of the phone line, people who don't believe in TMS at all, and I'm so scared right now. Can you give me any suggestions in how to deal with this? I know Dr. Sarno mentions Tachycardia and that it's usually induced by emotional factors. As I said, I'm seeing my doctor to rule out any other causes but could really use some encouragement.
Thank you.
Bonnie

 

Answer

Thanks for your question, Bonnie.

I totally understand that you want to avoid the medical rigamarole due to the stress and uncertainty that this inevitably causes. That said, I don't think you are going to be able to approach this as TMS with any confidence until you have a full cardio workup.

Tachycardia is not just a common TMS symptom, It's a common symptom of anxiety in general. Getting a cardio workup will likely be able to tell you whether or not the symptom needs to be treated medically. This is important, especially given your history.

If they find nothing remarkable in your workup then you can approach this symptom as just another manifestation of TMS/anxiety. You would not be back at square one because the principles will be exactly the same. Neutralize the fear around the symptom, practice outcome independence, and practice emotional hygiene. You've done it before and you can do it again with this symptom.

Best of luck to you and feel free to check back in after you have the results of your workup.

-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.

 

Hi Derek, thanks for the advice. I'll return when all the tests etc. are done.
All the Best
B.