I honestly haven't considered TMS as a possible issue for my foot pain because I've been so certain that this is a running related injury. Yesterday a reader left me this great comment and it got me thinking:
Hi,
I saw your blog a few months ago when I was looking for other triathletes who (like me) had recoverd from TMS before. I was checking your blog again today and saw your post.
I wanted to encourage you not to rule out TMS again. In my own experiences, I've found that TMS can be very sneaky. In 2007, I was healed from some very chronic pains (back, neck, PF). Then in 2009, after being pain free for 2 yrs, I ran my 1st marathon after which I started having knee and achilles issues. I suffered for 5 months trying all manner of physical treatments and reducing training. Eventually, I treated as if it was TMS and the pain dissolved quickly (within days).
Just my opinion. Best of luck in whichever path you choose toward healing!
Enrique
Thank you Enrique! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your comment. I think that I'm going to spend a little time looking at this from the TMS viewpoint. The symptoms make sense - the pain has lasted for nearly 3 months, its a non-specific location and random timing, and it seems to be "untreatable" by doctors and physical therapists. My homework is to re-read my copy of "Mind Body Prescription" and start back with the journaling. Every time my foot twinges or tingles I say to myself "What is bothering you now" and "Relax - you cannot be perfect." I am hopeful and optimistic today.
If you or anybody you know is experiencing chronic pain, please consider the idea of the mindbody connection. If anyone is interested I have an 8 page summary of TMS (given to me by Dr. Sarno at my first appointment with him). If you have any questions or would like a copy of this summary please email me at kristagager@gmail.com.
6 comments:
You know, my Dad has been trying for years to foist this book upon me and I have resisted every step of the way. Not out of my own stubbornness, but because of the sheer amounts of information he is constantly sending me; overwhelming doesn't begin to describe it.
Like you I have a herniated disk at L5/S1 and a bulging one at L4/L5 (as described by the doctor who reviewed my MRI, "Not unusual in a woman this age." What age? So harsh!). I also have a matching set of labral tears in each hip, yeah me.
My back actually doesn't give me too much trouble, but every once in a blue moon I go down for the count. I'm thinking this book may be worth the read after all (don't tell my dad!).
I hope for you that it ends up being just the TMS. It sounds like that will be a manageable fix for you.
Krista and Regina - You both are amazing! It sucks that you both have injuries to deal with, but I absolutely love your resolve to find a solution and not just give up.
Good luck with your homework! I hope it helps!
Hi Krista,
I do suspect that this is TMS given your prior success in treating chronic pain.
You should be able to get big, huge improvement quickly upon your acceptance that this is TMS.
Best!
Enrique
Wow—I had never heard of this ailment before. I really do hope that your body convalesces and you are able to do all those things that you enjoy doing so much. It is never fun to train with pain.
—M
This is really interesting. Thanks for posting about it. I've never heard of it. Hope you're getting some relief!
We have a family friend who suffers from TMS, and complains of forefoot pain and lower back pain. TMS has given him physical pain that prevents him from doing things he loves like playing basketball, and also puts a mental strain on him.
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