I Have Ptsd
Most of the time my PTSD doesn't bother me unless I'm around a Direct Trigger, or when loud noises startle me. I hate how jumpy I can get. C'est la vie!
41-45, F
Top | Newest First | Oldest First
This comment is hidden.
Show Comment
PeanutsauntieP1982 · 41-45, F
Oh yes. I have made great strides in the last almost nine years since I acquired PTSD.
On 11-08-07 I woke up during a 'routine' arthroscopic surgery on my left knee. I was awake for 30 minutes out of a 45 minute surgery. It was 30 minutes of hell.
Two things were working for me already during and immediately after the surgery. During it, I already knew the name of what was happening to me, and even the statistics on how few people experience it. After, the next day I had a regular therapy appointment, and was able to get psychiatric care almost immediately. (I also have bipolar 2).
Since then, things've slowly but steadily improved, especially after I met my first fellow survivor, who shocked, challenged, and then made me make her an unbreakable promise; to never shut up about what happened to me, and to educate the general public whenever I have the chance to about what is called Anesthesia Awareness.
Out of 100,000 surgeries in the US everyday, 100-200 people will wake up under general anesthesia. (.01-.02%)
It happens to more redheads than any other hair color, due to the genetic mutation that causes red hair. However, it happens in more abdminal and chest surgeries where there is greater chance of blood loss.
In my case, two of the three drugs used for anesthesia, the anesthetic, and the analgesic, wore off. The third drug, a neuromuscular paralytic, did its job of keeping me completely paralyzed. Those three drug types make up the "triad of anesthesia."
To prevent an Awareness (as we call it), is actually very easy. There are two parts to it;
1-a pre-operative sedative, such as Versed. It'll stop you from remembering anything should you wake up.
2-a BiSpectral Index (BSI, or 'bis machine in med-speak), helps the anesthesiologist monitor your brain waves so they know you're truly under anesthesia.
I've had 5 more surgeries since then, and I demand (not ask) these measures be used. Once I had this anesthesiogist who was being an *** about using those things. I bought out my inner ***** and promised him that if I woke up during surgery, afterward, whatever was at arms reach was being thrown at him!. He took those measures. *Big triumphant smile!!*
Reaching out has helped tremendously. That's how I've done 75% of my healing. The other fifteen percent (I'm not completely healed mentally from that ordeal), has come from my effort to teach myself about PTSD so I can treat it better. It's been a long road here, but I've discovered I'm a bit stronger than I seem. : - ) : - )
On 11-08-07 I woke up during a 'routine' arthroscopic surgery on my left knee. I was awake for 30 minutes out of a 45 minute surgery. It was 30 minutes of hell.
Two things were working for me already during and immediately after the surgery. During it, I already knew the name of what was happening to me, and even the statistics on how few people experience it. After, the next day I had a regular therapy appointment, and was able to get psychiatric care almost immediately. (I also have bipolar 2).
Since then, things've slowly but steadily improved, especially after I met my first fellow survivor, who shocked, challenged, and then made me make her an unbreakable promise; to never shut up about what happened to me, and to educate the general public whenever I have the chance to about what is called Anesthesia Awareness.
Out of 100,000 surgeries in the US everyday, 100-200 people will wake up under general anesthesia. (.01-.02%)
It happens to more redheads than any other hair color, due to the genetic mutation that causes red hair. However, it happens in more abdminal and chest surgeries where there is greater chance of blood loss.
In my case, two of the three drugs used for anesthesia, the anesthetic, and the analgesic, wore off. The third drug, a neuromuscular paralytic, did its job of keeping me completely paralyzed. Those three drug types make up the "triad of anesthesia."
To prevent an Awareness (as we call it), is actually very easy. There are two parts to it;
1-a pre-operative sedative, such as Versed. It'll stop you from remembering anything should you wake up.
2-a BiSpectral Index (BSI, or 'bis machine in med-speak), helps the anesthesiologist monitor your brain waves so they know you're truly under anesthesia.
I've had 5 more surgeries since then, and I demand (not ask) these measures be used. Once I had this anesthesiogist who was being an *** about using those things. I bought out my inner ***** and promised him that if I woke up during surgery, afterward, whatever was at arms reach was being thrown at him!. He took those measures. *Big triumphant smile!!*
Reaching out has helped tremendously. That's how I've done 75% of my healing. The other fifteen percent (I'm not completely healed mentally from that ordeal), has come from my effort to teach myself about PTSD so I can treat it better. It's been a long road here, but I've discovered I'm a bit stronger than I seem. : - ) : - )
This comment is hidden.
Show Comment
PeanutsauntieP1982 · 41-45, F
Thank you very much. It's been a tough road, but the lessons have been worth it.