Suffering Daughter

[tin]

I have a daughter who is now 2 mo away from 14 yrs old. the summer of being 12 she was attacked by a neighbor's dog. There have been many months of reconstructive surgery she has only one left this June after school lets out. Psychologically she has recently hit rock bottom. She was diagnosed with ptsd shortly after the 'accident' and we (dad and I) have had her in therapy ever since. I know she needs more she needs to connect to people who understand the true pain she is living with. If anyone out there has a child suffering and is suffering with them I would enjoy being able to connect with you. This is my first post and my first time seeking out help through the internet.

 

[patrick]

Tin,

I wish I could help you. It's awful watching your child suffer and not being able to help. You've probably already seen the Carers Forum on this site, but if you haven't, there are some good people and lots of information there. You sound like the kind of mother who will keep looking until you find something that helps. Your daughter is lucky to have you on her side.

Pat

 

[kers]

I'm sorry that happened to your daughter.

It is excellent, however, that you have gotten her appropriate mental health treatment. A quick response to PTSD can make all the difference in reducing its effect on her life. Please look around and I hope what you find here is helpful.

 

[Grama-Herc]

tin,

I don't know if this person I'm thinking of would be willing to help you at this time or not, but he has been through a lot with his ptsd teen aged girl. He has learned a lot and has always been willing to share.

I will ask him for you because I think he could be of great help, but only if things in his life are going well. I can't pm you due to you being in moderation so just sit tight and I will try to help.

 

[Luthien]

Hi Tin,
Welcome. As others have mentioned, have a look at the carers section. You may find it to be extremely helpful. Also, I know of at least one person on here who was diagnosed with PTSD from being attacked my a dog. I will contact her through PM to see if she'd be willing to talk to you. Maybe she would be able to tell you of her experiences and how she is now...she may be able to help you better understand how to help your daughter.

I hope you find the support you need here.

Wishing the best for all of you.

 

[Mina]

Hi, Tin, and welcome to the forum. Your daughter is fortunate to have a mother who cares so much and is seeking various ways to help her. I'm so sorry to hear she was attacked.

I'm the one mentioned in Luthien's post (thank you for the PM, Luthien!). Short version is, I have PTSD from being bitten by a large dog a little over a year ago. It was my new husband's 100-lb Akita, in our home, a bite to my right/dominant hand...it put a gaping hole between my thumb and forefinger which went almost all the way through, forming a neuroma in the palm, and another inch-long open puncture down to the tendon between my ring and pinky knuckles, as well as some minor lacerations. I'm really lucky in that I don't categorize it as an attack (although it was big, it was a single bite) and I didn't require surgery...so I can only imagine how rough it must be on your daughter. I did require a lot of PT/OT, occasionally have pain and trouble with my hand, and developed a hand disease normally found in Scandinavian men over 50, LOL.

It's good that your daughter is in therapy...I wouldn't have regained any sense of "normalcy" without (although 'normal' has a new definition now). It has been a tough road and a lot of hard work, but the progress is marked over where I was. I still haven't written about it in my diary yet, but I'm getting there.

I'm not sure if there's anything I can do or say to help, but if there is, please let me know...and keep posting, we're glad you're here!

Best,
Mina

 

[Tinyflame]

Dear tin,

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with what the others have said, you sound like an exceptionally wise and sweet mother and I too feel that you are definitely on the right track as to getting your daughter the help she needs.

Although my situation was not the same, per se, my ptsd (I know now) began at 14 years of age. I know that I acted out of character in many ways, and can remember distinctly the rage and pain I felt that I was not able to say in words. I think looking back had someone "said those words for me" I would have been able to (incredulously) acknowledge that that was what I was feeling, instead of not knowing what to do or how to manage, -or how to express it- while trying to "pretend that everything was under control."

I remember specifically not wanting to cause a burden to my own Mom, as she was very caring and kind and I knew under a tremendous burden herself, and yet I ended up doing just that. I also hid everything.

I also recall distinctly that my "childhood" ended at that point. And I remember as well that my teachers/ peers did not seem to have a clue what to say, or how to act or respond. I felt like I had 2 heads. I heard many ridiculous comments that I didn't tell anyone else about.

I don't know if this helps but there is certainly terrific information on this site and wonderful, supportive people who I'm sure can help guide you as your family heals.

Thank you for your post and much peace to you.