Undiagnosed Just Looking For Info

[CDee944]

Hello everyone,
Right now I am just looking and gathering information.
I have recently started seeing a new doctor (basic family care) and during my last visit she asked me if I had ever sought treatment for PTSD. I guess it kinda shocked me that she said that. I had never really thought about it. After my childhood "event" I did see doctors for quite a while but that was a long time ago and I kind of blew them all off. I didn't feel like they were helping.
Just trying to find answers as to why now, after over 35 years, this is becoming an issue. Was it always one that I just ignored or has something new triggered something?

 

[Casey_03]

Were you experiencing symptoms that may indicate PTSD? Was the "event" something traumatic? There is such a thing as delayed onset PTSD ... so depending on whether you have any symptoms, maybe your doctor was worried about that.

 

[CDee944]

She was looking into one of my prescriptions for anxiety and we got to just talking. When I was 4 my father beat my mother to death in front of me. I have come a long way in dealing with that. It's not really something I dwell on anymore (I don't think) but I do have a lot of symptoms from what I am reading. But this is also the internet. You can have a cough and by the time you're done clicking a few websites you're dying of something unheard of.
I thought it might make more sense to actually talk to people instead of just reading website after website.

 

[Casey_03]

Well, in that case I can understand why she'd ask that. But I also see your point. I had a delayed onset of PTSD and for many years prior to the diagnosis suffered mainly from anxiety (I self medicated with alcohol, which caused its own problems). The trauma caught up with me only after a couple decades. But I suppose there were a lot of signs that something was wrong ... and the anxiety was pretty severe. So I would guess that if you feel like you have things under control, you probably do, and she was likely just asking about PTSD because it seems like a natural conclusion to draw from a very traumatic event in childhood. Some people develop PTSD when exposed to trauma, and some don't. I don't think anybody knows why. But I would guess that if you did have PTSD, you'd have more symptoms than just anxiety (problems with personal relationships, trouble sleeping/nightmares, high vigilance, etc).

 

[blackemerald1]

Maybe your Dr is seeing something you are not. Depends on so many things regarding the 'event'; your subsequent treatment & why you discontinued treatment.

Maybe it has been simmering in your lifestyle & choices you have made.

We/I cannot know these things. But, this is a great forum, lots of support & heaps of information.

So welcome @CDee944 , hope you find the information you need.

 

[CDee944]

I do have trouble sleeping, lots of nightmares and, according to the people I work with, I have trouble with relationships too. I don't really have many friends.
I guess her bringing it up just got me to thinking and I am seeing, like you said, there are a lot of signs that something is wrong.

 

[CDee944]

Maybe your Dr is seeing something you are not. Depends on so many things regarding the 'event'; you...

Thank you

I think I have been self medicating. I have been on anxiety meds for years.
I think you hit the nail right on the head.

Maybe this is a step in the right direction. If not, I will gather some good information anyway.

 

[Casey_03]

It wouldn't hurt to see a therapist who specializes in trauma to get an expert opinion. I would advise you to do so. A basic family care doctor isn't really trained in PTSD. And we can only offer info on our own personal experience's on here, but that only goes so far ...

 

[CDee944]

I agree. I'm just looking for some information before I make that decision.

 

[RussH]

The best thing you can do is find a reputable trauma therapist in your area, make an appointment with them and discuss your history with them. They will be in a better position to determine whether or not you are suffering from PTSD.

We cannot and do not make diagnosis here, but we do offer great support for those inflicted with PTSD.

 

[CDee944]

The best thing you can do is find a reputable trauma therapist in your area, make an appointment with them...

I understand that I am not going to get a diagnosis here. I am just looking for information.

 

[Deleted member 33052]

CDee, I suffered childhood trauma from birth, but my PTSD wasn't triggered until about a half century later. Funny how these things work... :confused: