Post Traumatic Stress

Hi Guys, I'd be interested in your feedback on an issue thats really concerning me at the moment,

my partner ( and soon to be husband ) Felim, is just coming up on a year since he was diagnosed with a pituitary macrodenoma, which was partially resected by transphenoidal approach last year and he finished his 6 week course of rt in April.

He has suffered from headaches almost daily and extreme fatigue.

But over the last few weeks, he has been displaying what looks like Post Traumatic Stress.

There are personal issues that he always had from childhood and the lack of family support, which he accepted but these have now all come to the fore, aswell as that he is convinced that because his tumor is inoperable that it will mutate and kill him.

I have spoken to his doctor who is anxious to see him but he refuses to see there is a problem.

Have any of you suffered or encountered post traumatic stress after treatment and how should I deal with it?

Thanks

Ali xx

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on October 14, 2010 at 9:31pm

Hello. I am 31 and am about 31 months post-op now. I started going to counseling about eight months after my surgery to address symptoms similar to ptsd. I have really benefitted from therapy, learning ways to cope and relate to those who arent able to know what this experience is like. I still go weekly-it has been just as important as going to phys therapy and relearning to walk. I found a therapist that had a lot of experience with long term/ terminal/recovering patients. This has been the most isolating experience, but with suport groups and therapy, I am finding support and feeling less lonely and that decreases the fears. Hope this helps. Blessings, amanda

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Permalink Reply by Ali on October 15, 2010 at 4:37am

Thanks Amanda, I suppose I was naive in thinking that once we had surgery and treatment behind us the worst is over, I think you just enter a different phase of it. I was thinking therapy would be helpful to address not just the issues he has with his illness but also issues he has kept regressed from childhood.
Thanks for your advice and I'm so happy to see therapy has helped you

xxxxx

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on October 16, 2010 at 11:13am

I think that when you are going through it (surgery/treatment/recovery), your body doesnt even allow you to process all the emotions-youre in survival mode! Once my body felt a little stable, the emotions and fears just came to the surface! It brought my childhood issues up-being sick and having to rely on other people to care for me, was a trigger. I hope that you can find someone to help! Therapy is amazing! You are an awesome partner for sticking through this-take care of you too! Amanda

Ali said:

Thanks Amanda, I suppose I was naive in thinking that once we had surgery and treatment behind us the worst is over, I think you just enter a different phase of it. I was thinking therapy would be helpful to address not just the issues he has with his illness but also issues he has kept regressed from childhood. Thanks for your advice and I'm so happy to see therapy has helped you
xxxxx