TMS: An Alternate Approach

What is TMS? I've pondered this ever since I came across the topic. From what I gathered, TMS seems to be a physical manifestation of anxiety in the form of tension. When a muscle is chronically tense and is used it will eventually knot up and become painful. TMS, in my opinion, is essentially anxiety with the accompaniment of chronic pain. This theory is further backed up by the fact that patients experience either relief or recovery from TMS when they Journal or confront their emotions; therefore quieting and calming the anxiety. By treating the anxiety the tension is also treated, hence why patients of TMS can resolve their chronic pain through psychological methods.

With this, instead of looking at TMS as its own disorder I decided to look towards the causes of anxiety which in turn manifests as TMS. What I found is that the human micro-biome, i.e. the bacterial strains within one's gut has a resounding effect on the functions of that person's brain. Further researching this notion I asked various people who had experienced either RSI (as I have) or TMS if they had gastrointestinal distress as well. Unsurprisingly enough, I found that a vast majority of people suffering from chronic pain also had gastrointestinal issues.

I personally have suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome quite drastically my entire life. When I was around 4 years old I was given a heavy dose of general antibiotic to resolve food poisoning that I had at the time. These antibiotics likely wiped out the bacteria which was necessary in my gut for proper brain functioning. This led to the development of severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. Both of these mental ailments manifests in the form of tension throughout the body causing RSI, or perhaps TMS.

Now, I have tried the TMS approach to fixing my problem with no results. This led me to believe there was something wrong at the core which needed to be fixed; and no amount of journaling or psychological cures would completely fixed me. On August 21st, I will be performing a self conducted fecal matter transplant, in which I will be able to hopefully restore the proper bacteria within my microbiome. Doing so could not only restore my gut to proper functioning and eliminate ibs but also have a drastic effect on my anxiety and therefore my chronic pain. I felt I should share this information with this community because it may ring true for a lot of people here. I will be sure to update this thread after the 21st making note of what changes occur after the procedure.

 

I was on antibiotics for almost an entire year after developing an osteomyelitis (Bone Infection). 6 weeks intaveinously,and by mouth for a few months. I cannot tell you the number of specialists who have told me (without a test) that I suffered from yeast overgrowth. However I have been tested and gut biology/ is good.

 

Had TMS (lower lumbar pain and sciatica mostly likely as the result of trauma caused by the death of my parents), but no IBS or other gastrointestinal issues. GI worked just fine. Intermittent episodes of frequent urination while experiencing TMS pain though. The symptoms of TMS, it seems to me, can be various, but the underlying driving mechanism behind all of them is psychic stress. At least that's my take on it.

 

the only thing I can say is make sure you are taking all the right precautions and do it with the knowledge of your doctor.

you might want to investigate ketogenic diets for IBS also. good luck

 

The underlying mechanism is psychological stress; or anxiety – that's what I was getting at. For me, and others who have taken antibiotics or other medications which harmed our internal microbiome that may be the cause of said stress, hence why dealing with that may relieve the problem. This post is primarily directed at people who have gastrointestinal issues due to a microbial imbalance; if your G.I. has no problems this post I'm afraid won't offer much for you. I tried journaling, diet, exercise, meditation – nothing seems to calm my anxiety no matter what and it could very well be because I need to fix myself internally.

 

Yes, our doctor knows were undergoing the procedure; he's even interested in the results. We are taking every single precaution. Also, I'm done with diets; I've tried every single diet you could possibly imagine plus probiotics, managing stress, fermented foods, fermented yogurt. I've literally (and I mean literally) tried everything for IBS; if I'm lacking necessary bacteria within my system no diet or foods could ever give that back to me, FMT is the only option.

 

@ShaneM , we all have to do what we think is best for us. Good luck with the procedure & yes please do keep us informed of what happens afterwards.

Mala