PaperCrane

I'm new to TMS and am glad I found this forum. For years, I was a health and fitness nut and it became a big part of my identity. Then, a few years ago, I was hit by a drunk driver and have had ongoing neck, back and shoulder pain since the accident.

Some of the labels I've been given include, degenerative arthritis of the spine, degenerative disc disease and Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Most doctors I've seen have either dismissed me as being a hypochondriac or painted a picture of my 'conditions' that was so grim it's been hard to stay hopeful. Over time, the chronic pain issues led to depression and insomnia and a feeling of having completely lost who I was prior to the accident.

I was pretty much at the end of my rope when I picked up an old copy of one of Dr. Sarno's books a former boyfriend had given me shortly after the accident, back when I was still in the acute injury stage. At the time he gave it to me, I'd scanned it a little and felt insulted that someone would suggest my pain was 'all in my head,' so it sat and collected dust until recently. When I picked it up again and actually started reading it, though, I found myself feeling hopeful for the first time in what felt like a very long time. So, I'm incredibly appreciative of this site and the opportunity to learn from others also dealing with TMS.