Video About How PTSD Affects Your Body in Surgery

Kizzie · November 02, 2024, 06:51:22 PM

I received the link to this video from a fellow survivor who will having surgery at the end of the month and was looking up anesthetics, surgery, and CPTSD. While it may be a little unnerving if you do need surgery at some point, it makes the point about how important it is to disclose that you have CPTSD and identify any medication/substances you may be taking.

Sadly, not all anesthesiologists may be savvy about this, so it may be necessary to advocate for yourself. The video gives you enough info hopefully to do that. (You could even show a dismissive anesthesiologist the video if you feel sassy enough

)

Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1wVfkdW4aU

Chart · November 03, 2024, 08:48:38 PM

Page 235, Van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score. He transcribes the story of someone traumatized by becoming conscious during surgery.

Just read that part tonight, having read and watched the video here this afternoon.

Funny synchronicity.

Kizzie · November 04, 2024, 04:20:32 PM

That (waking up) actually happened when I had a knee replacement. Not to scare anyone though. For us it was not like I woke right up, it was more like a dream state. What I remember is a quick flash of the OR, some voices and then back out. And as I mentioned it's more like a dream than being fully awake.

I've mentioned this before but I told the anesthesiologist for my surgery that I have CPTSD. He had never heard of it and asked me if I couldn't just leave the trauma in the past.

I suspect if I'd had a CPTSD savvy like the anesthesiologist in the video I would not have woken up because he would have known how I fight being under and watched more closely for me trying to surface.

Chart · November 05, 2024, 08:54:26 AM

Quote from: Kizzie on November 04, 2024, 04:20:32 PMHe... asked me if I couldn't just leave the trauma in the past.

Wow! What comes to mind is (not that I condone violence) punching him real hard in the nose and then suggesting that he "just" 'forgive and forget'.

I realize doctors get all sorts of stories from their patients and perhaps get a little numb to others' pain and complaints. But nonetheless it's their job to at least investigate. Especially an anesthesiologist...

I've reserved the local town hall for February 8th. Gonna give a conference to raise awareness of Cptsd. I think it will be really good for me. I really need to take some kind of action.

Kizzie · November 05, 2024, 05:02:17 PM

That is awesome advocating Chart. I'd really like to hear about it afterward.

RE the anesthesiologist, I took a big breath or two in and did try to explain to him to plant the seed. He's the guy with the IV and sleepy drugs so not going to confront him before my surgery but yes I did want to give him a poke or at least a prod.