PTSD,Fear and abdominal problems

[Jeri1943]

Hi 

i am a 82y old Vietnam Vet with PTSD and other disabilities which necissitate wheelchair use.

.

Currently, i am visiting Alice Springs for two weeks and i know i am not in a position to defend either my wife or myself should the need arise.

This brings on a feeling of panic when moving about town which in turn creates abdominal reactions sometimes resulting in spontaneous diarrhea.  This terribly embarrassing.

I am currenly taking medication for my PTSD.

I know i should be able to control the situation, however i am now reluctant to go out.

It also concerns my wife as she is my carer.

I'm not sure if this is the right forum to talk about this, its creating concerns for me.

Thank you

[OhmeOhmy]

It's so hard when our health limits us in any way.  What you have shared is challenging stuff and unfortunately the more stressed you are about it, the worse it is.  PTSD is hard and feeling unsafe in your own body at the moment can trigger your PTSD symptoms.  Perhaps have a day or two in, a gentle relaxing self care day.  Take the pressure off yourself to do or be anything at the moment and allow yourself to  rest.

[Summer Rose]

Hello and a big warm welcome to the forum.  You are definitely in the right place to discuss your concerns.

Firstly, I want to thank you for your service to our country and express that I am very sorry that you are experiencing PTSD, other disabilities and using a wheelchair. Hugs to you.

It’s great that you have seen a professional and are taking medication for your condition but I’d like to gently point out that medication is not a “silver bullet”. Please be kind to yourself and try to release yourself from “should” thinking (eg I should be able to control …) because despite medication people can often be triggered and experience symptoms. You are not alone.
I agree with OhmeOhmy that taking the pressure off yourself could help. 

The beyondblue support line operates 24/7, is free and is staffed by professional counsellors. Perhaps you could call and try to talk through specific strategies to help you get out the door. The number is 1300 224 636.

I wish I could offer more help but I’m here to listen and provide any support that I can.

Kind thoughts to you

[Croix]

Dear New Member~

I'd like to join OhmeOhmy and RSummer Rose in welcoming you here to the forum -which is indeed an excellent place to come to.

To give you an idea where I"m coming from I'm a police vet only slightly younger than yourself also with physical disabilities, PTSD, depression and anxiety. This means I've some inkling of what you are going though, - not pleasant at all, it can rule one's life

I'll have to be blunt, please excuse me.

First some good news, I have the same problem as you, sudden onset of stress results in diarrhea and stomach cramps. I've had this for many years and it is controlled (by a quite effective medication that can be taken as a prevention as well as after the physical reaction has started (no, the rules here prohibit me from mentioning the names of any medications).

My psychiatrist started prescribing it a fair number of years ago, and I'm happy with it, no side effects and no bowel problems afterwards. Hopefully like me it will have no adverse reactions with any other medications you may be taking.

Being apprehensive about going out is another matter. Firstly PTSD, at least in my own case, made me hyper-vigilant, seeing potential troubles all the time, not always realistic.

Unfortunately in Alice springs at your age in a wheelchair you are not able to defend yourself or anyone else, and I've no idea how quickly police respond in that area (probably varies)

So I hate to say it but firstly have a word with your local copper and see which areas and times are trouble-prone.

Secondly do not venture into these areas.

As an aside in my case I'd contact the local police veterans association and see if smeone more fit wanted to accompany myself at times. I'd imagine there are equivalents for Vietnam or later vets in the area too.

Best of luck

Croix

[Jeri1943]

Many thanks. I have remembered the breathing techniques taught many years ago. A big help.

[Jeri1943]

Many thanks for reaching out.

[Jeri1943]

Excellent!! 
many thanks. You have hit the nail on on the head. A visit to a pharmacy today and his assistance was very helpful.

your advice about picking the right time of day to venture out has been reinforced by my grandson (a NT police officer currently o/s on leave)

I would love to say I’m enjoying my visit 😔😔 but it’s getting better.

Many thanks.

[Croix]

Dear Jeri1943~

I'm afraid things to tend to be a progression, PSTD gives us a suspicious mindset - plus other things, having one's body not work as one would like and reaching an older age  can all merge together.

The mindset to forestall, protect and tack charge is still there , but nothing to back it up, so on has to do what my commissioner said to me when he asked me as a fresh constable what the most important attribute of a copper was. I was green and said "honesty?".

"No son," he said, "it's humble but cunning"

I guess that's how you have to play it now, brains and plans..

If it is the medication I use myself it makes a world of difference (sorry can't say more)

Enjoy what you can - same goes for your wife

Croix