Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

[welshgirl]

i too worry about cross infection at hosp. visits . the staff have picked up on it and told me everything is disinfected carefully. i got my germ spreading ideas from this site but to be honest it didn't take much to push me over the edge!!!!!

i am like adrian monk and my kids call me monk<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0"> my house is spotless but its not a new thing iv'e always been this way .

i too am anxious but in my case it's manifested itself as irritable bowel syndrome. until recently i was very nearly housebound ( always needing to rush to the loo!!!!)

my dr. wants me to try cognitive therapy to find the root cause of my anxiety. i know it's not all to do with cf . iv'e always lived on my nerves. good luck charlotte,whatever happens.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

 

[Ratatosk]

I'm not a germ-a-phobe by any means, but the local CF clinic was just too stressful and we felt it was nonproductive for us to go. We stopped going for several reasons, including the cross contamination issue. They'd encourage interaction between patients and families because so many come from small towns and have little chance to meet with other cfers. When we expressed our concerns about cross contamination, we were told we shouldn't worry because there aren't any cepacia cases and if there were, they wouldn't be allowed to come to the clinic anymore. In fact, when my husband first questioned the waiting room situation, a doctor snapped at him and said "well, your son goes to preschool, what are you worried about?"

We go to a CF clinic in the City and we rarely run into other people in the waiting room. We register and we get put into a room asap. Oh, and there have been cepacia cases at the local clinic.

 

[Ratatosk]

I'm not a germ-a-phobe by any means, but the local CF clinic was just too stressful and we felt it was nonproductive for us to go. We stopped going for several reasons, including the cross contamination issue. They'd encourage interaction between patients and families because so many come from small towns and have little chance to meet with other cfers. When we expressed our concerns about cross contamination, we were told we shouldn't worry because there aren't any cepacia cases and if there were, they wouldn't be allowed to come to the clinic anymore. In fact, when my husband first questioned the waiting room situation, a doctor snapped at him and said "well, your son goes to preschool, what are you worried about?"

We go to a CF clinic in the City and we rarely run into other people in the waiting room. We register and we get put into a room asap. Oh, and there have been cepacia cases at the local clinic.

 

[Ratatosk]

I'm not a germ-a-phobe by any means, but the local CF clinic was just too stressful and we felt it was nonproductive for us to go. We stopped going for several reasons, including the cross contamination issue. They'd encourage interaction between patients and families because so many come from small towns and have little chance to meet with other cfers. When we expressed our concerns about cross contamination, we were told we shouldn't worry because there aren't any cepacia cases and if there were, they wouldn't be allowed to come to the clinic anymore. In fact, when my husband first questioned the waiting room situation, a doctor snapped at him and said "well, your son goes to preschool, what are you worried about?"

We go to a CF clinic in the City and we rarely run into other people in the waiting room. We register and we get put into a room asap. Oh, and there have been cepacia cases at the local clinic.

 

[thefrogprincess]

I think it could be very useful to you and the psych to have her go with you. She only sees what goes on with you in her office, having some insight into what happens outside could be good.

Believe me I know how big of a deal cross-contamination is, but you also need to realize that you can't keep you kids from being exposed to germs. They will go to school and get colds like everyone else. One of the best things you can do (and it may make you feel better because YOU will be in control) is to teach your kids the importance of handwashing/sanatizing. I carry little bottle of Purel in my purse and I have my own pump bottle of it for use at work. No hand soap enters my home if it is not antibacterial. They even make soaps and santitizers is yummy sents now. Bath and Body Works carries a lot! My current favorite is black raspberry-vanilla.

 

[thefrogprincess]

I think it could be very useful to you and the psych to have her go with you. She only sees what goes on with you in her office, having some insight into what happens outside could be good.

Believe me I know how big of a deal cross-contamination is, but you also need to realize that you can't keep you kids from being exposed to germs. They will go to school and get colds like everyone else. One of the best things you can do (and it may make you feel better because YOU will be in control) is to teach your kids the importance of handwashing/sanatizing. I carry little bottle of Purel in my purse and I have my own pump bottle of it for use at work. No hand soap enters my home if it is not antibacterial. They even make soaps and santitizers is yummy sents now. Bath and Body Works carries a lot! My current favorite is black raspberry-vanilla.

