Physical Problems With Ptsd

[Adrian2016]

I was diagnosed PTSD after years and years of being misdignosed. It feels good to finally have an answer to why I have so many issues that others do not. For example, my anger issues, frequently waking up in the night, anxiety, depressions, trust issues, extreme irrational fears, snapiness, self isolation, and hypervigilance...however, with the diagnoses many questions are still to be figured out as I can't always refer to a processional and self care and education is ultimately going to heal me the most..so it's a learning process for me...as my T put it "it's almost as if I'm a child and I'm learning to care for myself all over again"...so my symptoms also seem to manifest physically...I have stomach aches constantly, infrequent bowl movements which are often loose. Gas does not seem to vacate my body the way it used to and often feels 'trapped' which leads to constant discomfort and anxiety OVER the discomfort I feel and not knowing the cause. I also have anal fissures which has led to pain and on one occasion a bright red bloody stool. This sucks big time for me, I am only 21.

In addition to gastrointestinal issues I have muscle cramps.. its as if out of nowhere my entire body, specifically my jaw, hands, neck and legs become twitchy and almost like I am on the verge of a Charlie horse or the feeling you get when extreme dehydration occurs...it is uncomfortable and sometimes scary because it feels like I don't have control over those muscle groups.

Are these common problems for others here, as I have heard that PTSD can lead to physical health issues...I am guessing they are in relation but want to know other's experiences and how you all have managed? Basically HOW COMMON are these issues for PTSD sufferers?

 

[Whyteferret]

I was diagnosed PTSD after years and years of being misdignosed. It feels good to finally have an an...

Have you had a medical exam? There may be a physical cause to the bloody stools like hemorrhoids. It's worth making sure there's nothing going on like that which part can be treated medically to help you feel better.

Physical things are common. The amount of cortisol has a physical impact on the body.

For me, physical movement helps. like tai chi, yoga, running, strength training. You have to find what works for you. Some folks like mental exercises like doing multiplication in their heads when they're stressed. Mindfulness helps many also. It's finding what helps.

Take it easy on yourself.

 

[Adrian2016]

Have you had a medical exam? There may be a physical cause to the bloody stools like hemorrhoids....

Yes I have an appointment with my primary doc tomorrow to do some blood work and other things I'm not sure quite yet..after diagnoses by your therapist or pysch is that standard procedure to go do a screen with your doc?