Flash backs

I have Asthma. Was rushed to hospital 17th Dec. Does anyone suffer with flash backs. I do at times. Near death experience shook me up. Still suffering anxiety attacks in the early hours when I wake up. 😪

[hilary39]

Yes, I think it's normal to have PTSD when you have a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that lands you in the hospital. I wound up in the hospital for a week during a visit to Delhi once and I am still traumatized by that. I've been in the hospital many many times for my asthma but there was something frightening about being in a tiny clinic so far from home where no one spoke English. I thought I was going to die and I still remember vividly how I felt a decade later.

I also have adrenal problems from taking too much prednisone to control my asthma and I had an adrenal crisis earlier this year (those can be life-threatening, more so than asthma attacks) and I am still very traumatized by that and still have flashes of that pretty often.

It helps to try to process your emotions--talking to friends, family, a doctor, journaling etc.

But you're not alone. I imagine a lot of use are haunted by our worst experiences we've had with this rollercoaster of a disease!

[madonbrew in reply to hilary39]

Oh my days, that must have been terrifying,,,being in Delhi! That’s a whole different experience or being traumatised! Goodness,you have had a lot to deal with!

[hilary39 in reply to madonbrew]

Your experience sounds like it was pretty scary! I think a lot of people associate an asthma attack with a child using a quick puff of a reliever inhaler during a soccer match NOT being in the hospital, sometimes for days, hooked up to IVs, on constant nebulizers (or god forbid intubated). It's hard for people to grasp how scary it is for us, I think.

[Hidden in reply to hilary39]

Yes Hllary. I am finding out that some of my friends think Asthma is like having an anxiety attack. They think that it's easily controlled if you breath properly lol. I have explained the difference to many of my friends over the last 8 weeks. It's nice to have this Web site. To speak to ones who understand. Thanks for Yr reply and I'm here if you need to chat ❤️

[hilary39 in reply to Hidden]

Aw thanks. Gosh that is crazy that your friends think of it like an anxiety attack!! I have enough friends who have allergies and mild asthma that they can kind of relate. I find people get it better if they have had a really bad bout of bronchitis or pneumonia and then are shocked like, is that how you feel? I don't know why but it seems to be part of the human condition that we're more empathetic once we've experienced something personally.

[madonbrew]

Yes,I got blue lighted&sirened from my surgery last March and was in for 11 days. Every time I see an ambulance going the direction we went I have flashbacks. The reception lady at surgery said they didn’t think they were going to see me again.

It’s a strange experience and very traumatic when it’s so serious! Like Hilary said,keep talking to friends,family,doctors etc and journaling! Don’t keep it inside, but communicate how you feel with others, Even on here!

Take care !!

[Hidden in reply to madonbrew]

Thanks for the lovely reply ❤️

[ChrissieMons]

hilary39 is absolutely right in that the key is to talk to people - and remember that you didn't die and at the moment, there is no reason to believe that you will in the near future. Of course this is traumatic, and if your friends and family feel a bit helpless, then find a counsellor who can help. You mustn't let the rest of your life be defined by this terrifying event.

[Hidden in reply to ChrissieMons]

Thanks for the kind reply ❤️

[CANINE12]

If you can find a trauma therapist who has lots of experience of treating trauma I would have some sessions with them. The most important thing in finding a therapist is for you both to be the right fit, can you talk to them? Do you like them? These are important considerations in finding a therapist. Councellors don't have as in depth training as a phsychotherapist has. Aslo make sure that they are registered with the BACP.

I have a dissociative disorder and PTSD due to chilhood trauma as well as PTSD from asthma. I found by using a private therapist you are in control over how many sessions you have. Unfortunately with the NHS you don't have a say in this or who you work with.

Flashbacks are awful, I feel for you all. I agree talking to people is important and learning to stay in the here and now when a flashback hits can be learned from a good therapist. They will teach you grounding skills.

[Hidden in reply to CANINE12]

Thanks for the reply. You make some valid points plus its nice to have someone who understand ❤️

[Hidden in reply to CANINE12]

Thanks for the reply❤️

[Echoblue]

I spent a short while in ICU with my asthma and struggled for many years afterwards where I couldn’t bear anyone to watch me when I slept. Totally freaked me out.

It was a therapist in the end that helped me.

[Hidden in reply to Echoblue]

Thanks for understanding ❤️

[Tugun]

Hi,

Sounds absolutely terrifying. At least I was in my own environment.

I still have a light on in the bedroom after waking up in the middle of the night not able to breathe due to a sudden worsening of a chest infection. The darkness made the smothered feeling worse. I was able to turn the light on fairly quickly but I haven' t forgotten that initial blackness and realisation that I couldn't breathe. I was alone and it took an hour of constant Ventolin and bit by bit dislodging the phlegm before I felt safe. Even then I could only say one word at a time. That was seven years ago. I still have that smothered feeling in darkness although I am getting a little better.

[Hidden in reply to Tugun]

You too have had a horrible experience. This Web site does help us to feel less alone. I'm here if you need to talk. The trauma does linger. I think I'm over it but I don't think I will ever be, but I hope as time passes I will gain my confidence back I hope you will too. Thanks for the reply ❤️

[Blue-Breeze]

How very scary for you. I suffered an idiot not listening to my husband/me that put me in hospital. When I came home I woke at night crying, had nightmares, I'd cry during the day...all the what ifs my husband had not acted fast enough had we listened to him!!!!

Any way I told a group of friends who suggested I write it down. I needed to be able to get the fear on paper.

You have had a traumatic experience you need to talk about.

[Hidden]

Thanks Blue. When I talk about it I think I'm ok but later on in the early hrs I wake up not feeling well. Its anxiety. It's nice that I've found this Web site. I hope I can help others too ❤️

[asthmaticclimber]

I absolutely had the same thing. Really scary and I used to get recurring panic attacks at a similar time to the time my breathing got difficult.

Lots of online anxiety advice is good. Anxiety and asthma can be so intertwined so helping with your anxiety is good.

[Hidden]

Having councelling now got 3-4 months x1hr sessions.