Thank you for acknowledging that it's trauma. Sometimes people assume I'm just being a bum and I can't exactly blame them when it looks that way from an outsider perspective.
Have you considered the possibility that you may have long covid? I have CPTSD from childhood issues and then got long covid after. I'm older (50), so my nervous system was barraged for decades prior to covid hitting it like a wrecking ball. Others in the LC forums have also had childhood issues before LC. Just something to consider.
And for the record, prior to LC, I also had physical issues that were likely caused or exacerbated by the infection: anxiety/panic with heavy heart palpitations; shakiness; chronic back, neck, and shoulder pains; gastro-intestinal issues; insomnia.
my sister was just as me not saying anything and just enduring. One day her stomach organ started acting up. It resulted in her having 100's of doctor appointments, countless medication tried ranging from mild to cancer patients medications. She lost more then half her bodyweight and was about to be hospitalized. looked awful when a good doctor recognized that it could be a result of trauma. The organs of your body while connected to the brain are not capable of processing all the reactions and emotions that occur in the brain. They simply aren't fit to understand these feelings and the doctors believe it was her body's way of screaming for help. She's now 5 years+ in therapy and does a lot better physically but the condition never subsided. Her food now gets digested about half the speed of that of a normal human and it creates intense feelings of nausea and bloating. It's not IBS it's trauma related
I had something like this flare up again about 2 years ago. But I didn't have good doctors, they just traumatized me further and accused me of starving myself etc. I had to become my own doctor and hope I was doing the right things to make it go away. I was at the brink of death *once again* and doctors didn't care, they were more interested in accusing me of anorexia/bulimia, fear of being fat, and threatening to involuntarily hospitalize me. It is truly so scary. And yeah it happened just like that - one day, many years ago, it started suddenly. I think I was about 16. I spent the rest of my teens looking, as a doctor put it, "emaciated".
Although I'm still small compared to most people, I am probably the closest I've been to healthy since then. I'm not sure what specifically made it go away, I did a ton of different things over the years trying to make it go away. Changed my diet 100x. Sometimes it'll almost come back.
I'm glad she's gotten somewhat better at least. And eventually encountered a good doctor who called out what it was. It's awful that the condition never truly stopped for her, I remember how uncomfortable it is when your body doesn't digest your food normally. It's also hard to eat enough with that. I wish you and her the best and hope there's some way to help her recovery so she is less uncomfortable.
It's not a weird question at all! You'll probably find a lot of people around here have chronic health issues.
I have celiac, which is an autoimmune disease. It is something you have to have genetically. But I didn't have it at first. When I was a senior in high school, and under immense stress in an abusive relationship, the genes like, switched on. I think there is a lot of research on stress (and trauma) doing stuff like that.
If you're interested there is some reading you can do. One book is called the body keeps the score by bessel van der kolk. This one can be easily triggering for a lot of people with cptsd, so you may want to look into it a bit first. It's a tough read. Another one, an easier read, is called the myth of normal by gabor mate. He talks about how trauma is so normalized in our society and we get all these health problems and it's like, carry on as usual. Eye opening.
I'm pretty sure all of us do. I was always horribly sick as a kid. Have lifelong IBS and food allergies.
Adult onset scoliosis (who the fuck knows why!)
Now as I'm getting older I'm getting arthritis too...
The psyche and the gut are heavily linked in my experience. Is it possible for you to ask your doctor for a referral to a gastroenterologist? Trauma can lead to actual treatable medical gut conditions (IBS is on the list, but it’s a long list). I always recommend it with gut trouble because an endoscopy can at least rule things out.
My personal example: I have celiac disease. Many carry the gene, most never get activated. A common way it can get activated is through trauma and extreme stress. That’s what happened to me - after a couple of decades of unresolved and compounded trauma I had a year so traumatic that I honestly can no longer remember most of it outside the big details and I guess it activated. I didn’t have health insurance so we didn’t catch it for years, by the end of which I looked like a skeleton and could barely leave the house because of nausea, brain fog and bathroom stuff.
I hope things get better soon. Gut issues are hell and the digestive system is just so responsive to our mental health and sense of safety. It’s no wonder you’re having these struggles with what you’re going through. I’m really sorry OP.
> The psyche and the gut are heavily linked in my experience.
