Ptsd Affecting Physical Health

[FaerieJayne]

My PTSD symptoms are really bad at present and I keep getting anything going around. I have had one thing after another. stomach flu, head cold, normal flu, chest infection, throat infection etc etc. Right now I am in and out of fevers from a throat and sinus infection. When we are emotionally spent, I think our bodies are physically going to decide to be unwell also... I don't know. I get a lot of muscle pains, aches, headaches etc.

 

[Tanishq]

I had the same problem. When I was going outside I would get fearful and instantly get stressed. Even thoughts about bladder problems and would get downward immediately. I didn't set any long target.

Britt, I think when you set some goal that can be putting lots of stress on you. how about trying to go for a walk without making it as target or planning beforehand? Just tell yourself, I want to go out for a walk and for sake of good walk. Even if any thoughts, don't get stopped. Let yourself go for a walk.

I got your doc's point about being active. The more you're active, you will be able to remove those negative thoughts and they will not bother you.

Hope your spouse helps you about treadmill. but I would suggest outdoor walk in nature is much better and you will be able to intake some fresh air.

Yes, I think you will make it more clear in second chance. But I wouldn't give you second chance to make things more clear ;)

 

[mamachick]

I have a history of cfids and fibromyalgia, myofacial pain syndrome, herniated discs, stenosis, spurs, rotator cuff tear, IBS, etc. Many of these things are a direct result of ptsd. My nervous system seems shot. After a head injury, I have a daytime sleep disorder so I have to take Adderoll to wake up. I think this contributes to my anxiety. It is my anxiety that I carry in my neck and shoulders. Even though I take an anti depressant and still have some mild depression, it is the anxiety that causes me physical illness.

I have increased my tolerance to xanax so I am trying to cut back. I dont want to be addicted, then other times I wonder what difference it makes. Is it worth the suffering to prevent dependency or addiction? I know that it would be better to find alternatives but I have been unable to. I am just so jumpy and hypervigilent. I do try deep breathing and relaxation techniques. It helps a little but briefly.

Does anybody else experience this, use medication, or have thoughts about this.

 

[Abstract]

I am with everyone else here and relate. I guess our bodies are constantly stuck in fight and flight and that means all our resources are being used up "fighting" instead of repairing tissue or maintaining our bodies. Our poor immune systems are being strained to breaking point.

I tend to have immune conditions anyway so all end up playing up badly. IBS, excema, asthma and body aches and pains and headaches. I also have bad TMJ problems that are always there. When I can stand someone touching me I have massages as I find that helps and I am under an immunologist and that has helped enormously. I Also have body itching which drives me crazy and feels like things are crawling on me which apparently is an anxiety symptom but means I scratch myself quite badly at times. .


Lack of sleep also apparently puts a strain on our hearts amongst many other things. Including causing muscle pain symptoms.

Brat, I am on masses of different meds and don't like it but I think it maybe isn't so bad as it is a case of what is worse as there is no ideal solution. If your anxiety is out of control that puts more of strain on your body in other ways. Have you discussed this with your psychiatrist?

 

[MissMacD]

I completed a 30 day hot yoga challenge in July which finally got me in tune with my body and realized how much baggage my body is carrying.

I am on no medication other than a PRN for Ativan which is the only drug that proves useful and is always a last resort. I have never become addicted to it because it is the only thing that works for me so I use as little as I can so that I don't build up a tolerance or an addiction. Medication doesn't work for me anymore. I have developed trauma about taking it because I was drugged against my will as a child.

The past few days I have been fighting a bladder and yeast infection which I have been successful treating with oil of oregano, garlic and a few other natural remedies.

My neck and shoulders have been hurting a lot the past few weeks and I haven't slept much.

My diet has a huge influence when I am not feeling well and definitely contributes to eventually falling ill. Eating becomes such a challenge that often the only things I can stomach are junky.

 

[Britt.f7]

I have to take Adderoll to wake up

I do the same thing because of my illness and the insurance company taking away the one thing that worked on a consistent basis, provigil. Nice of the insurance company to decide whether I need something, instead of my doctors! ugh

I have developed trauma about taking it because I was drugged against my will as a child.

In my dad's house medicine was used as absolutely the last option, if at all. It was discouraged and considered a weakness. My mom's house wasn't like that and it was taken as needed. Very confusing for a child to say the least.

My aversion to taking medicine has more to do with the suicide attempt when I was 17. I o'd. Plus, I think, doing something that is "good" for me, will make me feel better, is definitely hard for me.

My diet has a huge influence when I am not feeling well and definitely contributes to eventually falling ill.

