CDC Symptom Diary Card

Wednesday, January 06, 2016

Professor John Krystal of Yale on PTSD....fascinating video

Anyone can get PTSD.  This documentary focuses on the actual brain tissue, explaining how each part relates to the other and the parts of the brain effected by PTSD.  Individuals also have a unique PTSD profile because of genetics.

It gives us hope though to see this kind of detailed research.

At the end of the video he explains that PTSD can come and go "like arthritis" which in my mind makes this problem much more difficult to manage.  Really how does one live well when at any time anything could trigger them and they may not even be aware of it?  How sad. A rollercoaster ride for all.

I hope you can set aside time to watch this.  It is highly educational, especially if you enjoy learning how parts of the brain function. Hopefully this will provide insight to pave a way for progress in your life or the life of a loved one.

Someone I love suffers from PTSD. I know at the heart of the matter this person is not intending to cause problems, but he does. I think to say that this person can only get help when they are ready is not helping him and yet he cannot be forced to get help.  He is losing the support of the people he loves and who love him and support is essential to recovery.  It is very frustrating because neither he nor his family deserve any of this. It is tragic in every way.  We all are doing our best in our own way but to be honest, it is not really getting better. I pray every day for him.

Maybe he will see this and work with someone to get more than just talk therapy. God Bless him.

This video brilliantly showcases that there is a strong "organic" component seen in MRI scans where changes in the brain have occured.  So that being said I must try to be objective and understand that some of the behaviors are not intended to be annoying or troublesome or even harmful.  But there is control somewhere and if PTSD comes and goes, how does the patient really manage it?  How does the family cope?

This video provides great insight.  There are no simple answers.

Peace and Blessings






Saturday, December 26, 2015

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Giving The Worry To Him And Merry Christmas



We have lost many wonderful women from ovarian cancer this year and several of them I knew quite well.  As we prepare for the coming of Christ and the coming of the New Year, let us pause to pray for those who lit up our hearts and that are now living in eternity.

Keep your faith and keep your hope, in people and in God.  Many strides were made this year in ovarian cancer testing and treatment.  We know not what is around the corner and it is possible that what lies ahead brings longer lives with fewer side effects.

If this time of year is difficult for you, either from the loss of a dear friend or loved one, know that you are in my prayers and the prayers of many throughout the world.  You are not alone.

I feel joyful for the first time in many years this Christmas.  It is sincerely a real struggle at times with mom being gone but overall the memories are getting more positive and I am excited to see her when my time comes.  

I look at her photo every day, tap on a kiss and say "I love you mom".  This morning I was putting on purple socks and I could hear her giggling.   

Spending some time handcrafting soaps is my "go to" happy place for the holidays. Many of the soaps will be given away at our parish breakfast this coming Sunday. The rest will be donated to shelters in the Seattle area.

So far I have spent time with friends to see Christmas lights in the Bellevue Botanical Garden, attended a church Christmas concert, spent a fantastic afternoon with a gentlemen friend for a Christmas dinner,  and attended a presentation of "The Nutcracker". I look at my lit tree every morning and evening, say my prayers and think about my family far away.  

Look for the little joys and listen for the Holy Spirit for He will guide you if you allow it.  I have to do this, I don't just say this.  For example, my CA125 went up a little and this is probably because I had a break from Avastin due to an unexpected surgery.  I was worried for a few minutes then I went silent, prayed and asked God to continue to guide me in what direction He sees fit.  I have to stay centered with the Lord, it keeps me steady and happy.  I give that worry to Him.

I pray to Our Holy Mother of God that your heart awakens joyfully for the Coming of Our Lord Jesus this Christmas.  Let Him be your refuge and give you His Love.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Denise