I Need Help, With Unusual Flashback Issue

[Sue Ann]

My grandson is almost 4. Two years ago he had adenoid surgery and ear tubes put in. He's finally talking and
we are realizing all these panic attack situations we've been dealing with over the last couple years. He's screaming
"My ears, my ears", pulling on his ears and grabbing the back of his head. He also is pointing to the inside of his mouth . We have been thinking he's crazy but now it seems that he is reliving the pain after surgery. He then follows
this flashback with a disassociation period where his pupils are very dilated. I have never suffered from these and
need advise from others that have. Has anyone out there had surgical flashbacks? There is no info on flashbacks with children that I've been able to find. Can flashbacks still come two years later?
Please help me......

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Hi Sue Ann, and welcome to the forum.

I've read about others who have had surgical/medical type trauma, so hopefully they'll pop on in here and be able to give you some advice.

Are you able to seek out medical help for him? I mean in terms of finding him a trauma therapist who specifically works with children?

There is no time limit on when PTSD can hit. My first visual flashbacks hit 25 years after my trauma and then I was diagnosed with delayed onset PTSD.

My heart goes out to you and your grandson! PTSD is difficult to deal with at any age, but the symptoms can be even more terrifying for a child.

 

[ShadowSolace]

I've never had surgical flashbacks per-se, however, back in 2011 I was rushed to the hospital after having a nervous breakdown. I have flashbacks of that - which is quite unpleasant, considering that at the time I thought I was going to die. I know he's young, but my suggestion is that maybe you try taking him to a therapist. Perhaps one that specializes in helping children around his age. When he does have these panic attacks, remind him that he is in a safe place and that he's okay.

 

[Seagreen]

This is probably an obvious question but have you had him checked for medical (physical) causes?

 

[Nam]

Yes, please check for physical causes first. The next thing I would do is check all medical records including the surgical notes. I would also check anesthesia, and recovery notes. Read over these carefully, especially heart rate and respiratory changes. I hope you find answers soon.

 

[shimmerz]

Yes, I had an operation as a child and I definitely have surgical flashbacks (I was 4 days old). I paralyze due to the surgery when I flash back because.....I was not given anything but a paralytic agent. He may well be experiencing somatic responses. I like the idea of the heart and respiratory changes idea. I would also be very concerned that the tubes are not affecting him in a negative way at this point. He may be dissociating because he is in a lot of pain now.

 

[Leigh925]

As someone who both experiences flashbacks/dissociation and works in the medical field.....I would recommend that you take him back to the physician that did the surgery and rule out any lingering effects from surgery.....the pupil dilation after those "spells" is concerning for me. Be insistant about his symptoms and the fact he has never fully recovered even though it has been two years.

 

[littlelotte]

I do not have flashbacks from surgery, but I have flashbacks from being beaten and choked. During my flashbacks I relive the event both visually and physically. If I am reliving being choked, I feel as though I cannot breath, I feel the hands on my throat or my chest being compressed. It takes a lot of focus to keep myself breathing. It is as vivid as if it was actually occurring, and my abuse happened a decade ago.

I agree with others about seeing a doctor to make sure there isn't a medical issue, but then have him see a therapist. Mine has been working with me to be able to 'put away' the flashbacks. It is a visual thing where you put the vision in a box so you can deal with it later. It took me months to be able to do it, but it really helps when I can make it work. I visualize the memory/flashback going into a box and the flashback stops along with the physical symptoms. Then I deal with the memory later by journaling.

 

[Sue Ann]

Thank you all for your replies. Please if there are others out there who could give me advise please do.
We have brought him to emergency rooms during these episodes only one was the flashback still in full
gear. No one sees any physical issues that could be causing this pain.

 

[joeylittle]

I don't think going to the ER will necessarily get the issue diagnosed. It was suggested by others, but I'd add my voice: make an appointment with the dr. who did the surgery and talk them through the symptoms. You've really got to do that in order to truly rule out something physical (and even then, sadly, it might get missed). It shouldn't matter whether he is in an episode or not - although I'd encourage you to try and create a diary of all the dates and times (as best you can), and keep adding to it. This will help any physician. Also, if you can take a video of his behavior the next time he has an episode, that would be helpful too. Finally, take his temp. twice daily for a few days and see if he might be running low-grade or periodic fever (which would possibly indicate infection).