By: DrAttai
Apr 1, 2014
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Tonight we have the good fortune of having our resident psychologist @DrBeckerSchutte here to unwind some of the complexities of PTSD #bcsm
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Also, PTSD is a pretty natural response to the traumas of cancer for a moment. #bcsm
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@DrBeckerSchutte in fact that makes me wonder, how are most cancer patients diagnosed with PTSD? How could someone tell? #bcsm
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A1: Flashbacks are a huge component of PTSD. Those vivid, visceral “back in the moment” experiences. #bcsm
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@DrBeckerSchutte I have those occasionally. Makes me sick to my stomach. #bcsm
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As far as diagnosis, a savvy nurse or doctor might pick it up. Diagnosis of PTSD is most likely when a psych profession in picture. #bcsm
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@DrBeckerSchutte definitely overlooked. I think it’s often thought of as the generic “anxiety.” #bcsm
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@DrBeckerSchutte Q2a — so just so everyone here knows, even if redundant, what is the dif between anxiety & PTSD? #bcsm
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Diff between anxiety & PTSD in one word: INTENSITY. The experiences of PTSD are a very different grade. #bcsm
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defination-distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune: #bcsm
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Anxiety doesn’t include flashbacks, and generally not as much flooding or dissociation. #bcsm
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@DrBeckerSchutte So it is not standard practice to continually assess for PTSD in a patient undergoing cancer treatment? #bcsm
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Patients and doctors tend to underestimate the emotional impact of breast cancer…important to find some source of suport. #bcsm
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A2 Dealing w Dx on top of already being out of work made it difficult to see where one anxiety ended and the other began. #bcsm
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When you think about it — how is it we managed to work while simultaneously experiencing this? Blows my mind. #bcsm
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And being able to name a flashback can take a great deal of the power away from it. Can help you to ground. #bcsm
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Trick is dealing with PTSD & continuing treatment when Stage IV. I can’t drive another route. #bcsm
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With stage IV/bc mets, we have CTSD: Continuous Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nothing “post” about it. Very different. #bcsm
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Also with separate/new diagnoses. RT @DrBeckerSchutte: @Groz_P Excellent point. The trauma is ongoing with mets and mets treatment. #bcsm
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@itsthebunk @DrBeckerSchutte @Groz_P yes! When there’s no before or after, can’t be post. It never ends. #bcsm
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@runlipschemo @jodyms With any emotional experience, it’s time to look for support when it is interfering with your daily life. #bcsm
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I’m disturbed by inference that PTSD is “worse” for some categories of people vs others. If you experience PTSD it is BAD regardless #bcsm
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Thank you 🙂 RT @DrBeckerSchutte: @itsthebunk Yes-having PTSD means you’ve been through a trauma, and are reliving it. Always hard #bcsm
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I’m a licensed mental health therapist but I had to get through the flashback before I could label my reaction to an unexpected biopsy #bcsm
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Holy cow, I can’t barely walk by the infusion center…. the smell makes me really sick. I get a little queasy when I DRIVE by it. #bcsm
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The triggers for post-traumatic stress are incredibly personal. #bcsm
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Who here has experienced a panic attack? #bcsm
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@itsthebunk who here hasn’t? Lol #bcsm
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I am not joking when I say this: strangely enough, tonight’s chat is making me anxious. #bcsm
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We’re talking triggers. RT @itsthebunk I am not joking when I say this: strangely enough, tonight’s chat is making me anxious. #bcsm
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Actually, that last tweet was for everyone. If the topic is rough, try taking a few breaths and reminding self you are in safe place. #bcsm
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@itsthebunk feel free to sign off if it’s too much. hang in there. #bcsm
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Yes, triggers is a key concept, isn’t it? #bcsm
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Triggers is huge. Getting what sets you off is part of regaining control. RT @itsthebunk Yes, triggers is a key concept, isn’t it? #bcsm
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OMG-this is totally bringing up feelings of panic & tears. Accentuated because it’s not just isolated to me. It’s all of us suffering. #bcsm
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Thanks… I might… Breathing now. RT @stales: @itsthebunk feel free to sign off if it’s too much. hang in there. #bcsm
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@itsthebunk and we’re all here for you xoxo #bcsm
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@itsthebunk it is hard. I’d rather think tho, that this will help others understand so that their path may not be as difficult. #bcsm
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@itsthebunk @stales Breathe and take care of yourself. This is part of learning curve of coping with PTSD. #bcsm
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@DrBeckerSchutte I have done so MUCH healing… I am in SUCH a better place. BUT this thing still comes back to haunt. #bcsm
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You are all illustrating that PTSD can have multiple triggers, can sneak in when you don’t expect it, and can hang on. #bcsm
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@jodyms @DrBeckerSchutte The irony of all of this is that BC takes control, too. PTSD makes it a double-whammy #BCSM
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Let’s get on the up side of #takingcontrol – @DrBeckerSchutte and all of you – what helps you feel grounded when anxiety threatens? #bcsm
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The important thing to remember is that PTSD, while sneaky, is also treatable. You can ground yourself in breathing, safety, etc. #bcsm
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@DrBeckerSchutte Counseling available thru orgs like CancerCare, Sharsheret, etc #bcsm Key for me.
