Posted by kiddo on September 1, 2001, at 0:08:56
In reply to Question to those with PTSD, posted by judy1 on August 30, 2001, at 18:58:45
Hiya-
From what I gather, there's something about the tests/exams that trigger the flashbacks? I don't know if it will help, but I'll give my 2 cents worth anyway, just in case.
In my Tae Kwon Do classes, I started doing attack-defense, bringing back all kinds of flashbacks when it's my turn to be 'attacked'. I'd freak and leave the room, but my sinsei (instructor) has always followed me, made me focus on the present, did my breathing excercises with me, and kept me in the 'here & now' if you will... always telling me during that time that it happened in the past, they aren't hurting me anymore, they aren't hurting me now...
Have you asked someone to go with you, that knows you really well? That could do the same with you perhaps? My pdoc/therp did hypnotize me the last time I left town (I'm agoraphobic as well, so it was a really big step for me) and it worked. I didn't have one panic attack the entire time. It was 8 1/2 years since I'd gone that far.
So you may want to give that a try as well.
If you smell the wood burning, it's just me thinking out loud....
Kiddo> What do you do when you are forced into a situation that requires repeated medical examinations and tests. I have had serious problems in the past where I have flashbacks and freak. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated- judy
poster:kiddo
thread:10526
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010825/msgs/10618.html