General Ptsd And Physical Pain

[Goldie]

This has probably been covered before but....

My poor man has had a year and a half of absolute hell. A complete lack of support and understanding from his employer, basically a full year and a half of being bullied, harassed and 'company policy'd' out of his job (in other words they wanted rid of him and used his condition against him) a couple of months ago. Since then, it's been a roller coaster as you can imagine.

He immediately started looking for work but his GP, psychiatrist, Combat Stress and me knew that he needed time to 're-group' and he was eventually signed off from even looking for work for 3 months. He understood the necessity and accepted it but it meant applying for benefits - ESA, housing benefit, council tax - which meant speaking to people on the phone, form filling, all the things he is terrified of (I'm sure there are others out there who understand that!).

It took a lot of convincing that we had to apply - he'd convinced himself that we would manage which we can't. I did the actual speaking to the DSS and we've been waiting for the forms for 2 weeks. So, he's worried sick (as am I) that at the end of this month, we will not be able to cover the bills. He's had a really sore shoulder and neck for over a month. He did go to see his GP who prescribed painkillers - he can't have steroid injections (something to do with aggression?) and physiotherapy is a non-starter as they won't go anywhere near his neck (he has spinal cord damage as the result of a viral abscess). So, he's very limited for treatment.

He's been in so much pain that he took to his bed on Tuesday and he's still there. I'm concerned that he's 'shut down' if that makes sense but I'm also wondering if his shoulder and neck aren't improving because he's so anxious and depressed and as a result he's really tense. It seems to make sense to me and if it is the case, does anyone have any tips? Barely coping myself just now and I'm really worried about him.

Take care X

 

[myvetswife]

I know my hubby an me aswell suffer more pain, when we suffer from depressions and PTSD. The pain drags down the depressions even more. It's somthing which will affect each other.

 

[Ricanoland]

I have been to the doctors about pain all over my body neck, back, legs the works, which they have all told me it was "in my head" not claiming that I am not actually feeling it, but it can be caused by PTSD. I would suggest, if his pain doesn't get any better, and he doesn't feel like he is ready for work to consider Disability through Social Security if he is not already on it, it was a least help a little with the bills, but even with that process you are looking at another 6 months or longer to get the help needed this month. I am sorry about you and your's current struggle, I wish the best luck.

 

[Maggiemay]

I struggle a lot with muscle tension that can be quite debilitating at times. I have a lot of baths with muscle soak bubble baths, dose up on ibuprofen, hot water bottles and deep heat. I struggle with a lot of physical complications of anxiety, I find them a lot harder to manage than the anxiety itself.

Xxx

 

[amethist]

My husband has problems with his back, and when he has a sever PTSD issue going on, this causes tension which causes back pain.

This causes a vicious circle. PTSD= anxiety = tension=back pain=PTSD=anxiety=tension and so on. Until you break that circle there is very little you can do.

Soaking in a warm bath can help both the pain and the anxiety.

I hope you find answers to the rest and I can certainly understand the worry of disability payments as we are waiting for them to get back to us about this next round of applications.

 

[Goldie]

Thank you all. There does seem to be relationship between the two. He is tucked up in bed now, having had a warm soothing bath and has actually fallen asleep! It may also have helped that the long-awaited forms arrived today and that our friend, a G.P., visited and had a chat with him. I also found myself becoming aware of how tense I am and that may be the reason for my own aches and pains over the past month or so. So, thank you again and I wish you all the very best. X

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

I am so sorry you both are suffering so much. It's as hard on the supporter in my book! It's good that the doc realized the psychological effects of steroids...they can totally make a person hostile!

Alternating heat and cold (never more than 20 min. on either) can help, and yes, stress can, and does go right to the neck and shoulders. He or you can gently roll a tennis ball on the tight areas. Not too hard as it can irritate more than help. Or put 2 together in a sock, tie the end, and make a bit of a space between them, and put on either side of his spine. NOT ON the spine but both sides of it. Hot showers with the water hitting where it hurts can help too.

Even trying to visualize beautiful, and relaxing places if he can will help. Multiple 'tricks' can help.

I have severe arthritis and fibromyalgia and my neck and shoulders give me the most grief. Ihave a great, understanding, and strict doctor that helps me with pain meds, but I am closely monitored and have a healthy fear of addiction.

