When You or a Family Member Suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

My husband, who is a Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed with it a few years ago.

It is a mental disorder that happens after a traumatic event or series of events. It doesn’t occur only with those who have been to war, but to victims of natural disasters, sexual abuse, criminal attacks or accidents. Some of the Hurricane Katrina survivors, for example, are beginning to go through the stages, due to the horrific experiences they went through.

So much of the public has a misconception about this condition. I blame this, in part, on the many unfair portrayals of Vietnam war vets, on television and in films, as deranged psychos and serial killers. While it’s true that there are some individuals with such severe problems that they may do the unthinkable, it doesn’t mean that every sufferer poses a threat to anyone and many endure their pain in silence, because they fear being categorized negatively.

Those with PTSD may not even realize that they have this condition, only that they are going through physical and emotional difficulties which they can’t explain. They often feel as though they have no control over anything. Symptoms include depression, lack of concentration, flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, paranoia, reliving harrowing events over and over again, episodes of anger, hypervigilance and social alienation.

Physical symptoms can occur as well and include chest pain, headaches, dizziness, and immune system problems. Some people with it go through substance abuse, marital and other relationship problems and social anxiety.

My husband’s experience was that he felt that he had nowhere to turn, so he didn’t get help for years, due to the stigma he believed was attached to getting counseling. He went through divorce, estrangement from his children and fear of getting too close to anybody. He developed a way of camouflaging his condition publicly, but, in private, he was suffering tremendously.

After we married, I was able to persuade him to go get assessed by a counselor at the VA, which he did and they diagnosed him. He has since been in counseling and been prescribed drugs to treat depression and insomnia.

Counseling has been extremely cathartic for him and being able to relate to others who understand what he has been going through has helped him to open up more. He is slowly, but surely, going through the healing process now and is quite relieved that he is no longer suffering quietly.

You don’t have to be a veteran to have it. If you or a loved one has experienced some trauma in life and have not been able to resolve or recover from it within a few months, then you may need to seek professional help.

Getting psychotherapy doesn’t mean you are “crazy” and it can aid you in getting better.

Treatments include personal counseling, group therapy and prescription medications for some symptoms. If you dislike the idea of being put on an allopathic medication, due to the potential side-effects, ask your doctor or therapist if you can try an alternative, natural or homeopathic remedy for your condition. Always remember to keep your doctor and/or therapist informed about anything you take, to make certain it is both safe and viable for you.

If you are the family member sufferer, sometimes it might seem as though you are getting caught up in his or her symptoms as well, but learn to be supportive, without being stressed out yourself. If it gets to the point that you are having difficulty dealing with your loved one’s, seek counseling, if you need it.

My husband and I have a happy marriage. He opens up to me now, because of a lot of prayer and because he had the courage to ask for help.

Don’t be afraid to reach out. It can help you to get better.

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Understanding the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is important because it affects many more people then one may ever imagine. Most people tend to think of men and women who have served in the armed forces when they think of this condition. The thing is though any one can end up with this disorder as all it takes is being a part of or witnesses a traumatic experience. Of course anyone who goes through or sees something extremely terrible happens are going to have a moment in time where they are tying to get past what they experienced. The majority of people are able to deal with their thoughts and feelings and move past it.

There are people though that ends up with a much harder time in coping with what they saw or dealt with. Over time the stress of the tragic event will gradually make things in their personal life worse. The problems that come with post traumatic stress disorder can stay hidden for a while but can and will pop up at some of the most inconvenient moments. These issues can be complete and utter problem in trying to live a healthy and normal life. When the issues creep up and become something that rips apart a life, they are issues that can no longer be ignored.

While it is basically impossible to prevent post traumatic stress disorder from happening it can be controlled with proper treatment. It is when the disorder is left to grow and get out of hand that the situation becomes unbearable. If you or someone you know is a victim of a hate crime, physical or sexual assault, natural disaster, war, or major automobile or plane crash then help should be sought out. It is much better to be proactive with these situations then allowing them to get out of hand.

