My Story So Far....

[Schiaparel]

Hi!
Accidentally stumbled on this site, and am already wishing I'd done this particular sort of stumbling before. I was diagnosed with chronic PTSD I guess already 10 years ago. Started really tough trauma therapy and tough stuff for medication then, only to drop out of the therapy and meds when it got to be too much. Then, a few years back, I was forced to face the fact that I either had to finish the therapy and sort my life out or there would not be much life to sort out soon. I was lucky enough to find a good psychologist, and a psychiatrist, and started the road to recovery, if that can be said in my case. A year ago I was diagnosed with CNS Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from which some brave doctors of mine ( rheumatology and neurology) have drawn connections to the PTSD. If that is so, I will never know. But now I am, as my psychologist, psychiatrist, rheumatologist, neurologist AND dermatologist say, on medications for the rest of my life. In the end I did 'finish' the trauma therapy, and while I have to say it was a hellish experience, I can now, at least most of the time, live a relatively normal life, I can cope. And to me, that's enough. There are better days and worse days, and some days are even worse than that, but still, I can cope. I can never erase the things I've lived through, and they will always be a part of me and my life, no matter how much I would wish them not to be, but there's still life ahead. Hopefully free of the same. To

To everyone on this site I can only say, hugs, kisses, strength and courage. I would like to think that the day will come when we will no longer have to live lives of constant mental, and physical, battle.

Pia

 

[KP the nut]

Welcome Pia, You did a great job on your first post, congratulations it is not easy.

Have a read at some of the articles they are very helpful. Also I've found great friendship and support here from members.

I hope you feel as at home here as I do, the forum has put my PTSD into perspective and has helped me realise I am not alone.

Thank you for the hugs - back to you
KP

 

[deer_in_headlights]

Hello, Pia!

Welcome to the forum!

I'm so glad you stumbled in through the door - I hope you soon consider this a safe home :).
Congratulations on doing intensive therapy. You have great courage and determination.
I would think there is a definate link between an auto-immune disorder as Lupus and PTSD.
(My own immune system is pretty trashed in a different way.)

I hope you continue to experience even further healing, and I hope this site, full of amazing, wonderful, compassionate and courageous people can be a blessing for you.

(((((((((((Pia)))))))))))
Warmly,
Deer

 

[momwithptsd]

Welcome,
I too just found this site, and am so glad I did as well so far!! I also quite my therapy several times when it would be too much for me, however, I know it has helped me in some ways also.

Good Luck
(((HUGS)))
Mom with PTSD

 

[intothelight]

Hi Pia,

Welcome to the Forum. It is apparent from your post that you have really worked hard on treating your C-PTSD. You will also find a lot of information an support on this sight, that will help you heal even more.

Take Care,
Debbie

 

[suzie q]

Welcome Schiaperal!

I too stumbled onto this forum back in Sept. of 2010. I've been grateful ever since.

I hear you when you say that you had to start working on your trauma to possibly have a good life after! PTSD will not let you forget that you are coping with your past. The work I did in my therapy proved that we do indeed have layers like an onion that we need to peel away. I want to validate your courage and strength in making your decision to work through the horror. I also would like to say that I am very excited to find someone that sounds willing to continue that work and stay positive, as your comments lead me to see.

My therapist of 8 years had MS and found out she also had Lupis. It had started to attack her organs and caused her to go blind. That was 6 years ago. She sent me a Christmas card this year to let me know she's still around. She still see patients, only not as many as before. She said once that she wasn't going to let her illnesses give her a death sentence, she had a lot to do before she went that route!! I hear that same determination in you and hope that you will find this arena one that will bring you comfort and healing.

If you need someone to holler at, just let me know!!
suzie q

 

[blueangel371115]

I went through all kinds of tests ( at one point they thought I had porphyria) It took me doing my own searching to put all this together. Keep your head up.