I noticed when I was inpatient and all day out patient, I ate better. Actually, I ate more consistently then I usually do. I had a well balanced lunch. I truly believe it helped me feel better and less tired. I didn't gain weight doing that, which is what I always fear.

don't like it but I think it maybe isn't so bad as it is a case of what is worse as there is no ideal solution

I always ask myself what is the big deal about taking meds that you need? I definitely have difficulty with it. I've tried going without it, for all of my medical conditions. Wasn't a good experience the couple times I've done that to myself. My husband doesn't think it's a big deal that I am on meds for the depression and anxiety. He thinks, if you need them, what's wrong with it? You'd take insulin if you had diabetes. So what if you need those drugs.

I wonder, in our society, why it is such a big deal. Doesn't help the guilt factor. I do choose my meds over my darkness any day (as long as they're working).

 

[MissMacD]

What things have been helpful to relieve the physical health effects from PTSD? Would be welcome to suggestions of things that have helped others.

Hot yoga and acupuncture both worked well for me. Finding nutrient dense foods that are easy to prepare are my savior when I feel really bad. Things like bananas and avocados. When my appetite is really bad I make smoothies which are easy to make and digest. Going for a walk by myself with no particular destination in mind helps - I try to do this 10 mins a day minimum. Drinking water every day helps. Jogging works really well for me too and biking.

 

[mamachick]

The field that I work in often does drug screenings, which I completely understand. Part of my fear in seeking work is explaining what my screen would show. I dont do illegal drugs but due to head injury, I need adderoll to awake, and anti depressant, vicodin for pain (my spine is completely messed up), and xanax for ptsd related anxiety and sleep. I know professsionals would like to refer to this as a "legal junkie" and it is just not the case.

Even upon explaining it, I would expect that more than an explaination would be required. I would expect that I would need to volunteer my medical records (which I would not mind so much), but then I would feel the need to trust the person who is reviewing them and for them to remain confidential.

My personal opinion is that if there was better treatment, medications might be able to be reduced. My insurance will only pay for treatment in a hospital, while all the treatment facilities seem to be "residential". We dont need a hospital often. Often regaining structure while attending individual and group counseling seems to me that it would be productive for those of us who have abandon their previous life style to the point of not knowing where to begin, or how to begin to live again.

Insurances dictate the treatment that we get, not the professionals. When we have been abused and are weak, we are not real good for advocating for ourselves. Unless we have a family member or friend that is knowledgable and assertive, we are often left to just survive on what we are allowed. Take these pills, but dont become dependent, when all the research shows they are addictive, then if you get addicted, its your own damn fault. I am feeling a little angry about the situation at the moment. I am so tired yet feel absolutely wired.

 

[Tanishq]

Our poor immune systems are being strained to breaking point.

Fully Agree with you Abstract.

I wish you wellness vibes and healing for your issues. You seem to have so many issues all at once. :hug:

 

[MissMacD]

I live in Canada so most public health care services are covered but the wait time to get them is lengthy. I had to wait 1.5 years to get into CBT and I was put on the urgent list. If I needed to see a doctor any time in between they'd shove medication at me and show me the door with no follow up. Mental illness is frustrating because people are less accepting and patient with it. If they'd take the time to look after me in the first place I wouldn't be such a strain on the system.

If I had more money I could have paid for private service and been treated instantly.

Here the public services are over worked and the private ones are only for those who can afford to fork out a few hundred dollars per session.

 

[mamachick]

Where I live in the US, if you need a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, you are assigned to one without choice. Seems to be the luck of the draw. If you discover that you do not care for this psychiatrist for whatever reason, you can NEVER change as long as you remain living in the same area. I was unfortunate enough to draw the short straw. I dont think the guy understood english. He ignored my report of symptoms

 

[intothelight]

There is no doubt that stress can cause a variety of chronic illnesses as it suppresses your immune system. Treating PTSD is as important as treating any life threatening illness, as it will over time wreak havoc with your body.

I am watching the effects of years of anxiety have had on my own body and those that I know who suffer this disorder. I am no expert, but the detrimental physical effects upon major organ systems are no pseudo science.

It is critical to eat right, get enough sleep, and to exercise. It is also equally critically to reduce stress and seek treatment to manage your symptoms. PTSD may not be curable, but treat it like a chronic illness and learn to manage it. The earlier you do these things, the less likely you will have to suffer the major medical repercussions.

Remember, when you do not feel well, be the squeaky wheel and don't let the medical system push your physical ailments under the rug. Not every physical problem is psychological, nor should psychological problems and their long term effects be minimized. Only you can be your best advocate, and treatment of both the mind and body is critical for optimum health and overall quality of life.

Remember, you deserve the best life you can have. Don't let anyone tell you any different and especially do not tell yourself any different.