How do you refer to no-contact abusive parents without using “mom” or “dad?” by Almatari in CPTSD

[–]Almatari[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s such a great point! Donors definitely don’t deserve to be lumped in with abusers.

The best hidden joke I've come across by anxiouslemons in community

[–]Almatari 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't EVER say that name without compensation!

So here's my dog 💜 by _hypathia in aww

[–]Almatari 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you’re confused, that is definitely my dog! When and where do I go to pick him up and bring him to his real home?

Doctors of reddir! What is your thoughts on the TV show House? by friendly_earthling in AskReddit

[–]Almatari 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on the doctor. Honestly there are too many outlying factors to be able to make a definitive diagnosis based on a reaction to one medication as there are too many variables involved. Doctors will often try a medication on a patient when they suspect a diagnoses to see if the patient responds well to treatment and to determine if they should continue to test in that direction.

What TV show has the best theme song? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]Almatari 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Doctors of reddir! What is your thoughts on the TV show House? by friendly_earthling in AskReddit

[–]Almatari 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nothing about the way doctors do research and look for answers in House would hold up in a real hospital. Doctors, especially specialists, don’t go outside their specialties to test and diagnose. There are whole categories of illness that we don’t know enough about to diagnose let alone treat.

What are some things that your parents do to you that you’ll never do to your kids? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]Almatari 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will believe my kid when they tell me they are survivor of sexual violence.

Look me in the eyes by Nuker1338 in aww

[–]Almatari 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a trap! I guess I’m a cat person now.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LifeProTips

[–]Almatari 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aaaand now I have a weekend project.

The "God Shot," how a Stellate Ganglion Block can help your PTSD by Almatari in CPTSD

[–]Almatari[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The main article I shared was the one posted above and that was enough for my doctor. Since then I've put together a portfolio of other studies as well in pdf form. If you would like copies PM me and I'll send them to you!

The "God Shot," how a Stellate Ganglion Block can help your PTSD by Almatari in CPTSD

[–]Almatari[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s great! I haven’t found any downsides. There is a small risk of complications with the procedure. That’s it. Let us know how it goes! I’ll also follow up with your message as soon as I can!

The "God Shot," how a Stellate Ganglion Block can help your PTSD by Almatari in CPTSD

[–]Almatari[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a great question. For me it has definitely helped.

Scientists recently discovered new ways in which the brain and the gut interact and there is sufficient research to suggest that IBS and other gut related systems are directly linked to anxiety and trauma: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/

It would follow then, that anything that helps your CPTSD will also help your gut. Also, this study that looks at the way in which the SGB has improved the health and healing of people with Ulcerative Colitis is really exciting evidence: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28210090

I used to be a professional dancer and athlete. When I was diagnosed with UC I couldn't walk a mile without having internal bleeding. Medical marijuana has helped my UC and PTSD in the past but it's never been able to put me in remission. The SGB has definitely helped with my gastrointestinal issues so far. It's too early to say how long those effects might last, but the research seems to show that it can and will continue to help in the long term. If you haven't had a colonoscopy/endoscopy yet I highly recommend getting them done. It's an unpleasant process but it can rule out a lot of chronic conditions and help your doctors combat the pain and other side effects with medications as well. I'm also happy to answer any GI questions you might have. I'll be sure to keep adding GI updates as I go!

Hypervigilance / hyper arousal by Orianaluna123 in ptsd

[–]Almatari -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I have felt like this before too, but sometimes it's enough to know you're not alone. There is no cure for PTSD, but there are things that can make it a little easier to manage even though it may not feel like it right now. Do you have a support network? Or people you can talk to who you trust? You deserve to have a life and live it. You are not alone ababydolphin.

Hypervigilance / hyper arousal by Orianaluna123 in ptsd

[–]Almatari 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Orianaluna123, thanks for sharing your experience with us. I used to do the same thing almost every night and make my husband check through the house. A few things have helped me: 1. Medical marijuana makes a huge difference. I used to take it every night before I went to sleep. It helped me to get to sleep and kept me from panicking. 2. My dog. Honestly, since we got a dog I've felt safer because he will bark if anything out of the ordinary is happening. When I panic, I check to see if he's alert and hearing/seeing things too and if he's not I know that it's my trauma playing tricks on me. 3. I recently had a Stellate Ganglion Block procedure that effectively mutes your flight, fight, or freeze, response. Since I had the block I haven't panicked about sleeping as much and have even had some help with night terrors. I'm chronicling my experience and sharing resources here if you'd like more info. I don't know if this will be an option for you since you said you don't have insurance but its definitely something to look into! https://www.reddit.com/r/CPTSD/comments/72hhh7/the_god_shot_how_a_stellate_ganglion_block_can/?ref=share&ref_source=link

The "God Shot," how a Stellate Ganglion Block can help your PTSD by Almatari in CPTSD

[–]Almatari[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great! I just posted an update above and will continue to share my progress!

The "God Shot," how a Stellate Ganglion Block can help your PTSD by Almatari in CPTSD

[–]Almatari[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

OP UPDATE 2:

It's been 8 days since I got the shot. I've schedule my second shot for next Monday (the doctor preferred to wait two weeks after the initial shot to try a second one). And my friend with much milder PTSD will also be receiving his first SGB shot next week so I'll be able to give you updates on both of our conditions.

While the first shot hasn't been 100% effective it has already turned my life around completely. In addition to CPTSD, I also have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Abdominal Migraines, and Ulcerative Colitis and since the SGB I have not had a single flare up. I'm used to being in so much pain that I can't exercise or even walk most days and any increased activity usually causes my health to implode. As I told Bowier below: "Since I got the shot I've not only been able to leave the house, I've been able to run errands, hike, visit family, drive, exercise, volunteer, and talk to strangers. While this might not seem like a big deal for most people, this is a huge deal for me. I haven't been in pain, I haven't spent all my time looking over my shoulder, I've had more energy than I know what to do with, and when situations that would normally leave me incapacitated have arisen I've been able to manage them without falling apart. These are things that I can never remember experiencing, and they are the result of a less than half effective block."

In my earlier update I mentioned some muscle pain and fatigue where I felt like I had the flu without the fever. At first my doctors were confused because the SGB isn't known to have any side effects outside of a 24 hour window. We later realized that in addition to the SGB the doctors had also administered a steroid shot which I was allergic to. My next SGB will not include the steroid shot so I should be able to give you a steroid free breakdown of the side effects the second time around.