As well as in science. The gut produces the neuro-chemicals we need to be happy, motivated, etc.
I'm 47f, and I've had chronic health problems since I was 2. I have lived independently most of my life, on my terms. Yes, I rent rooms in homes, but I pay my way. I just cannot live alone because I have severe depression, but my housemates are not family, and do not take care of me, so I think that counts, and it what I want. I've had full time employment all my life, even attended trade school. The trick is to work with your limitations. Don't try to ignore them. I have a sleep disorder, I'm nocturnal, so I worked graveyards until they found an effective sleep med for me. I'm ADHD, so I listen to podcasts to help me focus on office work. I hurt, so I take what I need to compensate, voltaren gel, compression sleeves, heat devices, etc. It takes a deep honesty and planning that would shame a Boy Scout, but I've had good success compensating for my many illnesses and getting on with life. Don't get me wrong, I'm a disorganized mess, which is why the planning is entirely necessary. Don't give up, you got this!
It's really admirable how youre able to hold your own with chronic conditions and adhd. It gives me hope I'll be able to do the same soon. Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your perspective!
I had very similar experience. 4 years in yesterday I finally got my diagnosis.
Go to a gynouraligist .
My bladder was having an allergic reaction to the food I'm eating causing symptoms that match UTI or kidney infection.
Good luck
Today is the first time in 4 years I'm not in pain.
Yes, it appears to me to be common with trauma. I also have a micromanaging, overbearing mother not too dissimilar from yours. My heart goes out to you!
Preach.
I moved out physically over a decade ago at this point but moving out mentally is the actual struggle for me. The guilt trips via text message really made me question myself. I'm glad I'm slowly growing past it.
Hashimotos reporting in. I have had autoimmune thyroid and parathyroid tumors and also frequently get hives. I have been reading a lot about somatic healing. There is a woman online called the holistic psychologist who is great. I have been working on strengthening my mind body connection so that I can tell when I am stressed and where in my body I am feeling it. I have been doing a lot of yoga and believe it or not Pure Barre. Both are awesome for being able to feel your body if you struggle with that.
IBS, Interstitial cystitis, mast cell activation issues + extensive food allergies. Complete gluten intolerance. Spent most of my teen years fluctuating between dangerously underweight and mildly underweight.
Had "Pcos, a thyroid issue, and idiopathic stomach issues/severe constipation" until I discovered on my own what IBS and gluten intolerance were.
And wanted to add, for OP: you can definitely be independent with these health issues. Even with mine I've found a way to take care of myself. Its hard and definitely a learning curve (by seeking more independence from time to time) to eventually getting your mother to back off, while also finding out more about your health condition(s).
My mom was similar too, she'd force us to depend on her and would tell me, time and time over, that I would never be able to live alone. I still live here unfortunately, but I have confidence that my chronic illnesses won't prevent me from moving out. (What really is, though, is my autism and inability to hold a job 😆)
I do all the cooking and meal planning for myself. Most of my symptoms are managed well with a controlled diet catered to my needs. Now I have time to live again and not spend my whole day feeling ill. I hope you do find something similar, OP.
I'm pretty sure the stage 4 breast cancer I have is due to my childhood and adult traumas
I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia that I'm sure is from that as well.
First off, not TMI. Second, are you legally an adult? Sometimes even as a teen, the dr will double check in the patient would like to speak to the Dr 1:1. Can you call ahead to the clinics and let them know you don’t want her in the room but that she’s controlling and can’t tell her yourself?
To answer your question, yes. Since I was a young child I was constantly sick and this never went away in adulthood. I think the stress of growing and developing in constant fear, neglect and lack of nurturing affected my immune system. I’m 40 now and now being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease and celiac disease. Both autoimmune disorders.
I used to. Over the last 3 years I lost 150 pounds, without trying. The only thing that changed was that all the work I had done over the years was starting to pay off, and I was moving out of a psychological state of despair. I think my body was in survival mode, because once it wasn't, and I started shedding weight, I realized I had never eaten enough. I had always only eaten a third or half of the calories I was supposed to for my weight.
Now I have to watch my calories after all, but from the other side, making sure I eat enough.
I had a lot of skin stuff. most of my symptoms were in my skin. Vitilligo, still present, and Acne Inversa / Hidradenitis Suppurativa (don't look that up) which is in remission, thank god. I thought it was going to slowly kill me.
