I have been keeping all the replys concerning the possibility that TM is
related to stress. They really hit me hard.
I divorced five years prior to TM (something I didn't want to happen); was
engaged to a wonderful man I wasn't able to marry (his kids were
unbelievable); went back to college and graduated while trying to manage a
large home and three children, who were teenagers at the time. In addition, I
had nine (9) surgeries prior to TM:--three (3) D&C's; partial hysterectomy;
full hysterectomy; cancer of the thyroid (full thyroid removed); two (2)
additional surgeries on my neck as a result of a diseased saliva gland and
many, many enlarged lymph nodes (five inch incisions both times); and basil
cell carcenoma on my face (this incision was 1-1/2" long by 1/2" wide and was
smack down the middle of my cheek.
The good part being I was about to start my first job since I stopped working
when I was 22 (I was 45 at onset of TM) and pregnant with first child. So
this was very special. Unfortunately, two weeks before my first day on the
job, I started with TM symptoms. The rest is pretty standard. Needless to
say, I wasn't able to start my job, and haven't worked since TM began July 17,
1989.
I have read countless articles and books about the effect of stress on our
bodies and minds. Who knows, maybe there is a connection here.
PatS.