 

[thefrogprincess]

I think it could be very useful to you and the psych to have her go with you. She only sees what goes on with you in her office, having some insight into what happens outside could be good.

Believe me I know how big of a deal cross-contamination is, but you also need to realize that you can't keep you kids from being exposed to germs. They will go to school and get colds like everyone else. One of the best things you can do (and it may make you feel better because YOU will be in control) is to teach your kids the importance of handwashing/sanatizing. I carry little bottle of Purel in my purse and I have my own pump bottle of it for use at work. No hand soap enters my home if it is not antibacterial. They even make soaps and santitizers is yummy sents now. Bath and Body Works carries a lot! My current favorite is black raspberry-vanilla.

 

[LouLou]

A few simple changes helped me deal with fear of cross contamination. Maybe you could come up with your own list of clinic 'to-do's' that will help ease your mind and control germs.

1) I bring a trash bag with me to clinic. Upon arrival I put all of my belongings in the trash bag. Then at the end everything (coat, purse, bag, etc.) all come out of the bag and the dirty bag stays at clinic. This sends a clear message to the staff that I'm serious about germs, as well as, keeps me from bring dangerous germs back into my home to infect me at a later time when my guard is down.

2) I don't touch anything in the waiting room or check in area. I bring my own pen to sign anything I have to. I don't sit in the seats. I stand and if there are any other people in the waiting room (which oftent times there's not because I schedule it to be the first appt. of the day at 9:00am) I give them my cell phone and leave the hospital or go to a conference room where there are no sickies. Don't ask just make demands. It's your right.

3) I don't touch any doorknobs without a tissue or paper towel in my hand to shield me from the germs.

4) I wash and use Purell upon entering any room or after I touch any equipment.

5) I don't shake others (doctors, nurses) hands until they've washed them. This has made for some uncomfortable moments but fxuxcxk em its your safety that matters to you only the most.

With these simple precautions, I release my fear of cross contamination. I feel I am doing all that I can and that is the best that I can do.

If I were you I wouldn't let your child play with communal toys. Most doctors offices in the USA have removed them due to infection concerns in the general public not to mention the cf population.

 

[LouLou]

A few simple changes helped me deal with fear of cross contamination. Maybe you could come up with your own list of clinic 'to-do's' that will help ease your mind and control germs.

1) I bring a trash bag with me to clinic. Upon arrival I put all of my belongings in the trash bag. Then at the end everything (coat, purse, bag, etc.) all come out of the bag and the dirty bag stays at clinic. This sends a clear message to the staff that I'm serious about germs, as well as, keeps me from bring dangerous germs back into my home to infect me at a later time when my guard is down.

2) I don't touch anything in the waiting room or check in area. I bring my own pen to sign anything I have to. I don't sit in the seats. I stand and if there are any other people in the waiting room (which oftent times there's not because I schedule it to be the first appt. of the day at 9:00am) I give them my cell phone and leave the hospital or go to a conference room where there are no sickies. Don't ask just make demands. It's your right.

3) I don't touch any doorknobs without a tissue or paper towel in my hand to shield me from the germs.

4) I wash and use Purell upon entering any room or after I touch any equipment.

5) I don't shake others (doctors, nurses) hands until they've washed them. This has made for some uncomfortable moments but fxuxcxk em its your safety that matters to you only the most.

With these simple precautions, I release my fear of cross contamination. I feel I am doing all that I can and that is the best that I can do.

If I were you I wouldn't let your child play with communal toys. Most doctors offices in the USA have removed them due to infection concerns in the general public not to mention the cf population.

 

[LouLou]

A few simple changes helped me deal with fear of cross contamination. Maybe you could come up with your own list of clinic 'to-do's' that will help ease your mind and control germs.

1) I bring a trash bag with me to clinic. Upon arrival I put all of my belongings in the trash bag. Then at the end everything (coat, purse, bag, etc.) all come out of the bag and the dirty bag stays at clinic. This sends a clear message to the staff that I'm serious about germs, as well as, keeps me from bring dangerous germs back into my home to infect me at a later time when my guard is down.