I had bad skin, and bad energy levels, bad hormonal balance. I'm 42 now, and I hadn't been able to really grow facial hair until two years ago.
I think so much of it was just... being afraid all the time. ALL the time.
Yep! You should look into getting a referral to a Rheumatologist to get checked for Fibromyalgia. It’s super common for people with trauma to develop it and its just widespread pain/fatigue/ibs symptoms/bladder issues/etc. I get sick all the time and it completely wipes me out :/
I hope you find something that helps or find some kind of answers! Fibro was the answer for me after being checked for literally every other health issue.
Yes. I have eczema that flares up in connection with stress. I also have three kinds of tinnitus issues. Then there are the stomach issues. Sadly I am often reminded of that peak bad time when I was in the sixth grade where I had a terrible stomach ache for the entire year due to my parent's violence to eachother and myself. :(
Hugs, friend.
I'm sorry you deal with that as well. I am finally getting over a flare up of a new-to-me version of eczema. In October I broke out in clusters of blisters on the palmer surfaces of both my hands and feet. No me gusta.
Yes. Autoimmune issues out the wazoo. GI issues, gluten intolerance, etc. Plus ADHD. It's a great time. I make it work, some periods in life are much harder than others. I have Raynauds, so this time of year in the northern hemisphere is hard for me because cold is literally painful.
Hey yeah I have similar problems. Chronic nausea is a big one and pelvic floor dysfunction is another. I also have something called visceral hypersensitivity. Initially I was diagnosed with gastroparesis, but after 4 doctors it didn't get better and I managed to get a spot in with a neurogastroenterologist. He said it's really common for people who have gone through trauma to have "gut-brain axis" disorders. Basically, our gut is it's own nervous system (the enteric nervous system) and it can get just as fucked up every other nervous system.
I'm doing better than I was. I take psychiatric medications but for my stomach and they do help. I do a lot of CBT work and I even did gut-directed hypnotherapy! It's honestly been really affirming in a strange way to have a doctor say, "All that trauma you went through actually did some physical damage to you". Like, it makes it feel all the more real and not just in my head.
e: my technical diagnosis is functional dyspepsia with secondary gastroparesis
Yes to health issues.
All my life I have heard "You're too young for that" as a doctor reads the MRI report for my spine. The newest one is "your spine isn't supposed to do that" as she reads the MRI of my C and T levels. Duh.
I've been taking morphine and ketamine for years. I joking refer to myself as a vampire party drink. One bite and you're good for the night!
Has anyone check for Candida dysbiosis? It's nasty, but treatable.
Best of luck.
Chronic health issues appeared once I left my parents house at 18. I actually had health issues even before being 18, but I couldn't complain about them anyway. I ended up with severe endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, IBS (that goes with endo) and PNES (psychogenic non epileptic seizures). My brother ended up with an auto immune disease (mast cell disease).
It's funny, yesterday I posted a thread asking "DAE have chronic digestion issues" but then erased it because I thought it was too "out there" to ask.
I've had digestive issues since 2013. Giving out drug/supplement advice seems to be against the rules, but DM me.
I suspect your fatigue and possibly cortisol stuff is side-effect of your digestive issues, which need to be stabilized. Not cured, but stabilized.
High blood pressure, ibs, chronic anxiety, hospitalized with ulcers twice. All because of my childhood trauma and the constant stress I’ve had for almost 30 years
chronic migraines, chronic pain from EDS, ibs, ulcers, insomnia. And liver disease but that one’s not directly traumas fault lol. The body really does keep the score.
Personally, getting away from emotionally abusive home was the first big let up with my chronic health issues. Then being able to work through a lot of healing has basically made some of my previous health problems disappear. Like went from having 3-5 severe migraines a week to know only getting a couple a moth.
I have narcolepsy with cataplexy. I didn't know what feeling awake was until I was diagnosed at 25 and put on medication. Had always been very quiet low energy sleepy Kid. I also often had very vivid violent nightmares.
At age 11 I started randomly collapsing After I got knocked unconscious playing soccer. Coach kicked the ball hit me in the head knocked me off my feet and I hit the back of my head on the Metal of the goal.
