Not sure if I have PTSD

[DaphanyReynolds]

Hi, I've never been on a forum before...

I was in hospital in isolation for around 15 days and due to an autoimmune response to pnemonia my face and body were disfigured. I couldn't recognize myself in the mirror, barely open my mouth because my lips were so swollen and I needed breathing assistance. After leaving the hospital and my face healing up I still Have trouble recognizing myself because I had lost so much weight during the process (which isn't a bad thing) but it freaks me out. Now that I'm home I can't sleep because everytime I close my eyes I see my face all disfigured, when i cough I start having a panic attack because I think I'm going to choke again and I'm extremely high strung. I already have a panic disorder which isn't helping the situation but i was wondering if anyone could shed some light on this? I'de like to stop re living the whole experience but it won't go away and it's basically all I think about all the time and it really scares me. Thanks in advance for any advice or similar stories.

[Guest_5218]

Hi Daphany, and welcome to the Forums. Good on you for having the courage to post and seek some clarification for yourself.

Can I ask how long ago you were in hospital where all this took place? The reason I ask is because ptsd is not normally diagnosed until up to 6 months after a traumatic event.

Many people experience some kind of traumatic event, from the unexpected death of a loved one to a motor vehicle accident, at some point in their lifetime. However not all people will develop PTSD as a result.

It is important to remember that just because you are experiencing symptoms which are typical of PTSD, it does not necessarily mean you have PTSD. PTSD cannot be diagnosed until at least 30 days following a traumatic event. This is because many PTSD-like symptoms are actually part of your body's natural response to a traumatic event, and for most people, these symptoms will gradually reduce over time

I would however suggest that you monitor yourself for the following things which can be a sign that you may be at risk for developing PTSD:

• Loss of interest - It is important to keep an eye out for a loss of interest in activities that you used to once enjoy, as well as feelings of being detached from others.
• Avoidance - After a traumatic event, it is very common to avoid certain situations, activities or people. Pay attention to avoidance behaviors as it can lead to a worsening of symptoms and eventually PTSD.
• Unhealthy coping behaviors - The symptoms people experience after a traumatic event can be very distressing. So it can be a trap to start substance abuse (drugs or alcohol) as a way of avoiding the symptoms. Avoidance is only a short-term solution, and in the long-run, can cause your feelings and thoughts to become more intense.

I would suggest that you do further research about PTSD on the BB Website. There are some very helpful resources under the Get Support and The Facts sections found below in the blue section. PTSD information can be found under Anxiety, which is the umbrella under which it falls.

Speak to your GP about how you are feeling. And speak to family and friends. Its important you have adequate support right now. You have experienced a very distressing ordeal, so it may be beneficial to have some counselling from a psychologist. I would suggest that you mention this to your GP who will be able to give you a referral. With proper care, I hope this will be enough to prevent you from developing PTSD.

Good luck.

Sherie xx

[Just Sara]

Hi and welcome Daphne;

Firstly I want to say your experience sounds extraordinarily scary. You must've been very concerned as I'm sure your doctors were too.

What you describe are post traumatic responses to a very abnormal situation. It's not necessarily PTSD until other noticeable and increasing responses become evident over time. But it doesn't mean what you're experiencing isn't a major problem.

Also, having a panic disorder, your trauma will feed into what already exists within your mental health as a matter of course. So seeking psychological and psychiatric assistance is a must. Your GP will help with this I'm sure.

I woke up during surgery in Feb this year due to the anaesthesiologist neglecting to check the canula in my arm which had disconnected. I was wide awake and yelling for help while she continued to only check the drip feed. I heard sharp pitched drills, metal hammering and my body was being shaken and jerked up and down and from side to side. It was horrendous and I thought I wouldn't survive the ordeal until someone said there was a puddle on the floor. I woke in post-op in medical shock. What helped me to recover was bringing it out in the open with the hospital and Health Care Complaints Commission. I found my voice. I also had amazing people to talk to and felt safe to express the internal screaming I was left with afterwards.

Joining our forum is a courageous act and is a credit to your need to find peace and clarity with what you're going through. Please don't let it go on too long before seeking medical and mental health advice and referral.

I wish you well, so please let us know how you go. My kindest thoughts go out to you...Dizzy xo

[Cold_Mirror]

Hello Daphany. I second the advice from Sherie. It is better that you seek help earlier rather than later. It sounds like you've been through a terrible ordeal! I hope that you have a gp that you can talk to about getting the best support.

Keep posting here too. I'm sure that people will help as much as they can.

Wishing you well.