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Things that I recommend for grounding: breath practice, time outside, connecting with safe others, exercise if possible, prayer if fit #bcsm
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@DrBeckerSchutte Breath exercise has helped me lots. Single nostril breathing especially helps me to regulate breath quickly. #bcsm
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@DrBeckerSchutte @emily_priscilla simple breathing can be powerful. Taking control of something supposedly involuntary is empowering #bcsm
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Getting grounded: talking with a friend. ASAP. And not about the anxiety. Just regular life stuff that helps me recenter. #bcsm
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I am trying to ground right this very moment. Completely taken by surprise that tonight’s chat became a trigger. #bcsm
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Ground thru guided meditation, counseling, help others, control own medical care #bcsm
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A lot of mindfulness practices are also good for grounding, since they are focused on present moment awareness. #bcsm
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Walking at the beach or near water helped to calm me – felt like movement of water was mirrored within me. #bcsm
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gardening, flowers, major distressing. #bcsm
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Prior to my surgery last year I planted so many flowers .. I spend a lot of time watering now #bcsm
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Do any of you paint or write to help navigate difficult feelings from treatment? #bcsm
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Onc prescribed 6 refills Ativan but when taken as prescribed resulted in dependence and increased anxiety. #bcsm
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Oh gees @garmischgirl Onc prescribed 6 refills Ativan but when taken as prescribed resulted in dependence and increased anxiety. #bcsm
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When I asked for taper schedule to get off Ativan, onc said she couldn’t help, and I need to go to psychiatrist for that. #bcsm
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Not okay. @garmischgirl When I asked for taper schedule to get off Ativan, onc said she couldn’t help, and I need go to psychiatrist…#bcsm
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@garmischgirl Such an important issue. They give Ativan out like candy! #bcsm
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The important thing to remember is that PTSD, while sneaky, is also treatable. You can ground yourself in breathing, safety, etc. #bcsm
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I can attest: PTSD is definitely doable. I worked with a therapist (before cancer) so I had tools in place when dxed. All about coping #bcsm
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Recap: Find the coping mechanisms that work for you — and stick with them #bcsm
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Coping is huge. Reminding yourself that, even in the darkest spaces, you have elements you can control & grabbing them. #bcsm
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Most major cancer centers and many regional ones have social workers on staff who should be able to guide you to help. #bcsm
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If not, put out a tweet on the #BCSM channel and we will help you find the assistance you need. No one needs to live with PTSD.
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thanks everyone for the love… love back to you all xoxoxoxo #bcsm
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This needs to be said: dealing with this difficult aspect of cancer treatment takes a lot of courage. I applaud all of you. #bcsm
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Huge thanks to @DrBeckerShutte for her kindness and wisdom in talking about this difficult topic. #bcsm
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If you are experiencing possible symptoms of PTSD, you aren’t crazy or broken. Ask for help and support. #bcsm
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If your missed this great chat on PTSD with @DrBeckerShutte here is tonight’s reading: http://embed.symplur.com/twitter/transcript?hashtag=BCSM&fdate=03-31-2014&shour=18&smin=00&tdate=03-31-2014&thour=19&tmin=15&ssec=00&tsec=00&img=1 … #bcsm
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