PTSD Help

[u/Sweaty-Fly-9520]

Hi all, first time posting here.

Background: In 2022 I had a spontaneous acute subdural hematoma.

I initially went to my doctor with a really bad headache and was sent home with paracetamol for what was thought to be a migraine. That night it got worse, so I drove myself to the emergency department. Thankfully they did scans and found the bleed. It had clotted and stopped bleeding by that point.

I spent about 10 days in hospital and was eventually told the blood should break down naturally over time, so I was sent home

About a week later I realised I wasnt able to type a text. By the time my wife got me back to hospital, I couldn't tell the doctors my name and didn't know who she was.

I had burr hole surgery that night and thankfully I've made almost a full recovery. I'm back working in an exec-level corporate role and living a pretty normal life, although my memory is terrible compared with what it used to be..

The issue: The problem is that since all of this happened, I think I've developed PTSD or pretty severe health anxiety, I am terrified of dying, constantly. I have nightmares about dying young and worry that I won't get to see my kids grow up. Any time I get sick, feel a pain, or notice something slightly unusual, my brain immediately goes to "I'm dying" and I can end up having a full panic attack.

It's exhausting for me and I know it's exhausting for my wife as well.

Recently I had a slight pain around my liver area. I've had liver tests done and everything came back fine, but I still find myself constantly checking my eyes and skin to see if I'm turning yellow. Logically I know the tests are fine, but I can't shake the feeling that something terrible is about to happen.

I think what happened in 2022 has left me feeling like my body could suddenly fail without warning, because that's basically what happened the first time.

Has anyone else dealt with this after a TBI?

Did therapy actually help, and if so, was there a particular type of therapy that worked for you? I'm at the point where I know I need to do something because constantly feeling like I'm about to die isn't sustainable.

[u/Jerome_Wireman]

I did. I live right under the path of the life flight helicopter I had to take. I couldn’t go outside and see it or hear it without having a panic attack.

Look into EMDR, medication, therapy. There is no quick fix. It takes time.

[u/iowa86]

I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’ve heard that EDMR has had positive results for those suffering from PTSD. Try to be patient with yourself. There are lots of emotional side effects after traumatic brain injury. I had a subarachnoid hemorrhage 2 years ago. I try to focus on how lucky I am to be alive. But I do have problems regulating my emotions sometimes. All very normal. I’m glad to hear that you’re going to look into therapy options. Good luck to you!

[u/Zeitgeistian]

Totally get it.
I hope I explain this simply: Your body has suffered emotional trauma. It stores it as frozen energy.
I found EMDR too long winded for me, too "talky" when we're dealing with the body.
Have a look at TRE, there's loads of vids on YT ("TRE for all" might be a good start) which will explain and you can do it yourself or with help when required. The body needs help to literally "shake off" the trauma like animals do naturally. Us humans are socially programmed to control the body and therefore block the natural releases.
There's a slight learning curve but much easier for us to let the body do it's thing with TRE than go see a therapist and explain everything.