PTSD from serious illnesses and pain

[sadcat 0]

Hi

 

I am new here. 

I have ptsd and anxiety, and depression. Also get some depersonalization.

I have a few major serious illnesses - the most serious of which are a heart problem caused by pneumonia and c****r. I also have sciatica in my neck with 4 herniated discs. And spinal stenosis in my lower back in 4 vertibra. 

 

Problems slow me down some, but I never allow them to stop me. I am here to learn and grow - and to receive help and to help others. 

 

In my spare time - i go to the gym 4 times a week and play between 2 and 6 hours of piano a day. 

 

DO you have any serious illnesses to mention/discuss and how you feel about them and deal with them?

 

hugs

[Gilly 1086]

Hi sadcat, I sure do! I have ptsd too from having crohns disease for 30 yrs, serious many times over the years. I can relate to you A LOT.

 

Look forward to seeing you around

[jonathan123 2368]

Hi sadcat. It is change for someone to come on here who has had a really serious illness and not an imaginary one! I am not being unkind when I say that because anxiety is invariably the cause of so much physical distress. In your case, and from what you describe, I am not surprised you have PSTD. If I may say you certainly have the right attitude to your problem. Going to the gym and working out takes some courage after what you have had, so give yourself a pat on the back. You can certainly learn and grow here because we all speak from experience for which there is no substitute. Helping others is what it is all about so we look forward to hearing more from you.  Welcome to AC.      Jon.

[heidi_christine 2]

I do from thyroid c****r and chronic headaches for 13 years which I had 3 jaw surgeries for that never helped. Elevator music triggers it because it takes me back to doctors/dentist offices. I'm such a hypochondriac these days. Right now my concern is ms. Last month was a brain tumor, and the month before that was uterine c****r. It is always a real concern but I am starting to see the pattern. Anxiety stays the same but the focus shifts

[Ihadcancer 321]

Hi Sadcat!  I had Colon Canzer in Jan. 2008 and surgery/ chemo.  In Feb. 2012 they found a spot on my liver.  It was AFTER my liver resection and healing without pain meds that I developed severe health anxiety.  My gastro told me they're actually calling this 'Chronic Disease Post Traumatic Stress Disorder' and when I mentioned it to my onc, he said he'd heard the same thing. 

Since having canzer,  the smallest thing is HUGE to me.  I woke during the night with a UTI starting and went right to the walk in clinic today.  The doctor put me on a med and I Googled the RARE side effects and am waiting for them to appear.  UGH.  The RN said the dip stick said 'some WBC's, moderate RBC's and protein.  Now I KNOW protein is common in UTI's and I know my blood is tested every 6 months for kidney function before my CT/ MRI and is very good for my age, but my brain is caught up on that word and I Googled.  

I had a disagreement with a member on AZ about this.  I cannot imagine going to a therapist who has never faced death and having her/ him understand how my brain works!  Plus, the fear that comes each 6 months when I have blood work 1 week, scans on week 2 and results at the end of the next week.  

So,  I understand how you feel and believe we are a totally different 'animal' than those who have fears related to ****, war, etc.  We cannot understand what they feel anymore than they can understand our fear of illness.  

Diane