Trauma – PTSD

Question:

I have been reading for some time, and sure could use some input.  I was a nurse for 30 years, mostly critical care, E.R. , etc.  I also spent 8 years or so on the streets working a program for drug addicted pregnant women and their kids.  Lots of high risk stuff, shot at once, etc.  I have retired, (2 years now) and I am still waiting for my beeper to go off.  Lots of flashbacks of the most awful events, nightmares, and recently…some vague hallucinations, sensing someone behind me.  Poor sleep, lack of concentration ( I have lost money twice).  Prefer to sit on my couch.  In a restaurant, or in any crowd, when others hear the murmer of conversation, I hear each one, each person, until I become overwhelmed.   Does any of this make sense?

Response:

I’m certanly no expert but it sounds to me like you may have PTSD, talk to your doctor, and make sure you tell him/her all the stuff you just wrote and anything else. I imagine after being in/going through all the mess you’ve seen other people do to themselfs,  you MUST have some affects of it. I don’t see how any human can go through crap and not be affected in some way…… good luck (((((((HUGS))))))) Cherri

Response:

Hi bdsites! > I have been reading for some time, and sure could use some input.

Welcome from lurker land! > Does any of this make sense?

Sure does.  I think your experience is the reason that Critical Incident Debriefing (or whatever it’s actually called) is commonly done now for police, firefighters etc. I suggest that you go to a doctor and get a referral for evaluation by a psychiatrist or whoever is doing evaluations in your medical system.  There is help; there is hope; there is relief from these symptoms … but the professionals are the ones to diagnose.  We cannot do it on this ng. :/ Smile and there will be something to smile about! Nancy

Response:

thank you sooo much for responding.  This is really tough, and compounded by childhood stuff. I feel like the plumber who cannot fix his own sink. Debbie

Response:

Thanks for responding.  Sometimes I feel I am no longer connecting with people.  I appreciate the affirmation, and I have made an appointment with a psychiatrist on July 16. Damn!

Response:

Hi Debbie, I know exactly how you feel, I recently discovered that I have PTSD, and it is all quite overwhelming. Glad to hear you’ve made an appointment, and I think that recognising that you have a problem is a BIG step! and following up on it by seeking out medical help is the next big step! Were taking them together, and we’ll make out ok! We CAN do this! :0) (((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))) Cherri PS, keep in touch, let us know how it goes. When is it?

Response:

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