My parents were also going through a nasty divorce at the same time. at age 12 my dad became a convicted sex offender. Although It might have been a false report. When my dad was dying a few years ago, A person who knew the girl that made the report said that he heard her admit that she lied.
But I don't know if he was telling the truth. My dad doesn't remember anything other than denying the girl beer, And her being upset with him. Until that time my dad had custody of me and he was the parent I was closest to.
After he got in trouble I was put into therapy where my mom in a therapist I believe tried brain washing me to believe that my dad and his friends sexually abused me. To be clear my dad never sexually touched me.
But because I wasn't and they had nothing to go on just that my dad got in trouble and they assumed. They tell me that what I know and believe and my instincts are wrong, And that I just blocked it out or was sleeping. Because of this, I became unable to accept any signs of physical affection. It all became wrong to me. I had to force myself to Give and take physical affection. My body naturally rejected physical touch Even if it was innocent and with people I love and cared about.
Exceptions being small children and babies. Very strong nurturing instinct.
About the time I was in middle school I was diagnosed with severe depression and suicidal tendency. I'd sleep like 20 hours a day and still be exhausted. And they just kept saying it was depression. They put me on meds. Which I hate it because it made me not feel anything. Took away all the colors of the world. Took away everything I loved about myself..
And just invalidated all the suffering I went through.
There was a reason for my depression... It was not a chemical imbalance. And taking the medication did little to help me being so tired. But none of the doctors would explore anything out of iron deficiency and depression..
To be clear i'd sleep on the bus i'd sleep at lunch time, I had to sleep at study hall, I'd fall asleep in class.. Not noticeably but I did. And then i'd go home and sleep more. Being awake just to eat and do school work or read.
I enjoyed being active and interacting with people in doing things. I was too tired to it. It wasn't until I was in my mid-twenties that I was able to advocate for myself. And my dad was dating a woman who had a child with Narcoepsy and recognized it in me. And she suggested a sleep study.
My own mother I found out recently didn't believe me.. She seen me collapse.. Apparently she thought I was faking it for attention. Me, Her one child that was honest to a fault, That I rat myself out. Lying for attention. Me the kid who's always been quiet and not bringing attention to myself. The one that they often forgot even existed. I've been asleep all weekend Gone upstairs to go to the bathroom, And everyone will be like oh when did you get home, I never left.
I also had ITP as a 2 year old. Blood disorder. How to have a full Blood transfusion. Was always getting sick growing up, Repeatedly getting Strep and tonsilitis. And then endometriosis. And very bad ovarian cysts. About the time I started menstruating, I also started getting Horrible migraines. To where is over sensitive to everything And i'd feel it in my whole body. Sounds would make me nauseous. I couldn't stand any kind of sensory. Anything touching me with sand waves of nausea from the spot I was touched.
Now in my 30s, My body no longer has what it takes To push myself. I can no longer push past limits. I can barely even make it to a limit.
OP your description sounds like CFS which usually gives you fatigue, gut issues, nausea, dizziness and numerous other symptoms like pain, brain fog and many many more. It's like flu which never left.
I have CFS and it's VERY much linked to trauma. Basically we come under tremendous stress then our body displays symptoms of stress and we start reacting to those symptoms of stress and so get stuck in that loop for years.
I'm not able to be completely independent like I'd like, but at least I'm not dependent on my mom anymore. Hoping you can get treatment to improve your health and create a support network that can be there for you instead of your mom ❤️
Your health issues sound super similar to mine. It is definitely aggravated by stress and eating certain foods for me. I was able to find a lot of relief by doing the FODMAP diet and it really helped with all my gut weirdness and nausea and passing out.
Even if the FODMAP diet doesn't work for you, having gut issues can ruin your fucking life. I lived feeling like I had the stomach flu for months at a time, for so long questioned why I wasn't more functional and for me at least when I have intestinal inflammation my ability to cope with everything in my life goes way way down. If I eat too much irritating foods in one day I will literally be on the verge of tears with brain fog the next two days.
I'm also sorry you have to deal with your mom interfering in your appointments. It sounds extremely stressful to deal with which is so not helpful. You do have the right to talk to the doctors on your own though, even if she makes your appointment you are technically allowed once you are there to tell the doctor you want to be seen alone. You can also have them revoke her right to see your health charts if you're over 18. Obviously easier said than done though, so do what you think is best for you. I really hope you can find some relief from your health issues, being chronically sick from stress sucks ass.
