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.
This time I have a question. I was married, an abusive marriage, for 30 years and when I divorced was left with PTSD. I am 66 F. So stress is a big part, in act stress, panic attacks and night terrors are my life not just a part of it.
A couple of weeks ago I went for a doctor's visit to make sure my Hepatitis C which my ex, a dentist, gave me by using dental instruments from an infected patient. After 3 months I am finally Hep C free.
But he called for an ambulance to take me to the hospital. A little surprise.
I had suffered a small stroke, a little bigger then a TIA but not big enough to cause lasting damage. After 3 days in the hospital I have now been told by the doctor that people who have small strokes, even TIA's, usually have a big stroke within 1 year. one in 4 die within 1 year.
I am a very low risk stroke person. I do not drink, do not do drugs, do not smoke anything, am underweight, have a low bp, do not drink cafeine, do not have heart problems, do not use salt.....but.....I have a HIGH STRESS level thanks to PTSD. That is what caused my stroke. My ex continues to cause me stress though I try to stay away from him. We do have children and sometimes have to go to the same events.
So tell me, if you were in my shoes and were told you would probably have a major stroke within the next year, but suffer from PTSD, how would you live what might be your last year? I tried to save money to last about 5 years, but I admit it is not much. I just started SS which is $1058/month. I live in Calif. I dare you to find a nice place to live under $1000!. Would you go ahead and spend the money you saved and live life a little? Would you stay where you are, hidding from people and staying safe from triggers? I would like to be a little happy if this is going to be my last year, so I think it is dumb to save it for a future I might not have. Then again, I might live 2 years.
Any ideas? PTSD just makes it harder to find a way to make my life happy....even for 1 year. Any ideas???
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I'm feeling down,, and got alot on my mind right now. I got grief going on, on top my depression and anxiety and now I got to worry about somewhere to live since I can't afford living here since my mom passed. So many bad things have happened since my mom passed. One thing after another it seems. Yesterday our fence fell from a storm that hit, had to call someone to prop it up. Thank...
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Just wanted to give a thank you to Mid, Arfie, Malibumark, Greeneyes, Mlro, Girlincalif, and Suncloudjd! You all always have such helpful tips and advice, but I always forget to write on my posts when I see you post, lol. I would lose my head if it wasn't attached to my body, lol. Thank you all so much! I'm starting to use my AI app as a sounding board again. I used to use it as that before...
I am sorry you suffered a stroke and I hope it does not happen again. If it were me, I would focus on living my life day by day and enjoying everything in that moment because nothing is a guarantee, not even 1 out of 4. You could be one of the three.
Especially if I had children.
No, I wouldn't live financially as though I wouldn't be here in 5 years.
Are you able to work on the PTSD with a therapist?.... If you're going to spend some money on anything I would spend it on that
None of us know what tomorrow will bring.... Another hug and a blessing....xo
I just turned 60, jljlost, and have been diagnosed with PTSD since 1995. With age my symptoms have increased until diabetes and kidney disease made my doctors remove all meds in 2012. I came here for support on how to live with PTSD without Ativan for panic attacks and Seroquel for nightmares.
It's gone well for 7 years here now. I was rewarded 2 years ago by being put on one PTSD med, at least, Prazosin for nightmares, because it's liver processed and kidney safe. But I decided it would be best to take early retirement at 62 in two years. To do that I'm going to have to move to a cheaper area to live. In fact, out of the USA entirely, to Mexico. Here's a Wall Street Journal article about it.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/if-youre-thinking-of-retiring-in-san-miguel-de-allende-1524148625
I just got back from Mexico yesterday, where I did some scouting for future apartments. Believe it or not, I found several furnished apartments for $300 a month including utilities. US citizens live there on Social Security income like yours alone.
I know it's a big deal to move like I'm planning to do, and you have your children and those events of theirs you mention. However, if you moved they might enjoy coming to see you there, and your ex wouldn't be with them. You might all enjoy time together even more.
That's how I'm making my decision about weighing my present needs and resources against my future resources and expectations.
Yes, SS does not pay much and my ex refuses to pay support so it is tight financially. I am so glad you told me about Mexico!
Although I have 2 children, one is no longer in my life (drugs took her) and the other is well of enough to visit if I moved. They are both in their 30s and I have no grandchildren.
Tell me how you made your plans, what the area is like and the weather, do you feel safe? To be honest, in Calif, and perhaps other states as well,it seems to be getting more violent, more gangs, more anger and confusion. It is not the same place it used to be (I was born and raised in San Francisco and Walnut Creek). Is there good medical care? I know you gave me a site to check out, but sites try to sell their product, make money, whereas you are a regular ( (: ) person who is not making a commission....if you know what I mean. I would love to hear more if you have the time. Please let me know.
Thank you,
Janis
You are right! I remember when I was a kid we used to have a 'grease strainer' on the stove. All the grease left after frying bacon, chicken, lamb....all fatty stuff would be poured into the strainer and used to fry eggs and other foods. Uggg! And my father was told to cut out sugar and use salt instead......he made us eat grapefruit with salt on it and poured salt on pizza.
I lost a taste for salt, or at least too much salt. Prepared foods are too salty for me. As for caffeine, being a hyper person even before PTSD, caffeine made me shake, sweat and have PAT.
But you are right about changing nutrition trends. I always figured everything, I mean everything over used, is bad for you. And nearly everything used in moderation or used only occasionally is healthy. I don't mean drugs or poisonous things, but salt, sugar, meat, fat etc. Also I found when I craved something, it was my body telling me that there was something in the food I was craving that I needed. I know some people might think that crazy but I have had cravings at times for a food I do not normally eat, only to find I was low in calcium or sodium or vit B or E which was in that food.
Sorry to go on and on.
Thank you for your reply