It's you, brain!

I'm still dealing with a symptom imperative. My TMS chatter was very active this morning and it was telling me that maybe I need to see a doctor. Or maybe it could be something else. And I finally just said to my brain..."It's you brain! You are causing the pain! You can turn it off whenever you want!"

It stopped the TMS chatter but the pain level remained and that is fine. About a 1/2 hour later I went to pick up my purse to leave and got zapped with pain from another symptom! (A symptom imperative to my symptom imperative?!?) I honestly just laughed at this point. My purse is small and it did not cause an injury. I continued on my way.

I am honestly amazed how my brain is working right now. I've really given up a lot of of my OCD compulsions by really just not wanting to do them anymore. I'm also not letting this symptom imperative get to me. I've honestly just ignored it and carried on with life like I normally do. I know all of this is throwing my brain into a tizzy. I've also weaned off one medication because my main symptom that I've dealt with since January 2024 has really lessened. This is amazing and pretty unbelievable to me. I was taking that medication every 4-6 hours to help with symptoms.

Just wanted to post about my TMS today being crazy. I've had TMS for at least 30 years so I know that unlearning all these patterns will take time so these new symptoms are not scaring me. I'm so thankful for this forum. You guys have encouraged me and helped me when I was at my lowest. Seeing the changes in my pain and that my TMS is grasping at straws by changing the pain is also so rewarding that the "work" is actually working!

So if you are feeling at your lowest, just know that if you keep doing the work and finding a community (this forum!) you will see results. It might take a while, and it might be frustrating, but it is worth it to know that you are in charge of your healing!

 

@Joulegirl!
You are brave and strong! Every day you lend hope to me, and to all of us. Don’t let your TMS brain get to you. It’s JOB is to find a way to scare you. I noticed that over the years, as a lifelong TMSer, hardly anything would scare me. I’d ignore all my symptoms—and eventually they’d subside or go away. Until this recent TMS. My brain pulled out all the stops. I’m serious. Anyone could easily be terrified by my composite of bizarre and extreme symptoms. But you know what has convinced me it’s TMS? The stories on this forum. I can’t get over what the TMS brain is capable of doing to people. I like to have this saying: “TMS can do anything.” Anything. Pain is only one of the things. It can affect anything in the body. Sarno said it uses nerves, tendons and muscles. Nerves are everywhere in your body. So are muscles and tendons. Your brain is working overtime to scare you. Tell it “Down Boy!” (And I know you are!)

I swear to you we are going to win. One of these days, this will all be over.

 

Same! In the past, TMS symptoms would come and go. It was always chalked up to some medical condition and it never made since. But since it went away I just carried on with life. Since January 2024, it stopped me in my tracks and I had to pay attention! This work is hard and it's honestly a bit scary to let go and sit in uncertainty. But man, I have seen things change in my body.

You are a big source of encouragement and helped me see how we need to dig into our past and our emotions. There were times I wanted to give up but you would tell me to keep going! Thank you for that!

 

Thank YOU for saying that. It’s always my hope to help anyone here. ❤️

Ditto! Thank you! Your virtual smile and sweet soul always comfort me—even on my bad days. And your dedication to the work is a phenomenal example, always leading me on.