Day 4 What the doctor said

The last time I went to see a doctor was about 2 years ago. They did an MRI of both of my knees and found that I have gonarthrosis. They suggested 2 types of treatment, both very expensive and not covered by the insurance and both of them without any guarantee to help at all. The final option is total knee replacement, but I am too young for that (42) and there is also not enough guarantee this would help.
So I went to see another doctor. He told me my condition was mild to moderate, nothing abnormal really. He suggested physical therapy and hyaluron injection. I spent a lot of money on both, hyaluron acctually made my pain worse.
Last month I went to a pain clinic. The doctor told me, that this type of diagnosis does not necessarily cause pain. He never heard about TMS.
My MRI was basically the same in 2014 and 2016, but the pain became really severe and constant in 2017, after I had a brain stroke.
I also have a lot of pain in my arms, and neck also numbness, very often stomach pain. I'm not going to see any more doctors about these. I'm convinced it's TMS. There are times (usually in the evening) when there is no pain at all.
The worst problem for me is anxiety. I've had it for many years, and it has worsened after my stroke, alongside with pain. I take medication for that, but I want to stop. When I feel more anxious, also the pain gets worse. I used to run and hike a lot to get rid of the tension and anxiety, but now I can't because of the pain. So it's kind of a vicious cycle and I can't find my way out.
Still I go for a 30 minute walk every day, despite of the pain, and hoping I can make it longer as I do this program.
I am determined to find my way out of this maze!

 

Hi Ivanka,

Nice to get to know you, and welcome. It seems your careful understanding of what the specialists have told you (and the results of some treatement) is that there is nothing acutely wrong with you. I think you are wise to treat your myriad symptoms as TMS. One of the interesting pieces is the trauma which may have helped kick this off: the stroke.

I am happy you're doing this! This activity sends a message to your subconscious that you're OK, and you know you're OK.

Good luck in your work.

Andy B

 

Andy,
thank you very much for your kind words and your support. I was happy to see your reply this morning. I fell less alone and understood after a long time