Day 1 - Taking the plunge

My back pain has been with me now for about 4 years. I also have periodic migraines. I had plantar fasciitis a few years ago too. The biggest issue is the back pain. I’m not sure exactly how the back pain started, but I think I hurt myself at the gym. I remember doing something I should not have done and having my left leg give out on me the next day when my sciatic nerve sent a shock through me. At one point, it got so bad I was using a shower chair. I could barely bend over and thought that I would have this pain forever.

I have seen a chiropractor who told me I have spondylolisthesis. He was no help at all and convinced me that he could actually put my spondy back in place. Exactly how can you move a vertebra back in place? He never did much for me and after several visits when my insurance ran out, I stopped going. I even joined an online group for spondy folks a couple of years ago. I have since found out that mine is very minor and I have probably had it all my life and it should not affect me in any way.

I have seen a back doctor and a back surgeon. I have had xrays and an MRI. I have some bulging in the lumbar area, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disk disease in addition to the spondy. But the spine surgeon told me that my back is not bad. And the back doc sent me to physical therapy. I also went to two different pain clinics. I tried to have one procedure and the place gave me the wrong post instructions so the procedure was a big failure. I finally did have a radiofrequency ablation a year or so ago. Can’t say that it really helped.

I was pretty sure I had TMS two years ago and did get some relief through journaling. Now I am back and going to work through the SEP program because I am convinced I have TMS. I have all the personality traits and had a very crappy unstable childhood with a dysfunctional family. I am probably the poster child for TMS!

Here’s to Day 1!

 

Welcome to the Forum! Nothing but TMS poster children here You are in good company. Keep us posted on how you're doing.

 

Hi Cat Lady! good luck with the program! From your post it seems, that those 2 years ago you still were not 100% convinced, that you have TMS. Make sure that you fully believe the diagnosis to make it work. This is exactly my approach now - I am doing my best to keep reminding myself that TMS is responsible for my symptoms (Day 4 now).

Cheers

 

Catlady13, Dr. Sarno writes that it's okay to take some medication for pain, such as back pain. I think it's best to avoid painkillers besides Tylenol, but have another suggestion. My house cleaner is a little middle-aged woman and the work is very hard on her back. Her doctor prescribed Voltaren Gel, a natural supplement, and she says it helps relieve her back pain. I am 87 and get some back pain now and then. Voltaren Gel takes away the pain right away. It's not available over the counter, but your doctor will probably agree to giving you a prescription. But be sure to take any painkiller as you also believe 100 that it is TMS, from emotions. You say you have had pain symptoms all your life... that may very well mean that you have been repressing some emotions going way back. Journaling will help you to discover them.