Noticing the Symptoms

If you are wondering whether or not what you are going through is post traumatic stress disorder then you will want to consider the following risk factors to see how many you can relate to your own life. Many people who suffer from this disorder end up with feelings of hopelessness about the future. They often times end up with relationship problems no matter how hard they try, trouble sleeping, memory problems, trouble concentrating, and end up dealing with self destructive behavior such as drinking too much, taking drugs, or being sexually overactive.

And these are just a few of the symptoms that often appear in those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Some people also end up dealing with flashbacks, shame, visions of things that are not really there or hearing sounds that are actually just in the person’s mind. While not every symptom will be experienced by someone dealing with this disorder, it is important to know that if you are experiencing several of these symptoms that you may very well be suffering from this stress related disorder.

Treatment

If you feel that you are in fact suffering from this disorder it is time to seek professional help. You would never want to let it go untreated because over time your symptoms could get worse. Talk with your doctor as they can usually prescribe you antidepressants which can help with everything you are experiencing. In some cases the route of medication is all that is needed. In other cases there needs to be a little something more.

Along with antidepressants many people find it helpful to have someone to talk to. Getting to a counselor who you can talk with about your stressful and tragic past may in fact help you overcome the problems you are dealing with. In time and with proper treatment you should be able to lead a normal and healthy life with no outward indication that you suffered anything traumatic in your past.

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Naturally Treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is very real for some people, those who have experienced traumatic events in their life or very susceptible to getting PTSD. PTSD can happen if one has been involved in an accident – car, plane, etc., being a victim of a crime or abuse, or witnessing a shocking event can all lead to someone developing PTSD. Some of the symptoms of PTSD include being extremely hypersensitive to your environment; any incident or event can trigger a state of anxiety and produce an anxiety attack. Depression is common in those who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the feeling that life is unimportant or their future is hopeless. Flashbacks often occur that are accompanied with frequent thoughts, feelings of the traumatic event. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder not only affects ones’ mental and emotional state but also their physical state. The stomach, heart, and even the brain can be affected by PTSD, which can lead to digestive problems, hypertension or raised blood pressure, and migraine headaches.

All of these symptoms interfere with living a normal everyday life and preventing a person from engaging in normal activities or relationships. Suffering from a traumatic experience can lead to uncontrollable feelings and emotions preventing one from living a normal life. Someone who is suffering from PTSD needs to seek professional treatment to help them overcome this condition. However, there are some natural home treatments that a person can also do to help treat PTSD. There are a number of herbs to effectively treat post traumatic stress disorder and calm the nerves.

They include: Kava kava – Take 500 mg in capsule form of the extract three times day.

The Lotus Embryo – A Chinese herbal extract you can find in Chinese areas of your city. Known as Lian Zi Xin and comes in a powdered form. Take the recommended dosage. Chamomile – Take two 350 mg capsules of the powdered extract three times a day or mix a tablespoon of the chamomile flowers into a cup of tea and drink three times a day. Valerian – You can take 150 mg capsule once or twice a day or split the dosage taking a 400 mg capsule at bedtime.

Another natural treatment for PTSD is to use some flower essences. Flower essences uplift the individual by increasing their energy and enlightening their mood. Similar to the relaxing and elevating way listening to certain types of music has an effect on a person, flower essences do the same thing. You can buy bottles of the flower essences and take two drops of each essence four times a day. The different types of flower essences that can help treat PTSD are: the Star of Bethlehem, which helps reduce the memory of the traumatic event and soothes your emotions. Honeysuckle, which helps you effectively treat the condition by putting you in control of your emotions and understanding the event and what you need to do to move on. The next two, clematis and white chestnut can help treat and reduce the incidence of flashbacks. Agrimony can help you open up and discuss your emotions instead of keeping it all inside. The last flower essence to use to help naturally treat PTSD is cherry plum. Sometimes PTSD can result in a person losing control mentally, cherry plum is great for reducing these feelings.

Along with seeking treatment with a professional, these natural herbs can definitely help to treat and relieve symptoms of PTSD.

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Why People Need Cauliflower Ear Surgery

It isn’t one of the more commonly talked about medical procedures, but ear reconstruction serves an important function for people who need it.