2) I don't touch anything in the waiting room or check in area. I bring my own pen to sign anything I have to. I don't sit in the seats. I stand and if there are any other people in the waiting room (which oftent times there's not because I schedule it to be the first appt. of the day at 9:00am) I give them my cell phone and leave the hospital or go to a conference room where there are no sickies. Don't ask just make demands. It's your right.

3) I don't touch any doorknobs without a tissue or paper towel in my hand to shield me from the germs.

4) I wash and use Purell upon entering any room or after I touch any equipment.

5) I don't shake others (doctors, nurses) hands until they've washed them. This has made for some uncomfortable moments but fxuxcxk em its your safety that matters to you only the most.

With these simple precautions, I release my fear of cross contamination. I feel I am doing all that I can and that is the best that I can do.

If I were you I wouldn't let your child play with communal toys. Most doctors offices in the USA have removed them due to infection concerns in the general public not to mention the cf population.

 

[charl72]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Scarlett81</b></i>

You have legitimate reasons to be stressed and have anxiety, and to be worried about germs. Any health diagnosis that is serious to you or a loved one can cause ptsd. I have diagnosed ptsd b/c of traumatic childhood events. I have managed to control it with therapy and haven't needed medication.-But I'm completely open to medication, my therapist felt I really didn't need it, and wanted me to focus on the things that happened to me and use therapy to deal witht them.

As far as germs, you sound like you really have anxiety over this. You have reason to, but there are germs everywhere and your child is going to have to live in a world with them. You can't be so anxious about it, I think your therapist is right. You also don't want your child to become overly anxious as they get older. I think you should keep facing these appointments, try your best to deal with them. Maybe you should privately tell your cf doctor about your anxitey and fears with the germs. Maybe he could help to calm your nerves more. And keep going to therapy-ptsd gets better over time, I promise! If you have a good therapist, they'll help to give you the coping skills you need to deal with life. If I could overcome it-<i>anybody</i> could.</end quote></div>


Thanks for your advice.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> I'm not too bad in general about germs more when I visit the CF Clinic. My daughter goes to Playgroup 3 mornings a week, I got pretty worked up about this before she started, but it really wasn't as bad when the time came. She really enjoys it and loves mixing with the other kids. My anxiety is worst at the CF Clinic cos of cross-infection. I really don't want to be the over-protective mother, but until she can look out for herself, etc, I just can't help it! I'll keep you posted.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif" border="0">

Take care.

 

[charl72]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Scarlett81</b></i>

You have legitimate reasons to be stressed and have anxiety, and to be worried about germs. Any health diagnosis that is serious to you or a loved one can cause ptsd. I have diagnosed ptsd b/c of traumatic childhood events. I have managed to control it with therapy and haven't needed medication.-But I'm completely open to medication, my therapist felt I really didn't need it, and wanted me to focus on the things that happened to me and use therapy to deal witht them.

As far as germs, you sound like you really have anxiety over this. You have reason to, but there are germs everywhere and your child is going to have to live in a world with them. You can't be so anxious about it, I think your therapist is right. You also don't want your child to become overly anxious as they get older. I think you should keep facing these appointments, try your best to deal with them. Maybe you should privately tell your cf doctor about your anxitey and fears with the germs. Maybe he could help to calm your nerves more. And keep going to therapy-ptsd gets better over time, I promise! If you have a good therapist, they'll help to give you the coping skills you need to deal with life. If I could overcome it-<i>anybody</i> could.</end quote></div>


Thanks for your advice.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> I'm not too bad in general about germs more when I visit the CF Clinic. My daughter goes to Playgroup 3 mornings a week, I got pretty worked up about this before she started, but it really wasn't as bad when the time came. She really enjoys it and loves mixing with the other kids. My anxiety is worst at the CF Clinic cos of cross-infection. I really don't want to be the over-protective mother, but until she can look out for herself, etc, I just can't help it! I'll keep you posted.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif" border="0">

Take care.

