PTSD with Chiari

[Lynnrae64]

I've been really depressed lately and I was told yesterday I have PTSD. Has anyone been dx with that as well. My therapist feels since I was dx with chiari in September, pTSD is common. Any comments?

[Elisaandbucky]

I find great comfort staying in daily contact with this forum. There are so many very caring and extraordinary people here. I hope you are doing well today.

[Lynnrae64]

Watching the grammy's made me realize the health conditions that are so overlooked. What will it take to have Chiari be one of those illnesses? The symptoms are so much like MS. Anytime I tell someone what I have, they say they have never heard of it. I blame our health system because even our own physicians are clueless. I honestly believe that is why so many of us do not feel recognized and in a sense "alone". It's great to have support from this forum. On the days I feel lonely, it's nice to hear from others that you have never met "we are here for you". Even when I recently applied for disability I sent them information explaining Chiari. It's not recognized so I thought it would help my case for them to know more about it and the symptoms relating to it. That's not my only dx, but how can anyone determine your limitations without knowledge. Thank you all for your support and words of encouragement.

[kwalker0004]

I have been struggling with depression for years. I have been to so many doctors that its not funny. One even went as far as saying I had PTSD for things that happened to me when I was younger and how I am just now remembering it all. They said it was to traumatic that I hide it deep down inside. They also say I have anger issues. I am currently not taking meds as I have been doing great without them for 7 years now but sometimes (here recently) I can feel the depression coming. But who wouldn't be depressed when we have to deal with all the symptoms and pain that we go through. Losing what we love to do because of this invisible condition that not even our doctors understand. I haven't even been able to ride my horse since last spring when I feel off of it. But in time we find things that take up our time, to replace our once held jobs, we find away to do the house cleaning when we are having free of symptom days, and we finally realize that we are not super women. Though we still try to be. Best of luck to you as you continue your journey.

[Elisaandbucky]

Your metaphor of the single tree within a dense forest is a good one for telling what is like to be told "you should be feeling better." What does that mean? That you are not trying enough! You're right, there is a dark and very vast forest to consider. That said, I hope that your counselor can help you when you get sidetracked by insensitive statements. I am sad that you are experiencing any insensitivity - mostly so from trusted medical professionals. The real thing is, you will feel better when your body says so. You know what is happening inside. I just wish sometimes that those on this forum could be together in one single place. We could all join hands.

[Lynnrae64]

You hit it on the head. This feeling is so much like losing a loved one. I have learned throughout this dx stage that no matter the title of your illness, it's real. You're right, whether it is physical or mental on my bad days, I need to find out what works to subside the symptom.  They all seem to overlap. Seeing a counselor who deals with chronic illness is a plus for me. I'm going to be having decompression surgery when I'm ready, recovering from a fusion now. They could not do it because of possible paralysis. I'm  3 months post op and not physically or mentally ready. I guess the fear of the next one has me quite anxious and could be the reason for so many unexplained emotions. My laundry list of symptoms seems to grow. It's frustrating when the dr says you should be feeling better, but they've only cut down a tree to see the forest. I've got a long road and the doctors just keep adding dx' s like Fibromyalgia because I'm still hurting. It's like I need to bring in info relating to chiari for them to understand. Thank you for your support.

[Elisaandbucky]

I think in my research of my own depression, i learned that whether it is unipolar or bipolar depression, anxiety disorder, or PTSD, many of the symptoms overlap. The distinguishing factor is the type of medication that will be effective to treat the symptoms.

I feel compassion for your sadness over not being able to do the things you loved doing or being able to work. For me, those are what give meaning to my days. Without them, you are not only experiencing your physical symptoms, but depression and a sense loss that feels very much like the loss of an important person in your life. Really, it is exactly like that; you are mourning the loss of the you that you were before all the physical issues changed things so much in your life. Keep in touch. I hope you are well today.

[Lynnrae64]

Thank you for your feedback. Whether it's PTSD or depression, it's real and exhausting. I'm not able to work or do the things I did a year ago. It's overwhelming to say the least.

[Elisaandbucky]

I have experienced depression for much of my life. Mental illness is present in both sides of my family, so I keep my symptoms monitored pretty closely. Some people who suffer depression do remarkably well with medication. I see a therapist and she has spoken to me about PTSD also. But whether it is standard clinical depression, anxiety, or PTSD, finding a good therapist is key. But, then again, getting diagnosed with a serious illness (like Chiari) is really traumatic. Try to care for yourself everyday and rest knowing that you are part of a very caring community.

[selmaS]

  Hi...a few have had that label assigned to them....but the depression is normal....as it can be related to the Chiari itself and not due to the same reasons as someone with PTSD....

  There are several stages we go thru when DX'd and anger is one, depression, denial, and finally acceptance...not necessarily in that order...but we experience it again as we recover from surgery, so in that example it is common for those with Chiari but it is not going to last like PTSD will for someone that has had an event  cause the symptoms.