The procedure itself can be done in a myriad of ways, depending on the deformity it is aiming to correct and the doctor who is bringing his own expertise and technique to the surgery. The reasons an individual might need corrective surgery vary even more widely than the techniques used. Here are just some of those reasons and some of the conditions that can be corrected by the procedure.

There are those who have congenital deformities which plague them from birth. In many cases, this deformity is known as microtia, which can range in severity from person to person.

In some people, the deformity is so slight they may never choose to have ear reconstruction done at all. In others, so severe that it could result in them having a complete lack of tissue. In the more extreme cases, the procedure must be done at as early an age as possible to avoid future hearing problems as well as the self esteem issues that can easily arise with such a problem.

Of course, not all individuals in need of ear reconstruction were born with deformity. Problems with the appearance of the ear can result from a number of causes, one of which is burns. Disfigurement in a fire could cause the cartilage to become inflamed, causing not only cosmetic disfigurement, but also issues that can result in the loss of hearing. In many cases, surgery to correct these issues involves taking tissue and cartilage from those areas of the ear that were unaffected by the fire, if such exists.

In addition to fire, there are several forms of trauma that can lead to the need for ear reconstruction. The list is nearly endless but can include gradual trauma (such as a wrestler’s cauliflower ear) or immediate trauma such as an animal attack, an intense fight, or a car accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, a doctor may be able to do partial or complete restoration of the ear, minimizing the effects of the problem.

Of course, there are many other reasons why an individual may be able to benefit from ear reconstruction. If you feel you may be one of these people, set up an appointment with a qualified surgeon near you and learn what you can about their procedures and what they may be able to do to help you.

Read about Cauliflower Ear,Cauliflower Ear Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment.Learn some ways to learn Cauliflower Ear pathology.

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What an EMG Test Involves

An EMG test will determine if you have a deadly neurological disease, as well as many benign conditions. But exactly is involved during an EMG test? (Does it hurt?) I sat in on an EMG test that was recently done on my mother, and it’s actually a very fascinating invention of medical technology.

The EMG test on my mother took about an hour, maybe a tiny bit longer, but some of that time was spent by the doctor pausing to explain things related to her suspected condition (pronator syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome). The doctor will place very small sticker-like patches on the patient’s body, at the location of the symptoms. He’ll then attach recording electrodes nearby these stickers. The electrodes are attached to a computer that’s a little bulkier than a laptop.

Preceding the actual testing, the doctor will type a lot of things into the computer. To measure nerve conductivity, the doctor must provide an electric shock to the patient with a two-pronged device about the size of a cell phone. When he delivers the shock, the result appears on the computer screen as a jagged horizontal line with a plus sign. Moments later two more images (jagged horizontal lines or sine waves) will appear, one reflecting the muscle activity, and one reflecting nerve activity.

The computer also shows the number of milliseconds it took for the nerve impulse to be conducted. The doctor at one point said that 4 milliseconds was normal, and 10 milliseconds was abnormal; that 50 meters per second was normal, and 42 meters per second was slow.

The patient may not be able to see the computer when all this is happening; my mother was lying on her back while the doctor conducted the EMG test on her right arm first. He suspected pronator teres syndrome, but he also suspected carpal tunnel syndrome.

He was heavily favoring pronator teres syndrome, though he concentrated the initial testing at the wrist and fingers. He very soon announced that she had carpal tunnel syndrome. At this point it was not speculation; it was a 100 percent positive diagnosis, because the EMG test can determine 1) if nerves are firing normally, and 2) if numbness, tingling and strength loss are caused by a healthy nerve signal merely being blocked from arriving at its destination, as in my mother’s case of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The EMG test involves the doctor moving around the various stickers and recording electrodes, then administering a shock at various points higher up from where the recording devices are; in my mother’s case, many of the shocks were delivered to her forearm.

In between the adjustments with the stickers and electrodes, he placed a tape measure to her skin to measure the length of the nerves. The patient, if lying down and unable to see what the doctor is doing, will feel the doctor moving around the stickers and attaching the recording electrodes, then running a tape measure along the skin, and then the electric shock.