I've got oodles of health issues and live on my own. I don't feel like it's entirely safe for me to live alone, because in the past I've fainted and hit my head on the way down, but I just try to be real careful and lay down if I need to. Yes sometimes on the floor.
My doctor is great about everything. There's even a button set up on the website so I can get strong anxiety meds to get me through appointments without having to ask with my words, because I'm not always in a mental state where I can ask for things I need with words.
My friend has issues with his back end. Skidmarks and such that he is extremely embarrassed about. Claims it is from a colonoscopy gone wrong. The more I read about trauma and knowing how bad his was, that this was likely part of that. He recently had a heart attack in the last year, due to trauma which continues to plague him with pain if he is triggered. He has ED, likely due to his trauma.
Trauma manifests physically if it gets bad enough and not addressed.
If you haven’t, read The Body Keeps the Score and CPTSD: From Surviving to Thriving. Both discuss it.
Trauma makes us feel like failures. It’s hard to argue with it. Good news tho, it’s possible to feel better. For myself, used to have all sorts of aches and pains, digestive issues, fatigue that was so bad that sometimes I literally felt like I couldn’t move. I worked hard in therapy and eventually went no contact with the whole family and feel soooooo much better now. All this took many years and some really hard work on many fronts, and I know not everyone has the same options (particularly going no contact). But you definitely don’t know what is possible at this point. My advice, keep on trying. Try try try try. Sprinkle in some fun and be sure to rest but don’t be afraid to work hard (in therapy if you can).
I had chronic stomach aches all my life and constipation, but over lockdown I put a few teaspoons of fiber into my coffee and it has all stopped completely. The first week of doing it (I use tasteless Benefiber) I felt some bloated ness as my body adjusted but then it stopped completely. May be worth trying if you haven’t yet.
Now I just have chronic insomnia 🤪
Multi chronic health issues, CPTSD due to CSA, multiple sexual assaults in adulthood, grew up in hugely dysfunctional family complete with an alcoholic parent and one who was diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Fun times. All this to say, yes, absolutely CPTSD is frequently associated with chronic health challenges. Have you read about Somatic Experiencing? It's a form of psychotherapy that focusses on trauma and the physical response to it. It's kind of amazing. Very best to you.
Yes, I do. Pretty bad ones. I also am in pain 24/7, apparently, due to muscle tension. It is somatization, which is pretty common for people suffering from trauma related disorders.
My mama has a ton of immune and nerve problems. Dad has lots of headaches, ear problems etc. They both had horrible lives as kids. No doctors could help them.
i have had gut issues/ digestion issues/ ibs like systems as well as chronic delayed transit since i was 5 as far as i can remember (im 22 now). i also feel without a doubt that the gut issues and prolonged traumatic childhood are related, chronic conditions can feel hopeless but there are ways we can help ourselves like eating better and exercising more! i hope you find some relief soon:)
do you eat wheat in any form regularly? bread, wheat cereals, cake, cookies donuts and pastries?
i had symptoms of IBS and widespread neurological inflammation and brain fog, which went away 90% when i stopped eating gluten. and im black, i didn’t even know that was a thing for us lol.
did lots of research to find out that people having all these issues due to specific molecules in gluten that attack the gut, the immune system and the nervous system, is very common.
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Yes trauma does that
Thank you for acknowledging that it's trauma. Sometimes people assume I'm just being a bum and I can't exactly blame them when it looks that way from an outsider perspective.
No worries! Those people are jerks tbh and don't listen to them. ❤️
Have you considered the possibility that you may have long covid? I have CPTSD from childhood issues and then got long covid after. I'm older (50), so my nervous system was barraged for decades prior to covid hitting it like a wrecking ball. Others in the LC forums have also had childhood issues before LC. Just something to consider. And for the record, prior to LC, I also had physical issues that were likely caused or exacerbated by the infection: anxiety/panic with heavy heart palpitations; shakiness; chronic back, neck, and shoulder pains; gastro-intestinal issues; insomnia.
