Ptsd Affecting Physical Health

[MissMacD]

When my PTSD wears me down I get really really sick. I am going to my doctor this week for a check up. I suspect that I am developing pneumonia again and I can feel some sort of infection taking over my body. Not feeling good in my mind always eventually ends up as a physical illness. I am also getting checked for fibermyalgia because I have constant pain in many of my muscles from years of being tense.

Anyone else in this boat because I find it really interesting how our mental health can affect our all over physical heath. Every year around Christmas I get sick like this. My trauma really began around the Christmas that I turned 6.

I literally lose the ability to thrive.

 

[Tanishq]

It has happened to me, so yes.

When you get ptsd, you have so many things to deal with. Human body is also connected with emotional layers. Depends how you respond ptsd and the things come across your way.

This doesn't mean you can't solve those physical issues. You can do it.

MissMacD, there must be trauma, memory or emotions related with that illness. If you get to reach its root, the solution will be there itself.

I am sorry you're going through rough conditions.

 

[Shellbell]

Yes PTSD has worsened my physical illnesses, including IBS which is painful and I suspect I may have a mild form of fibromyalgia, as I have a lot of pain in most of the areas normally associated with fibro, which considering I have a high pain threshold, means it must be pretty bad. I also get alot of headaches and feel worn down and unwell.

I think a lot of sufferers of PTSD, will also relate to having some physical illnesses as well.

 

[Britt.f7]

I was told that stress can effect the body and PTSD is definitely stress. However, according to my doctors, you have to have a predisposition to something, like, say headaches, colds, etc., for it to act out in those ways. That would include the more serious illnesses too. Stress doesn't cause it but exasperates it. I know my illness gets worse when I'm stressed. Depending on the condition I already am in when it happens, it can really take a toll on my body.

I hope you feel better soon. Visualization might help you with the tense muscles. Not everyone can do that though. Same with yoga or tai chi. I wish you all well.

 

[MissMacD]

When I had a job I had a hot yoga membership and saw an acupuncturist a few times a month but now that I am unemployed I no longer have the income to pay for those things. It did help some with my symptoms but it never lasted long.

It is the first time in years that I have slowed down long enough to evaluate myself and it's scary. I've been outrunning my trauma for years by packing my days full of things to do but it has always been one step behind me.

 

[Britt.f7]

Miss Mac D, it has to come out in some way, even if your mind isn't totally cooperating. I use to be a workaholic. It kept the demons away for awhile until I could not run from them anymore. I ended up in a hospital for women who suffered from sexual abuse/ptsd.

I'm sure there are visualizations, or other free things you can find on the internet. You have to be open to them, of course, in order for them to work. Try some of the hot yoga moves that you do remember in the safety of your home. Personally, I stink at all the things I mentioned, but I know they have helped others on here.

Let us know if you find anything that works for you. I might just try it myself then.

 

[Ayasha]

Yes, when I am having a lot of ptsd symptoms I notice my asthma gets worse--usually to the point I need to use my inhaler.

I'm really good at distracting myself/dissociating from my past but now I know if my asthma is bad for no apparent reason I've been burying something. I guess I need to stop running and face my problems so my lungs get a break. :cautious:

 

[mamachick]

When I am having ptsd symptoms I notice that it takes a toll on my immune system. I finally went to dr today and have bad sinus infection and had laryngitis.

This is also the time of the year of my abuse, so all the Christmas stuff is a reminder and I want to fast forward to the new year.

On top of that, I received an annonymous 4 am threatening call. I know it would not have been that disturbing to a non ptsd person-it was just one call. My nervous system feels shot and have had to up the xanax, still not helping.

An example of how emotions effect our physical health is the fact that anger not dealt with causes heart disease. It certainly is a motivator to remedy, but I too have trouble with all the things such as yoga now. I just cant relax

 

[Tanishq]

Stress doesn't cause it but exasperates it. I know my illness gets worse when I'm stressed.

When I am having ptsd symptoms I notice that it takes a toll on my immune system.

This both things have happened to me. I suffered frequent urination when stress got increased. It was horrible. But right now it is decreasing now.

It did help some with my symptoms but it never lasted long.

MissMacD, you'll have to be consistent at yoga through out the year to get its best benefits and go for long term goal. I assure you, things will start getting better and better. But it is very challenging. Just this week I could do yoga for once. I will do it today. I have been walking regularly.

 

[Britt.f7]

I have been walking regularly

My Endo doc, suggested that I get an exercise bike for at home for the days I can not leave here. Worried about saying anything to my spouse about it. I so want to make him happy and go work out at the gym.

 

[Tanishq]

My Endo doc, suggested that I get an exercise bike for at home for the days I can not leave here.

I think you're missing something here. I didn't get you properly. You doc suggested you exercise bike, so you can get out of home?

May I ask, Why are you worried to share this concern with your spouse?

 

[Britt.f7]

Jaret, my doctor, who I was honest about not being able to leave my house because of my depression, suggested that I get an exercise bike so that I can, at least, have some physical activity. He understands my anxiety and fear(I was actually surprised). But he also wants me to be active. I hope that this clears it up. Sounds a little confusing to me right now. :confused:

I'm not sure why I am worried. He is nothing but supportive. We do have a tread mill that he bought me a dozen years ago that sits in the basement. I hate being in the basement. I'm trying to muster the courage to ask him to bring it up into our small living area. It will have to wait until after Christmas or we won't be able to have a tree. He really is a good guy. I'm not sure why I am hesitant.

Thanks for asking. You can always ask me to clear something up that I said. Hopefully I'll be able to do it! ;)