Marlene, if we got off on the wrong track, please accept my apology.
Your story, or what little I have seen, is intriguing.
I can not help but wonder about something you have mentioned in 2 of your previous posts.
You stated in your first post:
“”I know that I am doing well on my recovery. I compare myself to where I was two years ago (when things were at their worst for me) and I see so much change and progress. That said...last week I had a lot of stressors pile up on me. Nothing big...just a lot of little things and I ended up with two days of high symptoms and then the next two days I felt like a wrung out dish-rag...absolutely exhausted, no energy to do much of anything. The last few days I've felt really good again. “”
Then again in your second post:
“” That said, I've not seen any change in my PTSD by making my brain and body learn something that's not 'natural' to it. The differences between the two sides (everything's backwards as a lefty), the spacial differences, training muscles (gross and fine motor control) to react differently from how they want to/know how to, foot control, balance, timing, and the list goes on. This has been one of the most difficult things I've made my body and mind do...fighting against what comes naturally.
I'm not doubting that things have gotten better for you and your feeling great. All I'm saying is that the route you went to for your claim of curing your PTSD, well, it didn't do anything for me. Yes I've gotten better during this time frame but this is a result of the continuing (two years worth) hard work I've done for myself, with my therapist and here on the forum. I guess what I'm saying is there's no single thing that works. PTSD is, by it's definition, an altering of brain structure. Short of scientific proof that my brain was unaltered by a learned skill (and proof in my day to day life!!!!), I just can't accept your theory. “””
That’s fair, and I respect your honesty.
As I have read the posts of many on this forum, I seldom see that people with PTSD are getting better.
You must have, and it has been noticeable for you, because you mention this twice.
I know my condition never improved, and indeed was worsening, even with the best care available, which included AA meetings, weekly counseling by a highly qualified trauma counselor, monthly psychiatrists visits, appropriate use of the drugs prescribed by the psychiatrist, etc, etc. I was in a rehab for 4 months which had a program for pt’s with PTSD. I was in that program longer than anyone had ever been prior. When I came home, family and friends were convinced I would not live much longer. I could go on and on about how I was going downhill. In fact I think I have, on this forum. I do not think I am going out on a limb stating that this is typical for people with PTSD.
Do you see a pattern emerging? As noted in a previous post, at the present, we are guessing. It is like putting together the pieces of a puzzle. I suspect you might have done something that is pertinent and relevant, and might contribute to help understand PTSD.
I am asking you if you could tell more about your story during this time frame.
-When did you have the elbow injry and what was your life like prior to that?
-When did you start your therapy, and and the diligent efforts you made toward your recovery?
- How are you now?
- Do you still have flashbacks, nightmares, startle reflex, or other ptsd symptoms. If so, have they diminished.
During the 1st 3 months I was doing the left hand music thing, I remember being consciously aware that something SEEMED different, but it was subtle. It was a feeling that, for me, my mind seemed to gradually clearing, or like a heavy load was lifting, but it was subtle.
Do you remember anything like this?
