Serious discussion on PTSD

[pearl]

Post traumatic stress has been flaring up lately. Two long panic
attacks in less than a wk. I think it's delayed reaction to 911.
However, this is a diag. from around '92. Anybody else notice this?
BTW, I've already got drs. Just interested.

[DUreader]

1. I can't get into a serious discussion about this now but will bump it

up to the top

[pearl]

2. Thanks

Actually, doesn't have to be too serious.
I'm sort of medicated right now anyway.
Anybody else want to weigh in?
Actually, I'm just weary of all the fighting.

[Kanary]

3. "Anybody else want to weigh in?"

Do you want anything from a newcomer?

Kanary

[pearl]

5. Sure

Welcome To DU :bounce:

[Kanary]

12. 'K, then...

Thanks for the welcome.... rather dizzying here.... ^_^ I feel quite apprehensive here, given the amount of invective that I see freely thrown around. But, I'll give it a go..

First of all, I'm really sorry to hear what you've been dealing with. I have some idea of what that all entails, and I know the struggle is harsh.

I can only give responses from my own perspective, as I don't know much about your situation. So, I may be waaay off base....

I think a whole lot of us are really floundering, whether we are experiencing PTSD or other symptoms. Again, from my perspective, lots of factors.... not much supportive interaction anymore, society is much harsher than it used to be, hard to find an "I care" anywhere, and, for those of us who are sensitive, we pick up on the slings and arrows quicker, and react deeper. Our sensitivity is a plus, but... it's hard to live with if we don't have the support for it.

There.. that's my perspective... you probably have others..

Kanary

[pearl]

14. Thanks for sharing

Yes, 'Survival of the fittest' seems to be making people alot
meaner these days. Just taking care to not be around mean people
to much. Before 911, I was a real news junkie, but now the
fear mongering, war mongering, lying partisan polling pundits are killing me. You've heard the term "Gone Postal" Well I'm trying to
"Go Fiction" It's kind of hard though. Not much fiction these days!

[Kanary]

15. Gone Fishin'?

er... Fiction? ^_^ I was never a movie person, and now I'm watching quite a few. Some of the old comedies are kinda cool now. ^_^

Yup, I gave up news a long time ago, also, and politics is about to go out the window, also. sigh... I'm glad to know you are taking care of yourself. It's very sad we have to put on armor, but.... kinda the way it is.

Again, I can only speak from my perspective.. what I find very difficult is that I'm an extrovert, so that pulling away in protection doesn't help a lot. sigh... Are you introvert or extrovert... or ..... Right now, I really envy introverts...

Kanary

[pearl]

16. I'm sort of both

Kind of because of MPD, Yet I have a lovely "chosen" family here
in Chicago, babies and all. kind of keeps me in reality.
I did have to kick out my roomate earlier in the year. As we were
roomates on 911. She's a non voting anarchist, although, I was quite
dissociated for months anyway.

[Kanary]

17. Glad you were able to "choose" a family!

Yeah, I have aspects of both, also.... kinda common. But, the extrovert part is the strongest in a lot of ways.

Can you say more about why the roomie had to go because of 9/11?

As for me, I'm really tired of having physical problems, and having nobody really care, but wanting me to care about *their* problems. The one-way stuff has worn me out.

Kanary

[pearl]

19. Well not immediately after 911

But about a year and 1/2. Well just real combative all the time,
and harder because she was gone for long hours during most of the
day and then things changed and was hanging around alot and quit her
job. Just change in dynamics and needs.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jiacinto]

6. What a snide post

nt

[TennesseeWalker]

8. I agree.

Be nice, folks.

[Pastiche423]

18. It isn't nice that he/she can afford doctors?

[Andy_Stephenson]

9. nt

[pearl]

7. Not Really paying

Disabled and on medicare. plus my drs. get my meds and treat me
at no cost. A long term relationship, due to many battles.
Crossed over, so to speak.

[pearl]

10. C'mon Guys

I'm safe, and thanks Jacinto.

[Zorba607]

11. my fiance too

a new yorker whose 'anniversary' of her rape falls dangerously close to 911. This has led me to seriously dread the months of september and october. You have my greatest sympathy, I've dealt with various addictions and psych ailments and I've never seen anyone in as much torment as she.
Are you trying a particular therapy (cog-behavioral or that rapid eye shit)? I'm looking for a specialist in sofla and I'm just curious as to what treatments are used and their effectiveness.
Again, the best of luck to you. Enjoy the benzos.

