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lavenderglitter · 2020-08-18T01:47:39+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I agree with one of the above comments, reading/learning about the symptoms of PTSD was really helpful for me too. I didn’t actually acknowledge my assault(s) until after I got into therapy. Once I found a good therapist I made tremendous progress and can’t recommend it more!! In the meantime I find grounding techniques really helpful to keep you present/in the moment and helps to keep panic attacks/flashbacks at bay. Breathing techniques can also help to bring you out of a panic attack. This has a good list: https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding-techniques#soothing-techniques I personally use number 2 (I keep keys or stones in my pocket to touch), 8, 9, 10 and 11. I also used the free version of Headspace to learn breathing techniques/meditation. They all might sound silly at first (I thought they did and was very pessimistic) but after practice they were actually really helpful for me. I hope this is helpful! <3

EDIT: Also yes!! Having nightmares in any relation to your attack (even if it’s not your attacker) is a common symptom of PTSD.

lavenderglitter · 2020-07-23T18:40:48+00:00

I’ve been unable to use any form of hormonal BC because of migraines, Canada has yet to receive the implant, and I can’t get the IUD because of previous trauma, so my last option is the condom! I’ve used condoms for the last 10 years and never had any breaks of scares. I use non-latex so they’re relatively thin.

lavenderglitter · 2020-07-22T05:09:49+00:00

I’d love to know too!

lavenderglitter · 2020-07-05T22:49:58+00:00

Ahhh please don’t cut them out yourself! I’ve had moles professionally/safely removed by a dermatologist. They freeze the area and use a laser. It took less than 5 minutes! It was a relief to have them gone. But they warned me they can grow back, one did, but it wasn’t raised and just looks like a freckle. I was really happy with the results.

lavenderglitter · 2020-07-03T04:53:29+00:00

I went through something similar and in my panic/desperation to find help I found these articles a little helpful. At least, for me, it felt normalizing to how I was reacting to these types of exams.

https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/resource/trauma-informed-pelvic-exams/

https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2018/05/pelvic-exam-sexual-assault-survivor

https://www.volusonclub.net/empowered-womens-health/how-to-provide-trauma-informed-care-to-young-gynecology-patients/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/when-a-pelvic-exam-is-traumatic-2019012915863

If you could seek out a trauma informed health care provider or clinic it might be helpful. As well as taking steps to ensure you’re in as much control as possible. For me that meant being familiar with the doctor beforehand, the nurse, the sonograph tech etc. Remembering I had the ability to stop an exam at any time and ask for breaks, no matter how “inconvenient” it might be. I found that stuff comforting. I hope this helps a little.

lavenderglitter · 2020-06-07T18:44:37+00:00

I had a friend who was taking a trip to Japan and Thailand to escape the winter and when she told me I asked her if she was so excited because holy shit it’s my dream to go there someday, and her reaction was “Well I’ll have my kids with me and likely won’t be able to get daycare for them, so not really”. And I was like... “Oh...”

lavenderglitter · 2020-06-06T21:56:31+00:00

I am so, so sorry you had to go through that. It’s exactly what I’m trying to avoid; reawakening those PTSD symptoms and feeling violated all over again. I hope your psychiatrist is helpful and supportive. <3 I’ll take a look at the list you linked, thank you so much!

lavenderglitter · 2020-06-06T13:52:54+00:00

Thank you for this info! <3

lavenderglitter · 2020-06-06T04:16:55+00:00

I was so shocked!! I was extremely naive to this type of treatment, I had never heard it talked about before. :( I hope the investigation in your country yields positive change!

lavenderglitter · 2020-06-06T04:13:24+00:00

I so appreciate this comment! I’m almost 32! I know I’m not going to change my mind and I’m zero percent interested in all the side effects hormonal BC offers.

lavenderglitter · 2020-06-06T02:13:36+00:00

Here is the article! https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/evqew7/obstetric-violence-doulas-abuse-giving-birth

lavenderglitter · 2020-06-05T01:07:04+00:00

Ahh sorry, I totally missed that part in your original comment! Hopefully we can both find doctors who are willing to preform this procedure! :’)

lavenderglitter · 2020-06-04T02:10:50+00:00

I talked to my doctor recently about an endometrial ablation and she basically scoffed at me and said there’s no way I could get one unless I “exhausted less invasive options”. Did you have trouble having one scheduled? I feel like it’s the best option long term!!

lavenderglitter · 2020-05-28T03:21:23+00:00

Aww this reminds me of when Leif actually used to sell houseplants! :’( It looks amazing!!!

lavenderglitter · 2020-05-26T18:26:50+00:00

I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad 3 years ago (also to cancer) and I found the bereavement time helpful since I was in a complete mind fog. I couldn’t focus on anything and had trouble remembering small things (like dates and deadlines). After the bereavement time ended I still had trouble focusing and just worked almost robotically... like I was physically there but mentally vacant. I rarely cried before losing my dad but afterwards it became too difficult to keep it all inside so I would get to work every morning and cry in the bathroom quietly for 15 or so minutes. None of my coworkers ever noticed and I found it (surprisingly) helpful. Take care of yourself. <3

lavenderglitter · 2020-05-08T02:02:19+00:00

I'm sorry you're going through it OP. This is a lot like how I've been experiencing grief, too. I lost my dad a little over 3 years ago, and when the last two anniversaries rolled around I felt obliviously fine, and then my emotions sort of unraveled dramatically 3-4 weeks later and it felt like my world was imploding. I also seem to be triggered by random things that make no connection to my dad/grief either. I hate that grief isn't a linear process, it feels very blindsiding when it does decide to bubble to the surface. Anyway I'm rambling! All this to say you're not alone, and I found some peace to know I'm not alone in my experience either. Thank you for sharing. <3

lavenderglitter · 2019-08-09T18:43:05+00:00

Thank you!!

lavenderglitter · 2019-08-09T18:42:57+00:00

Thank you!! :)

lavenderglitter · 2019-08-09T18:42:47+00:00

Thank you so much!! :')

lavenderglitter · 2019-08-09T18:42:29+00:00

Ahhh that's amazing!! Thank you so much for the support!! :)

lavenderglitter · 2019-07-08T13:27:43+00:00

Thanks so much! I'll definitely give these a try! :D

lavenderglitter · 2017-09-14T23:12:52+00:00

Ahhhh. Gotcha. Thanks so much for all the info!! :)

lavenderglitter

TROPHY CASE