Friday's Here!
Oh Eileen, I'm so sorry that you are now dealing with the symptoms of PTSD. I hope you've discussed this with your therapist. When my anxiety was at its worst, my therapist taught me different coping strategies for working through the attacks, preferably without the alcohol or food. They included deep breathing exercises, visualization exercises, and Mindfulness Meditation. If you have a smart phone, there's an app I use for that. Can't remember if it was free or not.
I wish I could do something to help you right now. Unfortunately, the only thing I can do is encourage you to talk about these symptoms with your therapist.
Hugs.
Albert Schweitzer
We have talked about it, but I thought I was doing OK. Then this happened. I noticed the mindless eating. And the extreme exhaustion. And severe headaches. The coach I had for my weight management program suggested some coping strategies for my emotional eating, finding something to do with my hands. So I need to follow through. I just feel out of it, you know. Right now I'm dealing with a headache. And I'm trying to concentrate at stuff at work. I think people at work think I'm doing well, but really, I'm not. I just put on a brave front.
Eileen, of course you feel out of it. Extreme exhaustion is common for what you've been through. Recovery for any sort of PTSD is kind of like three steps forward, two steps backward. Things could be going great, then all of a sudden, something, anything, will trigger a panic or anxiety attack. Plus, regardless of how you're thinking things are going, you have probably not had a decent night's sleep since it happened, and that just compounds the problem.
I'm speaking from personal experience, because I had a lot of panic and anxiety attacks for years, and also would get legitimately sick, with a real fever, when planning a trip by myself. Turns out they were all related, and were traced back to childhood trauma I experienced.
Hang in there.
Hugs.
Albert Schweitzer
Good Afternoon Ladies....
Thanks for all your kind words and prayers. Jim is scheduled to have a paracentesis procedure this afternoon to drain the fluid from his abdomen. First they've given him intravenous diuretics to get rid of the edema/fluids in his legs, up to his thighs - then the procedure on his abdomen. He should feel a lot better, but they say he may have to have it done on a regular basis. Of course, now he says he'll follow doctors' orders to the letter and take his meds as prescribed. I've heard that before - time will tell. It's his choice - he doesn't listen to me.
Still tired - went to visit him at the hospital. I'm thinking he will get released tomorrow, but that's only a guess. Apparently, they also doing a cardio work-up to be sure he hasn't caused any damage to his heart. Doesn't have any symptoms but they are being extra thorough.
Will catch up with you all tomorrow. Prayers and good wishes to all.
Mary
HW: 380 SW: 324 GW: 175
Mary, years ago I was hospitalized with my swollen legs. It was when I was at my highest weight, and they did a thorough cardio work-up on me while there, including a nuclear stress test. A year later, I was able to use the results of that test as one of the clearances to prepare for my gastric bypass.
My Mom hates going to doctors, and it gets really scary at times. She has had pneumonia multiple times, which means she's susceptible to getting it every time she gets a cold. Sure enough, she refuses to see a doctor when she's congested, and usually becomes sick with bronchitis before giving in and seeing a doctor. If left to her own devices, she'll end up with pneumonia again. I usually end up yelling at her. And, I get little satisfaction when that happens.
Hugs.
Albert Schweitzer
