Day 15 Paradox

There is a post on the forums which the most widely read that gives a good overview of the approach that leads to success. One the point in there advises not to dwell on or constantly think about the pain. I find that really difficult...if it's there I can't help but pay attention...either bothered by its return or willing it to stop...however, if it abates/disappears I of course am not preoccupied and don't think about it...it was especially worrisome as I had a big flare I the Last couple days...I believe due to a return to PT...all part of the 'mind' game I would think

 

Yup, it's definitely a mind game.

My last major flare up caused great fear and drove me to the local PT where I ended up in a lot more pain than when I started. I don't think she actually hurt me but succumbing to this treatment definitely emphasised a structural problem.

It's very difficult to ignore symptoms when they get to a certain level but not impossible. During that flare up there was one day when I just couldn't get into a comfortable position whether I sat, stood or lied down. It hurt like hell no matter what I did. I happened to spot an enormous pile of ironing and thought, sod this. If I'm going to be in pain, I might as well get the ironing done. I think I listened to an audiobook at the same time. Before I knew it I had completed the task, I hadn't noticed my pain so much and most importantly I realised that it didn't get worse. I hadn't injured myself by doing this activity. That sent a strong message to my brain that trumped the fear.

When I was much younger and suffering from chronic migraines I was always advised to go lie down in a dark room because that's what other migraine sufferers did. Every time I tried this I noticed my head would feel so much worse because I was focused only on head pain. I decided instead to sit in a room by myself and look out the window because it distracted me from that intense focus. It didn't make the pain worse. That was well before I had ever heard of Dr Sarno and TMS.

 

Hi, yb44. I think you've learned one my best ways to tolerate pain and overcome it. Besides believing 100 percent in TMS, that emotions most often are the cause of pain or headaches, distractions are very helpful. Something like ironing clothes can take our mind off our pain. It keeps us living in the present moment so we don't worry about the past or future. I like to sew when I am upset about something, I sew socks or torn sweaters, etc. Concentrating on sewing keeps my mind occupied.

A friend's father, a big and very masculine man, relaxed from his daily stresses by crocheting. He made armchair and couch doilies and gave them as Christmas presents. Crocheting helped him to live in the present.

Here are what some famous women say about living in the present...

Joan Rivers: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift, that’s why they call it the present.”

Oprah Winfrey: “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

 

Hi yb44,
Thanks for the reply...all responses help build and reinforce the necessary mindset for me.
This too seems to be a common theme...don't dwell on the pain I possible. I think engaging/immersing in positive, reassuring and familiar activities 'resets' the Mindbody balance.
My flare I diminishing so I think both my mind and body are saying "don't go there, PT is not the solution"...that might be a stretch of Sarno's view but I I mind thinks it's so then I we go!

 

Sean, Thanks for sharing these posts, particularly your dance with PT. When I recognized the TMS, I cancelled all my remaining PT appointments, but I didn't cancel what I was envisioning to be my last appointment with my orthopedist. After reading your posts I began wondering, "Why am I going to this appointment?" I could not imagine a positive outcome from yet another medical appointment. I even went to the appointment, and as I got to the reception desk it became crystal clear to me, "no more of this!" And I cancelled the appointment, and left with a smile on my face. It was an empowering moment, and I'm so happy that I have no more PT, osteopath, or orthopedist appointments. Re-patterning and re-orienting my mind/heart has given me my life back. Wishing you all the best in your journey.

 

You sound positive, optimistic and enthusiastic. The positive vibes feed us all. Glad u r feeling that way and sharing it.