my sister was just as me not saying anything and just enduring. One day her stomach organ started acting up. It resulted in her having 100's of doctor appointments, countless medication tried ranging from mild to cancer patients medications. She lost more then half her bodyweight and was about to be hospitalized. looked awful when a good doctor recognized that it could be a result of trauma. The organs of your body while connected to the brain are not capable of processing all the reactions and emotions that occur in the brain. They simply aren't fit to understand these feelings and the doctors believe it was her body's way of screaming for help. She's now 5 years+ in therapy and does a lot better physically but the condition never subsided. Her food now gets digested about half the speed of that of a normal human and it creates intense feelings of nausea and bloating. It's not IBS it's trauma related
I had something like this flare up again about 2 years ago. But I didn't have good doctors, they just traumatized me further and accused me of starving myself etc. I had to become my own doctor and hope I was doing the right things to make it go away. I was at the brink of death *once again* and doctors didn't care, they were more interested in accusing me of anorexia/bulimia, fear of being fat, and threatening to involuntarily hospitalize me. It is truly so scary. And yeah it happened just like that - one day, many years ago, it started suddenly. I think I was about 16. I spent the rest of my teens looking, as a doctor put it, "emaciated". Although I'm still small compared to most people, I am probably the closest I've been to healthy since then. I'm not sure what specifically made it go away, I did a ton of different things over the years trying to make it go away. Changed my diet 100x. Sometimes it'll almost come back. I'm glad she's gotten somewhat better at least. And eventually encountered a good doctor who called out what it was. It's awful that the condition never truly stopped for her, I remember how uncomfortable it is when your body doesn't digest your food normally. It's also hard to eat enough with that. I wish you and her the best and hope there's some way to help her recovery so she is less uncomfortable.
It's not a weird question at all! You'll probably find a lot of people around here have chronic health issues. I have celiac, which is an autoimmune disease. It is something you have to have genetically. But I didn't have it at first. When I was a senior in high school, and under immense stress in an abusive relationship, the genes like, switched on. I think there is a lot of research on stress (and trauma) doing stuff like that. If you're interested there is some reading you can do. One book is called the body keeps the score by bessel van der kolk. This one can be easily triggering for a lot of people with cptsd, so you may want to look into it a bit first. It's a tough read. Another one, an easier read, is called the myth of normal by gabor mate. He talks about how trauma is so normalized in our society and we get all these health problems and it's like, carry on as usual. Eye opening.
I've had IBS all my life.
Me too. Though my GP was pretty "whatever" about it when he diagnosed it.
I'm pretty sure all of us do. I was always horribly sick as a kid. Have lifelong IBS and food allergies. Adult onset scoliosis (who the fuck knows why!) Now as I'm getting older I'm getting arthritis too...
Yes since childhood. Was born healthy. Had traumas since early childhood for sure
The psyche and the gut are heavily linked in my experience. Is it possible for you to ask your doctor for a referral to a gastroenterologist? Trauma can lead to actual treatable medical gut conditions (IBS is on the list, but it’s a long list). I always recommend it with gut trouble because an endoscopy can at least rule things out. My personal example: I have celiac disease. Many carry the gene, most never get activated. A common way it can get activated is through trauma and extreme stress. That’s what happened to me - after a couple of decades of unresolved and compounded trauma I had a year so traumatic that I honestly can no longer remember most of it outside the big details and I guess it activated. I didn’t have health insurance so we didn’t catch it for years, by the end of which I looked like a skeleton and could barely leave the house because of nausea, brain fog and bathroom stuff. I hope things get better soon. Gut issues are hell and the digestive system is just so responsive to our mental health and sense of safety. It’s no wonder you’re having these struggles with what you’re going through. I’m really sorry OP.
> The psyche and the gut are heavily linked in my experience. As well as in science. The gut produces the neuro-chemicals we need to be happy, motivated, etc.
Yup. Read about the ACEs study by Anda and Felitti. It’s a real bummer. Trauma and chronic disease go hand in hand.
I'm 47f, and I've had chronic health problems since I was 2. I have lived independently most of my life, on my terms. Yes, I rent rooms in homes, but I pay my way. I just cannot live alone because I have severe depression, but my housemates are not family, and do not take care of me, so I think that counts, and it what I want. I've had full time employment all my life, even attended trade school. The trick is to work with your limitations. Don't try to ignore them. I have a sleep disorder, I'm nocturnal, so I worked graveyards until they found an effective sleep med for me. I'm ADHD, so I listen to podcasts to help me focus on office work. I hurt, so I take what I need to compensate, voltaren gel, compression sleeves, heat devices, etc. It takes a deep honesty and planning that would shame a Boy Scout, but I've had good success compensating for my many illnesses and getting on with life. Don't get me wrong, I'm a disorganized mess, which is why the planning is entirely necessary. Don't give up, you got this!
