Shori

About 3 yrs ago I believe I damaged my back while doing deadlifts in the gym. Since then to this day I have have been suffering from Sciatica. It used to be restricted to my left butt and I was able to do most activities that didn't involve stretching my leg or bending fwd. But, around 4 months ago the pain started to get worse and I started feeling it behind the left knee on the outside. The back of my thigh got numb and I can feel tingling in the heel. The left calf also feels tight and sort of slightly weak.

Now I feel pain while running, jumping and while sleeping it actually wakes me up. Sleeping was a problem before, but I figured out what positions were pain free. But, now there are only two positions I can sleep in and that too are with pain. I'm twisting in the bed every few hrs until I get up in the morning. Sitting on cushy surface has always been a problem since I have had sciatica.

In 2015 I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It tends to come and go. I have never taken any medication for it. At the moment my bowel is absolutely fine.

I finished reading Healing Back Pain in Jan. It had no effect on me. I do believe in the concept, but still tried other treatments, like Bowen therapy and Indian Ayurvedic oil massages. I have tried physio and yoga in the past and nothing so far has helped. I guess the book didn't have much effect because I was still interested in other therapies.

At this stage the numbness in the back of my thigh has reduced, but still there. It gets worse if I sit for too long. E.g. long journey in a car. I'm going to the gym, but avoid doing anything that I think can make it worse.

Pain spot - In Jan 2017 I discovered there is a spot in my lower back to the left of my spine that when slightly pressed with a thumb gives me pain straight away. I don't have any low back pain apart from when this spot is pressed. All the pain is in the left butt and at times behind the knee on the outside on the left.

My MRI report summarises - The major abnormality is at L5-S1 where there is a left sided disc protrusion with compression of the left S1 nerve root.

Plan of action started:

1. Reading - Undivided Mind
2. Reading - The Power of Now
3. Apr 09: Finished going through the - TMS Recovery Program on TMS Wiki
4. Apr 17: Started the - Structured Educational Program
5. Will start as part of the structured program
6. Have started reading the - Success Story Database page
7. Continue with the gym and will slowly start doing exercises that are painful to defeat the mind

So far from what I have read I fit the TMS personality traits profile perfectly. I have self diagnosed myself as suffering form TMS based on my research. I whole heartedly believe in this theory its a matter of convincing the mind now.

It'll be great to hear your thoughts on my situation and whether I'm on the right track with my 'Plan of Action'.

Thank you for your time reading my post.

Cheers
Shori