 

[charl72]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Scarlett81</b></i>

You have legitimate reasons to be stressed and have anxiety, and to be worried about germs. Any health diagnosis that is serious to you or a loved one can cause ptsd. I have diagnosed ptsd b/c of traumatic childhood events. I have managed to control it with therapy and haven't needed medication.-But I'm completely open to medication, my therapist felt I really didn't need it, and wanted me to focus on the things that happened to me and use therapy to deal witht them.

As far as germs, you sound like you really have anxiety over this. You have reason to, but there are germs everywhere and your child is going to have to live in a world with them. You can't be so anxious about it, I think your therapist is right. You also don't want your child to become overly anxious as they get older. I think you should keep facing these appointments, try your best to deal with them. Maybe you should privately tell your cf doctor about your anxitey and fears with the germs. Maybe he could help to calm your nerves more. And keep going to therapy-ptsd gets better over time, I promise! If you have a good therapist, they'll help to give you the coping skills you need to deal with life. If I could overcome it-<i>anybody</i> could.</end quote></div>


Thanks for your advice.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> I'm not too bad in general about germs more when I visit the CF Clinic. My daughter goes to Playgroup 3 mornings a week, I got pretty worked up about this before she started, but it really wasn't as bad when the time came. She really enjoys it and loves mixing with the other kids. My anxiety is worst at the CF Clinic cos of cross-infection. I really don't want to be the over-protective mother, but until she can look out for herself, etc, I just can't help it! I'll keep you posted.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif" border="0">

Take care.

 

[charl72]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>JRPandTJP</b></i>

Last Spring after we stopped breastfeeding I had a major emotional let down. I began having nightmares and even some waking nightmares. I suddenly couldn't keep things together and began having flashbacks to hospital events. I sought out help to work through the intense guilt and grief I had been feeling but never allowed myself to fully recognize because I was caring for everyone else and denying myself time to incorporate all we had endured. For me nursing him helped me through a very difficult year...once it was gone I felt very vulnerable.



Our clinic is actually where he was hospitalized while he lingered undiagnosed. I had to pass the same art pieces, cafeteria, and even take the same elevator as we did when he was in hospital for 2 weeks! It was torturous for a while. I always went alone and the first appointments were even worse because of the lack of support I received with regard to his feeding routine.



PTSD is a very real thing and it takes patience and committment to work through the many layers and release all the emotions we attached to the things that trigger the anxiety or fear. My counselor used Emotional Freedom Technique (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.emofree.com/newcomer.htm),">http://www.emofree.com/newcomer.htm),</a> a tapping technique used to help break the cycle of thoughts which were the source of much of my anxiety. Combined with talking, it helped me move past it and replace thoughts with new ones. It worked and thankfully I was able to avoid drugs. I only go now if I have something I feel is really challenging me and I just need to talk it out.



Just know you are not alone in all this and many moms feel similar to you. It is okay. Our brains are always doing their best to help us...sometimes, as in the case of PTSD, it just helps a little too much ;-0



I think your concern about cross-contam is totally legitimate. Our clinic has non-Pa and PA days for appointments and no toys are in the waiting room. I only come right on time and must Purelle him a thousand times while we are there (poor thing)! I don't bring my other child because it is so stressful to me. But the biggest change since therapy is that I don't feel totally overwhelmed anymore, which is good. You can and will get there!!



You're in my thoughts,</end quote></div>

 

[charl72]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>JRPandTJP</b></i>

Last Spring after we stopped breastfeeding I had a major emotional let down. I began having nightmares and even some waking nightmares. I suddenly couldn't keep things together and began having flashbacks to hospital events. I sought out help to work through the intense guilt and grief I had been feeling but never allowed myself to fully recognize because I was caring for everyone else and denying myself time to incorporate all we had endured. For me nursing him helped me through a very difficult year...once it was gone I felt very vulnerable.



Our clinic is actually where he was hospitalized while he lingered undiagnosed. I had to pass the same art pieces, cafeteria, and even take the same elevator as we did when he was in hospital for 2 weeks! It was torturous for a while. I always went alone and the first appointments were even worse because of the lack of support I received with regard to his feeding routine.



