Day 1 Day 1 - A Bit Skeptical

I've read most of Dr. Sarno's books and have even seen a TMS doctor twice. She believes I have TMS, but I'm still having trouble accepting that diagnosis. I've had lower back and sciatica pain for a year now. It originated on my left side and transitioned over to my right side about 5 months ago. I have pain in my right leg and lower back walking, standing, and laying flat on my back. My only relief is sitting or sleeping on my left side. I haven't been able to workout since the Summer.

TMS makes sense to me, but I've seen my MRI and it clearly shows a herniated/ruptured disc, as well as a few other abnormalities. If it were just a localized pain in my back I think the TMS/blood flow restriction pain causing theory would make more sense, but this must be doing something to a nerve to radiate down my leg and hurt when I walk. If it were TMS, wouldn't it hurt regardless of whether I was standing, walking, or sitting?

So, I've decided to go through this structured program and see what happens. I really want this to work and can identify some stressors and personality traits which lend themselves to TMS, but it's so hard getting past the belief that this is something physical.

 

Hi Markt54,

If you're only a "bit skeptical" on Day 1, you'll do just fine

I think you may find it very beneficial to listen to the interview/discussion with TMS author Steve Conenna. Below is the link to the thread with the recording. His symptoms sound very similar to yours. His book is a quick read and available inexpensively on Amazon.

http://www.tmswiki.org/forum/threads/special-tms-author-event-on-tuesday-march-4.3969/

Welcome to the Forum. Keep posting and letting us know if we can help in any way. We are all here to support you.

 

Ellen,

Thank you so much for your response and referral to the discussion with Steve Conenna. My jaw literally dropped when I was listening to not only the description of his symptoms, but also his overall experience and thoughts on possible emotional triggers. It pretty much exactly matches what I've been going through. I'm about to order his book on Amazon. I'm feeling a bit more positive and really want you to know you were spot on in bringing him to my attention. Many, many thanks.

- Mark