United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi all, long time no type here, been very busy, basically getting my life back together, like you all know how it goes.

Anyways, a couple of years after the crash that BPI'd me, things were going crazy in my life, and eventually i was diagnosed PTSD ~ post traumatic stress disorder.

Went to see a specialist psych about it yesterday, and MAN am i relieved to hear it IS treatable (if maybe not 100%). It's been 3.5 years since the crash, and only yesterday have i started to receive the help i asked docs etc for, for YEARS and im a bit angry about that!!!! Remember yer anger management daveO!! ;O)

Now, not everyone involved in a traumatic or life threatening event/accident goes on to develop PTSD, but some do and it's an important injury to recognise, even though it is invisible you know? One guy whose wife posts on the other site got PTSD after witnessing the horrendous birth of their OBPI baby ~ seeing all that suffering of his wife and baby and being poweless to help caused it. Eventually she made him get treatment for it and he's loads better. As i hope to be eventually when ive had more treatment.

The doc gave me loads of meds, info on anger management/explosions and depression, and mood indicator charts for me to fill in before the next consult.... oh and ive to quit alcohol (!!!!!!????!!!!) LOL, we'll see how succesful that is...

I mailed with Nancy and Cathy Kanter about this, and think Nancy is putting a link about PTSD on the main info section on here (hi Nancy).

This would be a good one, get a coffee and put yer feet up if you go read it, there's plenty to take in! :O)

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Book ... sorder.htm

If any of you guys think that stuff is ringing bells, maybe its worth further investigation?

Main thing is, its TREATABLE!! :O))
and im not a loony, or a victim, but a survivor!

The psych therapy isnt easy, i was choked up and almost in tears at one point, but like the PT, if it's gotta be done, grit yer teeth and get on with it i say.

Good luck guys,
Dave

Hi Dave
So proud of you for posting and finally getting the help you need. Glad you are off the booze that is a great start in the right direction. Email me any time you want or need to get rid of frustrations I have been there and used you and others on this board and wish to give something back. I've appreciated the support I have been given over the years Go Dave
Lyn

Dave,

Glad you finally had your first visit and that it has made such an impact. Keep us informed as to how it progresses. You are the trail-setter in this area for us and I've not known anyone else with a bpi who has had this therapy.

I wish you the very very best and hope the realizations gained will be the start of a new way of living for you.

Nancy

I was wondering where you have been. I am so glad that you found someone who can help. I am sending a hug your way (((}}}. Now about those Beach Babes, I am sure you will find some out there,but I don't know about in October.LOL Take care and hang in there ......Judy

Hi Lyn, hey you were the first ever contact I had back when very newly injured, I don't forget that, and will mail you, thanks for your support!

Thanks for the reply Judy, will you guys be coming to our meeting in England, near here, it's to be held at a bike bar and they are camping (not me big softy!) ~ it will be very good I can assure you! ;O)

Hi Nancy, yes there are TBPI's in the UK who post on the other site who have had or having this type of treatment. One is diagnosed PTSd too like me. It seems those who remained conscious during the traumatic event, and thought they were going to die especially, are more prone to PTSD.
Also, as the hubby of a mother of an OBPI child got diagnosed PTSD too, perhaps it would be a good idea to post something about this on the general board too?

Cheers,
Dave

Dave,

Good to hear from you again! I saw your post on the general board and came over to have a look at these posts.
I want to thank you-- "THANK YOU!" for posting this information and being kind and brave enough to share your personal struggles with all of us. I know it will be helpful and give others the courage to seek help (even if you don't hear from them).
Like Nancy said, keep us posted on how things are going for you.
All the best to you!

Peggy

Dave

I am so glad you posted and really glad you are find help. Glad to see you getting help from someone who understands.

It is so important to be in touch with our feelings. Thanks for posting this information I am sure you are helping others to take a look at this possibility for themselves.

Please keep us all posted
Kath

Dave

I am so glad you posted. Glad to see your getting help from someone who understands.

It is so important to be in touch with our feelings. Who would ever think of this being connected to tbpi. It makes so much sense after such a life altering event.
I am sure you are helping others to take a look at this possibility for themselves.

Please keep us all posted
Kath

Good on you for posting this Dave :0) Very interesting reading. It made me see why my mum never recovered from my brother's death and why she reacted so(to me) uncaringly to my tbpi accident 2 years later, it must have brought it all back for her. I'm glad I was knocked out, I don't remember a thing about the accident to this day, I was very lucky.
I'll be really interested to hear how they treat you Dave. Take care :0)

Mine was 21 years ago as the result of a motorcycle accident. I woke up in the ditch, thought it was time to go to work and tried to stand up. My right arm was a mess and I had a compound tibia/fibia fracture. I did not get far. When the paramedics found me and loaded me in, I stayed conscious and heard one of them say, "this guy won't make it." Oddly enough, it didn't occur to me that I wouldn't make it. I never thought that PT stress was a problem and have always had a can-do attitude.
Last year, I saw a therapist for pain management and through the therapy I underwent a significant breakthroughs in an area that hadn't occured to me. (I thought I'd adjusted pretty well.) I learned that I could stop being angry. Being pissed had great advantages as I adapted to a one-armed world and the chronic pain, and it helped me take my life back. But after 20 years, it was no longer necessary. I'd reinvented myself and my life quite successfully, and the constant anger was stopping me from enjoying the benefits. I had to let go of the negative. That was a real breakthrough and as I drove home I kept hearing lines from a Aerosmith song: "I kept the wrong ones in, and let the right ones out." The song deals with addiction, and I empathised and felt enormous relief.
So while I didn't suffer from PT stress specifically, the strains of adapting to a bpi world needed to be dealt with. I certainly feel better, and while I still get pissed when I need to push past an obstacle, I am no longer living angry. And that feels a lot better.