PTSD is a very real thing and it takes patience and committment to work through the many layers and release all the emotions we attached to the things that trigger the anxiety or fear. My counselor used Emotional Freedom Technique (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.emofree.com/newcomer.htm),">http://www.emofree.com/newcomer.htm),</a> a tapping technique used to help break the cycle of thoughts which were the source of much of my anxiety. Combined with talking, it helped me move past it and replace thoughts with new ones. It worked and thankfully I was able to avoid drugs. I only go now if I have something I feel is really challenging me and I just need to talk it out.



Just know you are not alone in all this and many moms feel similar to you. It is okay. Our brains are always doing their best to help us...sometimes, as in the case of PTSD, it just helps a little too much ;-0



I think your concern about cross-contam is totally legitimate. Our clinic has non-Pa and PA days for appointments and no toys are in the waiting room. I only come right on time and must Purelle him a thousand times while we are there (poor thing)! I don't bring my other child because it is so stressful to me. But the biggest change since therapy is that I don't feel totally overwhelmed anymore, which is good. You can and will get there!!



You're in my thoughts,</end quote></div>

 

[charl72]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>JRPandTJP</b></i>

Last Spring after we stopped breastfeeding I had a major emotional let down. I began having nightmares and even some waking nightmares. I suddenly couldn't keep things together and began having flashbacks to hospital events. I sought out help to work through the intense guilt and grief I had been feeling but never allowed myself to fully recognize because I was caring for everyone else and denying myself time to incorporate all we had endured. For me nursing him helped me through a very difficult year...once it was gone I felt very vulnerable.



Our clinic is actually where he was hospitalized while he lingered undiagnosed. I had to pass the same art pieces, cafeteria, and even take the same elevator as we did when he was in hospital for 2 weeks! It was torturous for a while. I always went alone and the first appointments were even worse because of the lack of support I received with regard to his feeding routine.



PTSD is a very real thing and it takes patience and committment to work through the many layers and release all the emotions we attached to the things that trigger the anxiety or fear. My counselor used Emotional Freedom Technique (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.emofree.com/newcomer.htm),">http://www.emofree.com/newcomer.htm),</a> a tapping technique used to help break the cycle of thoughts which were the source of much of my anxiety. Combined with talking, it helped me move past it and replace thoughts with new ones. It worked and thankfully I was able to avoid drugs. I only go now if I have something I feel is really challenging me and I just need to talk it out.



Just know you are not alone in all this and many moms feel similar to you. It is okay. Our brains are always doing their best to help us...sometimes, as in the case of PTSD, it just helps a little too much ;-0



I think your concern about cross-contam is totally legitimate. Our clinic has non-Pa and PA days for appointments and no toys are in the waiting room. I only come right on time and must Purelle him a thousand times while we are there (poor thing)! I don't bring my other child because it is so stressful to me. But the biggest change since therapy is that I don't feel totally overwhelmed anymore, which is good. You can and will get there!!



You're in my thoughts,</end quote></div>

 

[charl72]

Thanks for that, I sure am glad i'm not alone!

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

 

[charl72]

Thanks for that, I sure am glad i'm not alone!

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

 

[charl72]

Thanks for that, I sure am glad i'm not alone!

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

 

[charl72]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>welshgirl</b></i>

i too worry about cross infection at hosp. visits . the staff have picked up on it and told me everything is disinfected carefully. i got my germ spreading ideas from this site but to be honest it didn't take much to push me over the edge!!!!!



i am like adrian monk and my kids call me monk<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0"> my house is spotless but its not a new thing iv'e always been this way .



i too am anxious but in my case it's manifested itself as irritable bowel syndrome. until recently i was very nearly housebound ( always needing to rush to the loo!!!!)



my dr. wants me to try cognitive therapy to find the root cause of my anxiety. i know it's not all to do with cf . iv'e always lived on my nerves. good luck charlotte,whatever happens.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"></end quote></div>


Hiya Janet, <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

You poor thing!lol. Funny you say that, cos my Nan always used to say to me I lived on my nerves before I had my two kids! Maybe it does help, I dunno, it sure is hard though. Glad you understand. I'm sorry you get IBS - what a pain in the ar*se!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif" border="0"> Hopefully you share the same sense of humour as me, which I think sure helps a lot in our situation.

Take it easy.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif" border="0">