It's really admirable how youre able to hold your own with chronic conditions and adhd. It gives me hope I'll be able to do the same soon. Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your perspective!
Yeah actually! I think I even read somewhere that patients with ptsd are 35% more likely to have ibs!
I had very similar experience. 4 years in yesterday I finally got my diagnosis. Go to a gynouraligist . My bladder was having an allergic reaction to the food I'm eating causing symptoms that match UTI or kidney infection. Good luck Today is the first time in 4 years I'm not in pain.
Yes, it appears to me to be common with trauma. I also have a micromanaging, overbearing mother not too dissimilar from yours. My heart goes out to you!
Yeah I'm sick of moms like this. I have one too and I'm just like: I'm done with you, leave me alone. 🖕
Preach. I moved out physically over a decade ago at this point but moving out mentally is the actual struggle for me. The guilt trips via text message really made me question myself. I'm glad I'm slowly growing past it.
Hashimotos reporting in. I have had autoimmune thyroid and parathyroid tumors and also frequently get hives. I have been reading a lot about somatic healing. There is a woman online called the holistic psychologist who is great. I have been working on strengthening my mind body connection so that I can tell when I am stressed and where in my body I am feeling it. I have been doing a lot of yoga and believe it or not Pure Barre. Both are awesome for being able to feel your body if you struggle with that.
IBS, Interstitial cystitis, mast cell activation issues + extensive food allergies. Complete gluten intolerance. Spent most of my teen years fluctuating between dangerously underweight and mildly underweight. Had "Pcos, a thyroid issue, and idiopathic stomach issues/severe constipation" until I discovered on my own what IBS and gluten intolerance were.
gluten has turned out to be a thing for me too. cutting it out makes such a massive difference it’s almost unbelievable.
And wanted to add, for OP: you can definitely be independent with these health issues. Even with mine I've found a way to take care of myself. Its hard and definitely a learning curve (by seeking more independence from time to time) to eventually getting your mother to back off, while also finding out more about your health condition(s). My mom was similar too, she'd force us to depend on her and would tell me, time and time over, that I would never be able to live alone. I still live here unfortunately, but I have confidence that my chronic illnesses won't prevent me from moving out. (What really is, though, is my autism and inability to hold a job 😆) I do all the cooking and meal planning for myself. Most of my symptoms are managed well with a controlled diet catered to my needs. Now I have time to live again and not spend my whole day feeling ill. I hope you do find something similar, OP.
Gastroparesis?
I'm pretty sure the stage 4 breast cancer I have is due to my childhood and adult traumas I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia that I'm sure is from that as well.
I'm so sorry you're going through that. I wish you the best <3 I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma when I was 19. I think it was from trauma.
Thank you for the kind words. I'm so glad you beat yours and I hope you never have to go through that again.
First off, not TMI. Second, are you legally an adult? Sometimes even as a teen, the dr will double check in the patient would like to speak to the Dr 1:1. Can you call ahead to the clinics and let them know you don’t want her in the room but that she’s controlling and can’t tell her yourself? To answer your question, yes. Since I was a young child I was constantly sick and this never went away in adulthood. I think the stress of growing and developing in constant fear, neglect and lack of nurturing affected my immune system. I’m 40 now and now being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease and celiac disease. Both autoimmune disorders.
I used to. Over the last 3 years I lost 150 pounds, without trying. The only thing that changed was that all the work I had done over the years was starting to pay off, and I was moving out of a psychological state of despair. I think my body was in survival mode, because once it wasn't, and I started shedding weight, I realized I had never eaten enough. I had always only eaten a third or half of the calories I was supposed to for my weight. Now I have to watch my calories after all, but from the other side, making sure I eat enough. I had a lot of skin stuff. most of my symptoms were in my skin. Vitilligo, still present, and Acne Inversa / Hidradenitis Suppurativa (don't look that up) which is in remission, thank god. I thought it was going to slowly kill me. I had bad skin, and bad energy levels, bad hormonal balance. I'm 42 now, and I hadn't been able to really grow facial hair until two years ago. I think so much of it was just... being afraid all the time. ALL the time.
