Hi, does anyone else have symptoms of PTSD following treatment? I re-live the day of my surgery everyday and I'm not sure if this is usual. It's 2 years since my surgery and I'm still anxious about it all
Yes, I have and still do experience PTSD four years after my diagnosis and treatment. I had traumatic blood loss and a 10 day hospital stay, 3 of those days in ICU. Then chemo and radiation, both external an internal. Loud speaker announcements set me off, it reminds me of those I heard at the hospital. I have been seeing a therapist and it really helps. He helps me deal with things and gives me suggestions for coping. I try to "look out" vs "looking within" all the time. Prayer also helps me. It does get better, as time goes by. I hope knowing that you are not alone in this will help.
Thank you for sharing your story Laura - your experience sounds horrific. Mine is nowhere near as traumatic but I still relive my experience regularly. I was already incredibly anxious about my surgery when I then had a row with my surgeon in the anaesthetic room - entirely my fault but it has left me feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed by the whole experience. I recently started to read about PTSD and recognised lots of my symptoms. I was offered counselling at the time but turned it down - I feel a bit stupid given it is my own fault x
Don't feel stupid, you have the right to feel vulnerable and anxious. It is the doctor's job to comfort you, but unfortunately many doctors are not good at that. I don't know what is available where you are but our clinics have support groups that one can go to, free of charge. Talking about your experience will help you and others (it helps me to talk to people here). Keep me posted on your progress. x
Yes you're right, Dr's aren't always the best but as a nurse who has to work with this team, I'm still very uncomfortale with it. You're right I need to go and seek some proper support. I'll put it on my 'to do' list. It's so hard being a nurse when your ill - all my professional knowledge and judgement goes out of the window when Iit's me xx
