_{Neuro-linguistic programming}

To be totally honest I don't believe in alternative therapy - never have. My background is Science - 4 years ago I retrained as a secondary school Physics teacher. So for me things are black and white. Alternative therapy has always seemed to me to be a way to make money out of desperately ill people who have run out of options.

and so here I am. One of those desperate people who really has run out of options. I was introduced to an NLP practioner. If you have never heard of NLP (I hadn't) it stands for Neuro-linguistic programming and basically is a way of changing your thinking patterns and behaviours. He suggested that even if he couldn't help me to improve my health that he could help me to improve other aspects of my life that have been affected because of my health and help me put my life back on track. To say I was skeptical would be an understatement.

However, It is really really working for me. I feel much better. Many of you know that I'm currently on a decreasing dosage of steroids. I've tried to come off them before and it was horrific. But not this time. I'm ok at the moment. I'm managing to work and live a really normal life.

I'm not saying it would work for everyone but this has really really changed me. For the first time since being diagnosed I feel positive and I don't feel ruled by IIH. I have got my life back. I can honestly recommend it - well certainly the guy I have been to see anyway. Certainly anyone who lives in the Midlands and wants contact details then let me know.

Hope everyone is having a pain free and happy day

I'm glad to hear it's helping. I really have found a benefit from most of the Alternative (Integrative) Therapies that I've tried. They're not a cure, but they definitely help. And, if you find a good practitioner, they're usually more willing to work w/ you on cost because they know it's not covered by insurance and they actually want you to get better. It's just a different philosophy..all encompassing and accepting. I'll look into NLP . Thanks for sharing!!!

Zoe, where are you getting the specifics on NLP? Is there a particular book that your practioner is using?
I have learned that some things we just cannot explain away. I too have always seen things as black or white but have since been hit across the head with the proverbial 2 X 4 enough times to know that there are some things that just plain work.
I know that my tolerance for pain is much greater than the "norm", and it is because of practicing "mind over matter." However, there are other areas where my mind could use some assistance. :roll:

Keep us informed on how you are doing I find this very interesting.

Wylee, The guy I have been to see has written his own book. I have just started reading it so I will let you know what its like when I've finished. Its called 'Beliefs and how to change them for good.' By Tony Burgess and Julie French. I can PM you the link to their website if you like
One of the things Tony got me to do was to start thinking about things that I am grateful for and I've started keeping a journal. Every day I write down something I am grateful for even if its just something small. I've tried to concentrate on positive things even when I really don't feel like it. It's been incredibly healing in a way. Its almost like a process of letting go - forgiveness in a way. I don't feel so angry with my IIH anymore. In one exercise we did he actually got me to communicate with my IIH. I felt stupid and uncomfortable to begin with but it has really helped open up how I feel about what IIH has done to me.

Zoe

Zoe, how is the program coming along? Are you still able to maintain a daily journal? What changes have you noticed?

Hi Wylee, Well I had an LP yesterday so am recovering at home. However my opening pressure was 20. The first opening pressure I have ever had that was under 30! I am down to one steroid tablet a day and so far minimal headaches. I am suffering with face pain and I can still hear my pulse in my right ear so its not all perfect. However, dare I say it, I feel I might be heading for remission. Yet 8 weeks ago my neurosurgeon was adamant I needed a shunt.

I am still keeping an almost daily journal and trying to concentrate on things I can be positive about. That hasn't been easy as I have lost my job due to IIH in the last 8 weeks. However the NLP has given me the strength to deal with it.

I don't think NLP is a miracle cure but I do think it has helped enormously. Put it this way - 8 weeks ago my neurosurgeon told me there was no other way out. I was going to be really ill as soon as I came off those steroids I would be back to the old IIH we all know and hate. Before the steroids I was bid ridden so I didn't fancy that much. NLP gave me strength and determination. It helped me to separate me from the IIH. I lost who I was. I'm still poorly but nothing like before. I am not living my life reaching for the tramadol. I am a functioning normal human being and it feels great

Thanks for asking. Hope you are well.

Wow Zoe, this sounds very promising indeed. What is the link for the NLP? I am interested.

This is a good definition of NLP. If you google NLP there is some good stuff but there is some equally rubbish stuff
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/NLP

This is a link to Tony who has been working with me. He is based in Staffordshire in the UK but does do coaching over the phone. Most of his work is training people to be NLP practitioners and his website reflects that. http://www.aha-success.co.uk/coachingforcoachesandtrainers.html

I should stress there is no 'healing' involved. It is really about positive mental attitude I suppose and reprogramming yourself not to be so negative.

This is a link to a video Tony suggested to me - its based around Cancer but worth watching as its about how the mind can heal the body

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YFUmYVtXxA&feature=youtu.be

This is really interesting..I'm really glad it's working for you and the IIH has been managable!