Sufferer Putting it out there - workplace violence & assault

[wrongtime.wrongplace]

Hello,
This is my first venture into a forum or group specifically for PTSD. Up until now, I have kept my thoughts, feelings etc confined to my treating team and family members.
My diagnosis with PTSD came about after workplace violence and assault around 18 months ago.
Since the incident, I have suffered from continuous insomnia, panic attacks,nausea, vomiting, nightmares, and generalized anxiety. I was also put into a coma 8 months ago for 10 days which was brought on by aspirating vomit during a panic attack and developing aspiration pneumonia.
So I have been fighting to recover from PTSD alongside fighting to recover from a coma that damaged me physically. (muscle loss, memory issues, voice problems, breathing problems).
It’s all been a pain in the butt to put it mildly.
It’s like one step forward two steps back.
But......perhaps things are improving, have started EMDR today with the psychologist I have been seeing weekly since the incident that gave me PTSD.
Thank you for reading my simplified story.

 

[MrMoonlight]

Welcome friend. Glad you made it here.

If you don't mind me asking about your coma I'd like to know more about your experience with coma related memory loss.

I was also in a coma for a couple weeks from double pneumonia, ARDS, chest tubes..etc. The had to remove some of my rib, lung and fibrous sac around my lungs. I do feel like it affected my memory though I have never sought information so you understanding may help me.

Do comas cause memory loss?

 

[EveHarrington]

Welcome!

 

[wrongtime.wrongplace]

Welcome friend. Glad you made it here.

If you don't mind me asking about your coma I'd like to kno...

Hi MrMoonlight,
The specialist told me that prolonged periods of hypoxia will cause damage to the brain that can affect memory. She also said that high doses of the paralyzing drugs sometimes needed such as was my case over a long period of time can also cause damage and memory loss. There’s also other factors such as the actual trauma of the coma experience itself providing double dose of potential memory affecting badness on top of existing PTSD brain related dysfunctions.
So in my case I am undergoing MRI to see if there is brain damage from the coma and testing to find out the functional loss since coma. I am not sure if my answer fills any gaps for you, but feel free to ask more.

 

[MrMoonlight]

So in my case I am undergoing MRI

Man I am so happy you found your way here. No doubt for your benefit, but selfishly I think of myself too and the benefit I just received. Nice to meet you.

Was the MRI a recommendation from a GP or Psychiatrist? I'm on SSI not sure if they would cover that.

But I had a terrible time with my case. I really was moments maybe hours from death before reaching the hospital. The doctors were even saying how I suffered because they were having a tough time inserting the 5 thumb sized chest tubes into my chest. They said I actually thanked them for having the knowledge to help me. Guess it touched the doctors. I was on a ventilator for 14 days until they said I had to come off or risk my body becoming too used to the thing breathing for me. I was full psychosis coming out thinking or having lived through many most hideous living dreams.

Anyway sorry to go off a bit, I'll save it for my trauma diary some day.

 

[wrongtime.wrongplace]

Hey
The MRI has been recommended by the respiratory specialist who treated me while I in hospital in the coma. I see her every 3 months for review and last appointment she suggested MRI as memory loss is an ongoing issue that isn’t resolving.
I am currently fighting with insurance as they claim that the coma wasn’t related to the PTSD. It’s a no brainer to me. Trigger+flashbackPanic attacknausea+vomitingaspiration of vomitaspiration pneumonia=PTSD related complication.
Why is it all a battle. I am positive sufferers would have a better recovery prognosis if we were provided with the assessments and treatment we need under insurance instead of having to fight every single request we submit.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

Welcome to the forums :hug: