Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.

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I have a problem....

carolk1955
carolk1955

Because I'm having the problem of getting up to go to the bathroom maybe 5 or more times a night, my family doctor wants me to have a medical procedure done before she will treat me for it. The problem is, this procedure reminds me of a very traumatic memory from my childhood of having a different medical procedure done. I have the beginnings of the memory, of being in the doctor's office, and then I black out, I can't remember the rest. Consequently I've been unable to have the procedure done in the present, even though I know it would be physically painless, because of the memory of the procedure done in the past, which involved the same part of my body. I don't know how to get past this. Can anyone relate to this and perhaps suggest some self help for me?

AngelaJo
AngelaJo
I had to have a bladder scope while awake 3 1/2 years ago when my PTSD was at its worst, the Dr was made aware and made sure i had klonopin before hand and talked me thru it. Was painful only because he found damage which would be from my rape when i was 20. Only reason it was painful. it helps if they talk you thru each step of what they are doing
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I was going to suggest to ask for sedation like Angela had..... I would discuss this with your doctor .... He/she should be able to help you with this.... Big hug....xo
Community LeaderLeo
Leo
Definitely discuss! IHugs of support
Beryl367
Beryl367
Would it also help to have headphones with calming music or a spouse/close family member in the room (depending on you, them, the procedure this is sometimes allowed/useful).

I hope you get it worked out.

Hugs.
AngelaJo
AngelaJo
Yes another good idea! They allowed my mom to be with me during mine!
Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
Yes, AJ's advice is right on, because I have to have medical procedures that trigger me, too. I've got one coming up next month related to the chronic kidney disease I have from too much Seroquel for my PTSD on top of my diabetes. My kidney docs know I work hard on my PTSD front, too, and that I'm a kidney patient because of damage from Seroquel for PTSD so they respect me about how kidney procedures can trigger me.
Secouya
Secouya
You can let them know how you are affected by the thought of having the procedure. The can give mild sedation. I had an epidural not long ago and I am always affected by the thought of even having one because years ago after a head on collision, a blind epidural was done and I had a grand-mall seizure and died on the procedure table. Just getting this out is triggering. The doctors and nurses this last time were great. They gave me sedation and checked in with me throughout the entire procedure because I explained what I had been through and the fear I go through when even thinking about the procedure.
Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
carolk1955, how're you doing with this today?
carolk1955
carolk1955
I really appreciate all the suggestions that all of you have provided. I haven't scheduled the procedure as yet (I scheduled it twice already and then cancelled after I had an anxiety attack). My family dr is the one who ordered the procedure, and she will not prescribe my psych meds. I have a new psychiatrist prescribing my psych meds who I will meet next week. I'm thinking of approaching him since I don't think my family dr really understands PTSD.
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