Day 1 Beat TMS pain once - Back 15 years later as spasmodic dysphonia

From the time I was 28 to about 30 I had debilitating back pain. I tried the gamut as many have - acupuncture, cortisone shots, physical therapy, chiropractic, Reiki - nothing touched it. Until....I read John Sarno's book and within 2 weeks I was completely free of pain - running, lifting and living life again!! It turns out that having a baby and all the additional financial and time responsibilities were causing a great deal of repressed rage (at least I think that's what caused it).

For the last 3-4 years I have had spasmodic dysphonia. This is a fairly rare disorder that is "idiopathic" (seems to be code word for TMS). I have intellectually realized there is a better than fair chance that this is TMS, and Sarno even mentions it as a TMS equivalent. Somehow though, I keep talking myself out of it being TMS. I guess my brain has wanted me to hang on to the problem a little longer.

I've tried reading/re-reading all of the literature, but it's all so focused on pain, it's easy for my to talk myself out of this being a TMS issue.

Today I've decided to seriously commit to getting my brain to accept the diagnosis.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has TMS equivalents!

 

Hi, 6498. I don't have Spasmodic Dysphonia, but do notice my voice is weak or gives out when I am under emotional stress. I am not a doctor or physical therapist, but think my occasional voice problems are from TMS emotional stress. Yours may be too. Have you been examined to learn if you actually have SD? Even if tests show you do, the cause may be emotional. Something or things recently in your life may have caused it, or triggered past emotions to bring it on.

I would have the checkout, but also I would believe the voice problem is from your emotions. The SEProgram is great for helping us to discover or re-discover emotions that cause discomfort symptoms. SD may not cause actual pain, but a typical TMS symptom is anxiety and that can be considered a form of pain.

Try to talk yourself into believing your vocal problem is emotional, from TMS. That healed you before and can again. Keep us posted on your progress in the SEProgram.

 

Hi Walt,
Thanks for your post!
I was definitely diagnosed with SD, but the diagnosis of SD, in general, is dubious in my opinion as it is idiopathic, and there is no real test. It's based on how the voice sounds, and an "expert" determining it's SD. I actually went to 2 specialists that both confirmed it was SD, but I think with my history of TMS and the fact that Dr. Sarno specifically mentions SD as a TMS equivelant, it is logical to assume it's a TMS symptom. I can say that, but have difficulty fully and congruently accepting it.
I'm on day three of the SEProgram. The structure is definitely helpful, and I'm optimistic that I can beat this just like the back pain.
I appreciate your support and comments!
All the best,
Nate

 

I was reading success stories on this forum and came across one from long ago about somebody who had a disorder speaking. It was as if their tounge was swollen and mouth was dry. They had great fear when going to school that somebody would speak to them and they would have to talk. I'm not sure if that helps but I know reading success stories helps me when I feel doubtful that I have TMS. The title of the post was 200% cured ( going off of memory). It was on the older forum. Anyway, maybe you can relate and it helps your doubt. Best of luck.

 

Hi Nate,

Welcome to the Forum and SEP. Don't forget to do the TMS Recovery Program also, which teaches great skills as you move through the SEP. You might do this right now, and return to the SEP.

I, for one had a hard time initially with Dr. Sarno's work applying to my feet. I have a suggestion. Every time you read "pain" in any of the literature, simply substitute "idiopathic dysphonia." In addition to "educating" yourself that the TMS stuff applies to your condition, every time, you'll be reminding yourself that the doctors don't know what is causing it. I was diagnosed with "idiopathic neuropathy" and that "idiopathic" part kept reminding me that the doctors who diagnosed this didn't really know much.

Andy B

 

Thanks so much for your reply! I will do some digging and see if I can find that post. I agree - with my past success with TMS I spent a lot of time reading success stories. It's powerful medicine to counteract the constant barrage of misinformation coming from MDs, chiropractors, etc. attributing our challenges to something structural/neurological.

 

6498w, I was anxious to read your post because someone I know has SD and I was hoping to gain some info about how you went about treating the problem, My TMS equivalent is asthma. I had a significant breakthrough a few days ago but when my asthma finally went away, my headaches came back. I am going back and forth but it's getting better.

I know someone who has successfully treated depression also-- very serious depression. She definitely used this website and I believe SEP.