The voltage of the shock can be adjusted, and it can be very unpleasant, though it lasts a second. The other thing that the patient will feel is pin pricks. The needle is a little thicker than an acupuncture needle, and the doctor will place a needle at varying locations as part of the EMG test. In the case of my mother, it appeared at one point that he embedded the needle a quarter of an inch into her palm. The “poke” he did there hurt to high heaven based on my mother’s reaction, but again, it was only for a fraction of a second.

The doctor also had her press her arm against resistance a few times. Since all he needed was her arms, she was able to maintain any leg position she was comfortable with. An EMG test does not require the patient to be sedated.

So now you know what’s involved in an EMG test. If you are scheduled for an EMG test, there is nothing to be afraid of, as far as how the procedure feels on your body. If the idea of electric shocks and pin pricks has you unnerved (no pun intended), remember, this test is a godsend for doctors, and it has to be done to provide a diagnosis for your condition (or to rule out an imagined condition).

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ADD/ADHD: Symptoms in children and Treatment

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that affects many people in the U.S. It is characterized by impulsiveness, inattention, and hyperactivity. Without appropriate diagnosis and treatment, ADHD can have serious consequences. The consequences may include academic failure, depression, relationship problems and impair social skills.

We may all occasionally experience a sense of restlessness, difficulty sitting still, paying attention, or controlling impulsive behaviors. However, there is a major difference when we experience these feelings and behaviors occasionally than when we experience them with such a persistent intensity that it interferes with our daily lives and relationships at home, school, and social settings.

In the past, it was believed that children with ADD or ADHD will eventually outgrow this disorder. This is because as children grows older and become adolescence, they become less hyper. However, many adults with ADD/ADHD know too well that many times, this disorder can follow well into adulthood. Individuals often experience relationship problems at work and in their personal lives, usually progressing further into depression if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Heredity may be connected to ADD or ADHD although not sufficient research has yet proven this. What are known to be factors associated with ADD/ADHD are difficulties during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, premature delivery, low birth weight, high body lead levels, postnatal injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain are all believed to be a contributing factor to developing ADHD in children.

ADD/ADHD symptoms usually are evident during childhood. Diagnostic criteria for determining ADD/ADHD characteristics are such that the behaviors are long lasting, evident for at least six months, and interfering with the quality of life of the individual suffering from it.

ADHD – Primarily Inattentive Type:

* Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.

* Has difficulty sustaining attention.

* Does not appear to listen.

* Struggles to follow through on instructions.

* Has difficulty with organization.

* Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.

* Is easily distracted.

* Is forgetful in daily activities.

ADHD – Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type:

* Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.

* Has difficulty remaining seated.

* Runs around or climbs excessively.

* Has difficulty engaging in activities quietly.

* Acts as if driven by a motor.

* Talks excessively.

* Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.

* Has difficulty waiting or taking turns.

* Interrupts or intrudes upon others.

ADHD – Combined Type:

* Meets both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.

Multimodal approach appears to be the best treatment for children and teens. Multimodal approach is when multiple treatments are sought and work together as a comprehensive plan. Some multimodal treatment approaches according to CHADD are as follows:

* Parent Training

*Behavioral Intervention Strategies

*Appropriate Educational Program

*Education Regarding ADHD

*Medication, when needed

Positive behavior modification can be critical. Positive reinforcement or when a child is rewarded for certain behavior appears to be the most important technique to help with ADD/ADHD.

For adults, treatment may or may not involve comprehensive approach. An adult based comprehensive approach includes healthcare professionals, spouse, family members and friends to help the adult with ADHD reap the best benefit from treatment. Medication is usually part of the treatment plan to help these adults gain more control and better organize their lives.

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Do You Have a Brain Tumor?

Most people will say “No” to that question, and they are probably correct. But many of us ignore the symptoms of brain tumors for far too long. We may not be familiar with all the symptoms or we may get bad medical advice.

I speak from painful and nearly fatal experience. Severe depression was my primary symptom, but a neurologist told me the tumor he found through an MRI of my brain could not possibly have caused my debilitating sadness. Another neurologist found the tumor five years later, after I had made three serious suicide attempts. A neurosurgeon removed the tumor in an emergency operation and my mind and ability to cope returned.

