Day 4

What was the most disheartening thing a doctor has told you about your symptoms? In what ways have you kept that in your mind?

"It will only get worse, with the level and frequency of episodes intensifying, with fewer remissions in between.The neuralgia will require more and more meds to control; we'll have to add 2 then 3,' then 4 drugs together. You should consider brain surgery (gamma knife, or micro-vascular compression)."

Up until then, I had not considered this as a truly serious condition requiring me to take this level of drastic action. However, the neuralgia episodes just prior had been so brutal that I started to think I would have to change my life and stop doing my work. In fact, the meds I was on were so strong that I went around like a stoned person with Alzheimer's.

I began to see my life as bad and the future prognosis as progressively worse. I decided to face reality, and see a neurologist-surgeon. Friends told me to read after hearing I was considering surgery, so here I am, fully committed to this program. Luckily, the specialists are really busy, so I don't have an appointment till December. I expect to be TMS-pain free by then!

 

Hi Ami,

I have TMS masquerading as neuralgia pain in both hips/legs/feet.

Suggest that you read Steve Ozanich's the Great Pain Deception. Steve's Story and advice on "outcome dependence" helped me a lot with gaining patience on tough days. Smartest to avoid ANY timetabled expectation, this will only put more tension in your embattled body to get it "right".

Just stay close to this Forum and all of your TMS Co Workers. Life will get easier.

You sound incredibly strong. Standing beside you. MR

 

Hi Michael, Thank you for reaching out and letting me know that you also have TMS masquerading as neuralgia. I will go read Steve's story after this note and strive like you suggest, to just do the work, and not create even more pressure to perform on this, as with the rest of my life. You've made a difference to my journey tonight.

 

Hi Amy:
I too have been diagnosed with neuralgia. A few docs said maybe fibro but then decided I didn't have enough of the symptoms. The pain started 10 weeks back. The worst of it is in the front of my legs, it's used to be in the back on my legs and now that is gone. So I know this is TMS. Also, over the last few weeks it has spread to my feet and left hand.

I too worry about the future, but I am finding hope and healing through the forum and reading the success stories. Also, like Micheal, I am trying to become outcome independent and just allow healing to happen. Keep reading Sarno's book and definately get Steve's - The Great Pain Deception.

Also, I've been diagnosed with Vitamin B Toxicity which causes nerve pain. This could have been the start of it but I don't believe it's the cause as the symptoms are getting worse not better. That said, when the pain gets worse it's a symptom that you are healing because that's the way TMS works. Most people do not have a linear recovery. There are many ups and downs.

I am on Day #12 of SEP. The journaling has helped as has my therapist who is on board with TMS.

Feel free to reach out anytime.

Susan

 

Be brave, start journaling, and surprise yourself!

 

Hi Susan and Michael (and movingcloud),

As much as I would never, ever wish TMS-masquerading as neuralgia pain on anyone, I feel reassured to know that you are both on similar journeys, and that we can support each other towards becoming pain-free. Your presence here strengthens my hope and trust in full TMS recovery. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I would like to support you also, if only as a friend walking along the same path to freedom from pain.

I bought The Great Pain Deception today, thank you for bringing it to my attention. I am also just beginning Brady's 6-week pain-free for life program. Since learning about TMS only 3weeks ago, I have discovered so many awesome resources, and most importantly, am learning so much about myself and how I got to this state. I have been journaling non-stop,and am finding patterns showing up in my inner anxiety and stress triggers.

Appreciatively,

Ami