Best of luck, and many blessings sent your way!
AKJ

 

[Goldie]

Thank you AKJ :) I believe I will try the tennis ball trick - on me as well! (I shall steal the tennis balls when our dog's not looking!) I'm delighted to say that our doctor is very much a supporter of veterans and she is very 'black and white' if you know what I mean - hubby certainly does as he's told by her. We are very fortunate in that sense and my doctor friend is just as matter of fact.

He is undergoing emdr treatment at Combat Stress and as a result has a 'safe place' in his mind. At the present time however, he is finding it difficult to visualise even through guided meditation as his mind wanders elsewhere. He has been trying an alternative form of relaxation - listening to and focusing on soft music or natural sounds (never the thunderstorm again though!). Normally these things help but at the moment he's in so much pain that it keeps breaking through.

I hope you're keeping well and that your conditions are behaving themselves! (I have mild arthritis so I can only imagine how hard it must be for you. I also have cervical spondylosis (it's a family thing) and I believe your tennis ball idea will be a good thing to try.)

Sending you all good wishes X

 

[Springer80]

Hi Goldie....

I'm about to be in the same situation, being made redundant on health grounds most probably and this is the last month I can cover bills. The benefit application process starts soon eek...anyway.

From you mentioning Combat Stress and benefit system and your photo are you in UK, possibly Lake District or Scotland? The reason I ask is because there is a place in Doune called the Manor Hall Centre for Trauma which could help.

He's had a really sore shoulder and neck for over a month. He did go to see his GP who prescribed painkillers - he can't have steroid injections (something to do with aggression?) and physiotherapy is a non-starter as they won't go anywhere near his neck (he has spinal cord damage as the result of a viral abscess). So, he's very limited for treatment.

but I'm also wondering if his shoulder and neck aren't improving because he's so anxious and depressed and as a result he's really tense. It seems to make sense to me...

I've had ptsd for 15yrs and longer than I could remember I had the feeling on the my upper right shoulder blade at the intersection of the top of my neck (hinge) that I was out of place, disconnected and it hurt badly, it would keep me awake and ached when I was stressed. I thought it was muscular then orthopedic, I did yoga, baths etc and eventually chiropractors which by the sounds of it your fella cant do. This helped but didn't remove it.

I went to the trauma centre and they did sensori motor body psychotherapy. Your right in that people hold tension in their shoulder and neck when they are tense all the time, and the if you look at the amount of nerves that run through your neck, if you have ptsd they are all getting the hell thrashed out of them.It works on the basis that tension is related to emotion and they get you describe the emotion as a physical entity and negotiate with it. Sounds weird but it works. You don't have to reinact or describe trauma events.

Of a more immediate nature, heat will alleviate the tension, baths, saunas, massage (hot oil) or those heated bean bags you stick in the microwave, some are scented with lavender/eucalyptus.

Good luck to you and yours X :hug:

 

[Goldie]

Hi Springer :)

Thank you for your words and I'm so sorry you're going through the same sort of things as us. Awful isn't it? I've found coming on here has helped a lot

You're quite right - we're in Scotland (it's ok, it's on my profile). I was really interested to learn there's a treatment centre in Doune and I'm going to look into it. Perhaps himself could go there on his way to Hollybush - now that's an idea! Quite honestly, he's always suffered from a lot of pains in various parts of his body and thanks to the people on here, I'm learning that it's likely a lot of it comes from his anxiety.

Will be thinking of you - please look after yourself X :hug:

 

[Springer80]

Oh yeah the other thing which helped was going on beta blockers (although I'd get you GP mate to do blood checks first, vit d deficiency etc, also apparently alpha blockers can do the same but leave you less fuzzy)

Anyway, they lower your heart rate, reduce your rate of producing adrenaline and therefore your muscles don't get fried so much. Before I was on these I used to bend the cutlery from gripping it so hard but I didn't know I was doing it cos it seemed normal??!!

 

[Springer80]

You're quite right - we're in Scotland (it's ok, it's on my profile). Perhaps himself could go there on his way to Hollybush - now that's an idea! Quite honestly, he's always suffered from a lot of pains in various parts of his body and thanks to the people on here, I'm learning that it's likely a lot of it comes from his anxiety.

Thought it might be Ecosse, I'm from the Lakes! :) Thanks for your kind words. It a pleasure to share hard won and effective specialists with people who need them.

Any questions about Manor Hall I'm happy to recommend/try and answer. Their team is highly qualified.
FYI, the premises isn't fully open for business until spring so don't drop by expecting to speak to someone without contacting first. :)