I learned the hard way that personality changes can signal brain tumors. Other people who have serious personality changes that cannot be corrected by psychotherapy or prescription medicine should see a neurologist as soon as possible. The more obvious symptoms of brain tumors are recurring headaches and seizures, neither of which I had.

There are many other signs of brain tumors, and serious Internet research will give you more information.

I was lucky in one way. My tumor, a meningioma, was benign. Most meningiomas are, but they can do major damage if left alone to grow and damage the brain. My hearing and vision suffered, and I had to learn to walk again, but I was extremely fortunate not to have additional long-term problems.

Women, for some reason, have meningiomas more often than men. At long last, meningioma research is a growing field. Again, Internet research will direct you to the hospitals and researchers doing that work.

Do not ignore symptoms that might indicate a brain tumor. See a neurologist and take a list of the symptoms you have to the visit with you. Unless the neurologist convinces you that you do not have a tumor, ask for a brain MRI.

You will probably not have a brain tumor, but if you do it is better to learn about it as soon as possible. You also will need to have the best medical advice, even if you have to travel to a center that specializes in brain tumors. Many brain tumor specialists will review MRIs and other test data you send them before you visit and communicate with your local doctors. That could save you an expensive trip while reassuring you that an expert considered the treatment you need.

Remember to advise your friends and family about brain tumor symptoms. Knowing what to look for can help us survive brain tumors and other serious health problems. Take charge of your health.

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Diabetics Diet Plan And Metformin Weight Loss

In a world where image is all, being obese is very difficult. The world at large, especially women, are extremely figure-conscious. The stigma attached to being heavy or obese is something a child never outgrows and can result in an obsessive need to lose weight. This obsession translates into very harmful diets, including fasting and excessive use of weight loss medication.

Weight loss is the process by which body weight is lost, mostly by burning up fat. This can be either voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary weight loss can be achieved by dieting, regular exercise, and changing lifestyle choices. Fasting for weight loss is not advisable, because many essential salts are depleted and dehydration can occur. These can be extremely hazardous and can result in fatality.

Trimming the fat

Even smart people fall prey to quick weight-loss programs. The conjectures about how actress Melissa Peterman lost her weight are many, even though she is reported to have said it was a result of exercising, eating right and getting advice from close friends. This kind of rapid and sudden weight loss can lead to gaining more weight back. It can also lead to various dangerous side effects, such as, increased risks of gallstone.

Many people, who have excessive fat deposited in their stomach region, are often prescribed Metformin. Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic drug that is primarily prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in overweight people. It has been found to also help non-diabetics to lose weight by reducing hunger by lowering insulin levels in the blood. Metformin is also an alternative therapy for those who gain excessive weight due to polycystic ovarian syndrome and for weight gain that result from antipsychotic causes.

A weight loss chart is a very useful tool in monitoring your weight loss. There may be many parameters in the chart. But basically it needs to record your current weight and the optimum weight you seek to achieve. By regularly recording your weight you will be able to see the progress of our weight loss regimen, and know how much closer you are to achieving the target weight.

Interesting facts!

It is estimated that about 50 million Americans will go on self-imposed diets this year. But only 5 percent will be able to retain their new figures.

The diet and weight-loss industry is booming. About $30 billion a year is spent by Americans on diet products and programs, including diet food and drinks.

Being obese can lead to serious health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, gallstones, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer

Going on very low-calorie diets unsupervised can deprive you of important nutrient source and this can be critical.

* There are no effortless weight loss plans. The only way is to reduce the number of calories you eat or to increase the number of calories you burn off through exercise. Most experts recommend a combination of both.

“crash” diets help you in quick weight loss, followed by a “rebound” weight gain once you resume normal eating. This is even more difficult to reduce.

A reduction of 500 calories per day will help you achieve that svelte figure. A total reduction of 3,500 calories is required to lose a pound of fat.

Does Metformin Weight Loss Helps?? learn how Metformin (glucophage)can help you lose weight via Metformin Side Effects.

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