Cayv

Hi.
I have suffered from low back pain for over a period of 20 years or so. Mainly episodes of pain that would last weeks or months. Originally sciatic pain on the right side of my lower back down to my leg.
More recently ( in the last couple of years ) I have had more severe episodes which have been far more painful with each episode being worse than the next. I eventually had an mri which didn't show much; some mild facet joint degeneration but generally a healthy back so I was told.
None the less I was sent to have some medial branch nerve injections as a diagnostic procedure to see if that would help.
I hadn't had an episode by the time the injections had come around but went through with them as I was assured that it was a non-invasive procedure and that if anything it would ward off any pain.
The procedure was extremely painful. Pain that I've never experienced before and very uncomfortable. As the weeks went by the pain got worse and worse. It wasn't helping that I had just started a brand new job and that none of the consultants were being very helpful with my situation. Eventually I saw the consultant and had another mri and various tests that all came back that I was in good shape. And that it wasn't possible for the injections to have caused my current pain.
Subsequently the pain didn't go away. I lost my job and finally gave into taking medication. Amitryptaline. That was nearly 9 months ago now.
I have seen physios, Osteopaths, chiropractors had acupuncture in that time but nothing has changed.
I have continued to exercise throughout this.. not at first but eventually. But still with a view that I had a 'physical' injury.
My last visit with a consultant resulted in a diagnosis of central sensitization. As my body has had a severe reaction to the pain and that I have mentally added to the pain over the months by stress etc. I did also believe this.
I came across a video online about a young guys TMS recovery ( i hadn't heard of TMS at the time ) and watching it his story was very relatable. He said that he recovered just from reading a book and following some processes and briefly explained the premise of TMS. After that I bought all 3 of Dr Sarno's books and have listened and read them over and over for the last 11 days as well as beginning a journal.
I do believe I have TMS as I have had other unexplained illnesses over the years. Before my back pain I had IBS for over a year. And before that I have had headaches and various body pains. I have had multiple stressors in my life and my personality totally fits. It does all make sense.
I did have to let go of the fact that the injections caused my pain. I did believe this for some time and occasionally I do still think that it did. But I have to remind myself that its my mind that used that opportunity to bring on my pain as a perfect opportunity to hide the real underlying reasons.
Fast forward to today and I have made a decision to come off my medication. I should be off in a couple of weeks completely and my pain has somewhat subsided. I will really know for sure where things are at when I am completely off my meds.
My main reason to be on here is for support. I believe I have always grasped and been in touch with the emotional parts of my life ( granted I never made the direct connection that they were the direct cause of my pain ) but I believe I have embraced fully the concept of TMS.
But being a typical TMS persona.. I am impatient and want to know why it hasn't stopped already ! and why after 7 good days I'm having worse days. I just need to understand the 'journey' of the recovery to keep me going and to not lose hope !

Thanks and good luck all.