Dear Dr. Sarno,
About twelve years ago I suffered from lower back pain that radiated down my hips and legs. The only time I was pain-free was when I was in the shower with hot water cascading down my back. I feared this now-chronic pain would be with me the rest of my life.
After an X-ray and MRI, I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. I refused a cortisone shot and rejected back surgery but agreed to physical therapy. Several treatments later with no improvement, the PT asked me about my life and learned that I had attended 21 funerals in the past two years, among them my closest friend of 32 years and both parents. He recommended reading your books and a visit with your “disciple,” local doctor Marc Sopher, M.D.
Dr. Sopher diagnosed TMS and recommended I get some grief counseling. His diagnosis, the counseling, and reading your books all resulted in my back pain gradually disappearing, and I have been pain-free since.
Thank you Dr. Sarno for all you have done for all of us who no longer suffer from chronic pain. I wish you many years of a happy retirement.
Diane R