Day 1

I first discovered Dr. Sarno's books four years ago. At the time, I devoured the books and got the audiobooks on my phone. My pain went away very quickly and stayed away for a while. But now, in the last year it keeps coming back every month or two. I listen to the audiobooks. I read the books. I live in New York City, and I've seen Dr. Ira Rashbaum, who trained under Dr. Sarno, twice. He said I have TMS.

I am fully convinced I have TMS and there is nothing structurally wrong with my back. But I am getting tired of getting attacks. They completely take me out of commission. I cannot even put on my socks.

Some things about me: I'm a 29-year-old who demands a lot from himself. I am a perfectionist and goodist. I am compulsive. I am a sober alcoholic. I have a lot going on in my life: getting married later this year, successful in my career, my family has its issues.

I know I am the type of person who develops TMS, and again, I have no doubt that my back pain is due to it. I just want it to stop. It comes on so suddenly, and then I'm in the throes of it. I read, I listen, I write out fears, etc., and it always takes a week or so to go away.

I'm not sure what to do.