Two Symptoms I Wanted To Mention.

[J_trustno1]

I also struggle with concentration especially when I experience negative stimuli relating to my trauma. I have to work really hard to force myself to do tasks that require reading or doing tasks which use a lot of brain power. I get irritated a lot easier and any little thing upsets me.

 

[Faith Hope Charity]

With the first one you mention - would you describe it as difficulty concentrating, or is it literally a comprehension issue, like their words don't make sense?

Thanks joeylittle.

Your question is a good one, and one that my therapists have asked me and the answer is comprehension over concentration, although both apply to my ptsd. Often times words are like sounds that don't connect with meaning, especially when my concentration is distracted by another thought right off the bat. So, it's yes to both, but the comprehension is the most fraustrating!!! Concentration problems, to me, are understandable given what someone like us has been through, but what I don't get is the comprehension part. I also thought of another way this is expressed, sometimes I feel like I can't answer the question asked of me, because I'm not entirely sure of the mean of their words. When that happens, it is not really a comprehension problem......well at least not in the severe way of not ANY words making sense, but rather a definition of a word or words because they can be taken in more than one way. But, as I said, I still have moments, every day, when I do not understand the sounds being conveyed as specific words with meaning.

But.........am I right or wrong? Could it be more about concentration that I even comprehend (ooo....hows that for a good one-- he he)?
I'm not real sure, and would love to know if there is a way to actually test your question scientifically. Please reply!

 

[Faith Hope Charity]

The second thing might warrant a visit to a neurologist. Are you on any medications?

I've not seen a neurologist about my memory loss, nor have I have neuropsych testing. Anyone have that done?

My med's are limited to Paxil and 30 Adivan in 6-10 months. I take asthma med and antihistamine. None of these I would think would impair my memory. In any case, the memory loss, as I said above, effected me immediately upon onset of my traumatic event. Nightmares? O yes. Obsessive visual/thoughts of the trama? yes. But also memory loss. Of course.......its been years, and it's possible with my memory that I don't remember exactly when the memory loss occured. I was shot in the rear with a powerful drug within a year of my breakdown. Perhaps that med had an effect on me like this? I don't know.......neither do I know what I was given. It took me from catatonic to lucid.

 

[Faith Hope Charity]

Hmm, can you try seeing someone else? There could be some other health problem that needs to be checked in order to make sure there isn't something serious.

In the past 3 years, progressively I've been getting better and more empowering help with my health. This is a huge answer to prayer. I had a glitch in this with switching states and insurance plans etc.., but I've a better idea today of how to get the best help than I've ever had before, and being here is part of that as well. Wanting help/seeking help and being empowered with the right help is not the same. To answer your question, I welcome any kind of expert in any field you would suggest or equiping ways of finding a good expert in a specific field. For example, do you recommend a generic neurologist? or a neurologist with specific training or expertise?

 

[joeylittle]

@Faith Hope Charity , your description of your issues with comprehension makes me definitely want to suggest neurologist. It sounds almost like you're experiencing some aphasia. Anyway, they can screen for things and if your insurance will cover it (so it's not costing an arm and a leg), neuro issues would be worth ruling out, at least.

 

[Faith Hope Charity]

if I remember correctly, you haven't been formally diagnosed, correct? And that you've seen several different doctors and they have said you had other things? I can't underestimate the importance of: a) listening to what doctors are telling you and b) at least trying their advice.
It may be that you have PTSD, maybe not. But it's a good first step to do what the doctors (esp if it's doctors and not 1 doctor alone) and see if that helps lessen your symptoms.

You do remember me correctly, and I don't blame you for your advice here. However, hear me out for a few days or so, and you might see why I feel the way I do. Also,
1) Have I seen doctors who are experts in the field of PTSD? I don't think so, but, I'm not sure the best way to find a good one.
2) Most of those whom I've seen that have hesitated to make this diagnosis, have been hung up on the tramatic event because they couldn't understand why it would be so traumatic. Partly, they have thought that without, in my opinion, doing due diligence in understanding the dynamics involved. As a PTSD sufferer (in my opinion), I avoid the trama by not giving a full picture unless asked specific quesitons. It is painful, and I just avoid without conscious thought. I am GENERALIZING. I can't respond to what your saying specifically without writing a book.
3) I think every counselor I've seen would say I've given them adequate time to due their therapy or connect if there was to be one. Also, I don't know of any who would say I was non compliant or open to the process! Believe me, I did not take what you said as a backhanded insult. It is a valid and important question given what I've said.
4) The doctor's/therapists I've seen have often been a choice of economics rather than a choice of fit. It can be limiting.
5) All the symptoms of PTSD match with mine, with perhaps 'extras' that are less common.

Part of the reason why I am here is to eliminate the possibility of PTSD. It's been 20 yeas, why not try that as well? But, I've found, the more I try to eliminate it, the more convinced I am that I have it. Nothing else makes sense to me, but I am surely open to listening to alternatives.

 

[anthony]

Most of those whom I've seen that have hesitated to make this diagnosis, have been hung up on the tramatic event

What was the traumatic event?

 

[Eagle3]

I actually had this hit with a vengeance my last semester of college. My brain literally shut down. To this day I have trouble reading a single chapter in a book, but I used to devour MANY books in a single day! The words literally make no sense, there is no definition for them, even though I used to be a walking dictionary.

I also have extreme memory problems. I can't remember more than 4 numbers for any length of time, and have a hard time recognizing people I know outside of their usual context. I have a friend who keeps playing movies I've never seen before, but I can't remember anything about them after I sleep.

I've tried telling the doctors these symptoms, and they just ignore me, or prescribe more anti-depressants. Its very frustrating.

 

[Faith Hope Charity]

Both are normal symptoms of PTSD.
From the diagnosis, symptom clusters D and E cover these two points more than adequately:
D. Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:

Thanks!
Reading that list in this safe environment......you get that don't you?.....I have all of the listed symptoms. Not one of them I don't have.

 

[anthony]

I have all of the listed symptoms.

That does not mean you have PTSD. What is your trauma?

 

[Faith Hope Charity]

Hi Anthony,

You apparently live in the UK or I'd get a pm about your specialist, please!

Part of the problem with my traumatic event is the comprehension part of my PTSD. Make sense? I can't fully describe it, especially including all pertinent dynamics either because of pain avoidance, memory loss, concentration, or simply I now no longer 'get it' myself. I am using a comprehenson that I possessed PRIOR to my nervous breakdown, and not afterwards. So, I use language and thoughts that I don't necessarily even understand anymore myself. I'm even lossing myself right now. I don't know how to say it, except to say that my traumatic event seems meanless to others. Minimized. That makes it all the more tough to sit here and tell you. Are you going to minimize my experience as well? My 'meaningless' (or felt meaninglessness from therapists/docs) caused a complete disassociation from myself........a 'splitting in two' as I've called it. All because of trauma that can't be recognized as trauma. It's hard to tell you about it because of that and other reasons. Here we go, I'll help it become minimized:

Someone said some words that broke my spirit.

Edit....Prior to the trauma, I could hold any job and have many jobs that required self motivation and independance. After the trauma, I've been fired from ever job I've held. Getting fired became a new experience I'd hadn't had before. My 'functioning' has been horrendous. On the scales of PTSD that I've seen (one), I was one the worst level.

 

[Faith Hope Charity]

Anthony, my post could be interpreted to mean that I'm saying your trying to minimize what happened. That was the fear talking, and I know that is not what you meant. Please forgive me, and please don't take offense. I'm trying to express what I've experienced, not hurt or offend any.