[pearl]

13. A combination of things

Psychotherapy when needed and anti anxiety when needed.
Right now both. I feel for your fiance. Patience and self care.
Never give up because you can come out on the other side.
Just fight the hopelessness. Peace
Journaling, painting (even if you don't think you can paint)

[southerngirlwriter]

23. EMDR worked miracles for me

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (if I remember right).

I suffered PTSD for years after being beaten and robbed at gunpoint while delivering pizza (I was an 18 year old girl, and there were 4 men, and I readily handed over the money. They were just vicious assholes).

EMDR completely cured me of flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks in less than three months. It's been 6 years now, and no problems of any kind related to the PTSD diagnosis.

[jumptheshadow]

20. Hi Pearl

I was diagnosed with PTS in October 2001. It was due to events surrounding 9/11, but I can't go into all the details here. For various reasons it may be years before I can talk about all the details. I have only skimmed over the events in my past posts.

I found myself having a completely involuntary reaction to stimuli like sirens, airplanes and helicopters. I would go into a shock-like state, often followed by a panic attack. I had difficulty descending into the subways. Literally I had to fight to get down those stairs. Luckily my partner has good insurance and I got great care. I took a few months off and stayed in my brother's quiet suburban home in upstate New York.

I moved back to NY about 14 months ago. Six months ago I saw the doctor. She told me I am making a good recovery and evaluated me as being at about 80 percent. Having a time-consuming, responsible job with my own bright, pretty office helped. I have found, however, that I must live life quietly. For me, that means watching comedies or goofy movies that have no violence, strolls in the Botanic Garden, meditation and listening to relaxing music (often light classical). Mildly scented candles with soft fragrances help. Long baths soothe me.

Certain stresses related to the blackout brought a temporary setback. But I know I am much better now. I'm probably at 95 percent. I can travel the subways without fear. Sirens and helicopters still bother me but they don't induce shock or panic. I notice when the city goes on high alert. But I'm okay.

I am back to watching the political news again. I turn off anything related to the war. I can't imagine what those poor folks are going through. My heart goes out to them.

[pearl]

21. Hi Jump the Shadow

Thanks for speaking up. I wasn't in NY, but Chicago was pretty
freaky. Just be patient with yourself and stay safe, emotionally
and otherwise. Remember, only you know your path to healing. There
are really no formulas, only your comfort level. Take care!

[mandyky]

22. I lived with a Nam vet (Marine sniper) for 8 years

He had PTSD and aputation trauma and I have my own PTSD from that and being battered. 911 also hit me hard. Mine has culminated in agorophobia (fear to leave the house), but it is not total, I just need time to motivate and feel like leaving - safe, calm, etc.

[pearl]

24. I've got a touch of agorophobia also

but manage to get out some. I hope you're managing ok.
I felt if I brought it up here I might not feel so alone.
Peace.

[pearl]

25. Signing off for now

Be kind, Peace.

[alfredo]

26. i have dealth with it nearly all my life.

I was diagnosed by accident. I went in to volunteer for an Attention Deficit disorder study. They Dr talked with me for two hours. He said that I was not a candidate for the study, but I am, 'the poster child' for PTSD.

It is not fun, but not the end of the good times.

[pearl]

27. Bump for the AM

Just curious to see if any others want to discuss this.

[scarlet_owl]

28. Pearl, I'm sending you hugs.

I have been diagnosed with PTSD, and mine is from a very traumatic abusive relationship. Hang in there and make sure that you have a support system. My family knows about my problems and I never go shopping, to the doctor, well, anywhere alone. How long do your attacks last?

[pearl]

29. A long time

The one on fri.10/24 lasted 7 hrs., Thurs. 10/30 lasted 5 hrs.
Sort of like a migraine style panic attack. I do have the best
drs. and friends, Thanks for the hugs. I'll be fine.

[Lindsey]

30. Hey sister

love you and thinkin' about ya!

[Stone Cold]

31. I know how you feel...

....I don't know if Anxiety Disorder is the same thing, but I've been experiencing panic attacks for 3 years now. It's hell to live with it, but, with the right treatment, it goes away. Zoloft has helped me out a lot and I haven't had a panic attack in a year or so. My panic attacks lasted anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. I'd have to call my mom in the middle of the night just to help me get over it.

[pearl]

32. Yes indeed

I know that, "It's never going to end feeling"
Night All!