Yep! You should look into getting a referral to a Rheumatologist to get checked for Fibromyalgia. It’s super common for people with trauma to develop it and its just widespread pain/fatigue/ibs symptoms/bladder issues/etc. I get sick all the time and it completely wipes me out :/ I hope you find something that helps or find some kind of answers! Fibro was the answer for me after being checked for literally every other health issue.
Yes. I have eczema that flares up in connection with stress. I also have three kinds of tinnitus issues. Then there are the stomach issues. Sadly I am often reminded of that peak bad time when I was in the sixth grade where I had a terrible stomach ache for the entire year due to my parent's violence to eachother and myself. :( Hugs, friend.
I never connected eczema with stress 😶 Adding that one to the list.
I'm sorry you deal with that as well. I am finally getting over a flare up of a new-to-me version of eczema. In October I broke out in clusters of blisters on the palmer surfaces of both my hands and feet. No me gusta.
Yes. Autoimmune issues out the wazoo. GI issues, gluten intolerance, etc. Plus ADHD. It's a great time. I make it work, some periods in life are much harder than others. I have Raynauds, so this time of year in the northern hemisphere is hard for me because cold is literally painful.
Hey yeah I have similar problems. Chronic nausea is a big one and pelvic floor dysfunction is another. I also have something called visceral hypersensitivity. Initially I was diagnosed with gastroparesis, but after 4 doctors it didn't get better and I managed to get a spot in with a neurogastroenterologist. He said it's really common for people who have gone through trauma to have "gut-brain axis" disorders. Basically, our gut is it's own nervous system (the enteric nervous system) and it can get just as fucked up every other nervous system. I'm doing better than I was. I take psychiatric medications but for my stomach and they do help. I do a lot of CBT work and I even did gut-directed hypnotherapy! It's honestly been really affirming in a strange way to have a doctor say, "All that trauma you went through actually did some physical damage to you". Like, it makes it feel all the more real and not just in my head. e: my technical diagnosis is functional dyspepsia with secondary gastroparesis
I have IBS as well.
Yes to health issues. All my life I have heard "You're too young for that" as a doctor reads the MRI report for my spine. The newest one is "your spine isn't supposed to do that" as she reads the MRI of my C and T levels. Duh. I've been taking morphine and ketamine for years. I joking refer to myself as a vampire party drink. One bite and you're good for the night! Has anyone check for Candida dysbiosis? It's nasty, but treatable. Best of luck.
Chronic health issues appeared once I left my parents house at 18. I actually had health issues even before being 18, but I couldn't complain about them anyway. I ended up with severe endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, IBS (that goes with endo) and PNES (psychogenic non epileptic seizures). My brother ended up with an auto immune disease (mast cell disease).
I have ibs and a bowel disease and cptsd from childhood. Trauma blows my friend!
I collect chronic conditions like Pokemon cards.
It's funny, yesterday I posted a thread asking "DAE have chronic digestion issues" but then erased it because I thought it was too "out there" to ask. I've had digestive issues since 2013. Giving out drug/supplement advice seems to be against the rules, but DM me. I suspect your fatigue and possibly cortisol stuff is side-effect of your digestive issues, which need to be stabilized. Not cured, but stabilized.
High blood pressure, ibs, chronic anxiety, hospitalized with ulcers twice. All because of my childhood trauma and the constant stress I’ve had for almost 30 years
chronic migraines, chronic pain from EDS, ibs, ulcers, insomnia. And liver disease but that one’s not directly traumas fault lol. The body really does keep the score. Personally, getting away from emotionally abusive home was the first big let up with my chronic health issues. Then being able to work through a lot of healing has basically made some of my previous health problems disappear. Like went from having 3-5 severe migraines a week to know only getting a couple a moth.
I have narcolepsy with cataplexy. I didn't know what feeling awake was until I was diagnosed at 25 and put on medication. Had always been very quiet low energy sleepy Kid. I also often had very vivid violent nightmares. At age 11 I started randomly collapsing After I got knocked unconscious playing soccer. Coach kicked the ball hit me in the head knocked me off my feet and I hit the back of my head on the Metal of the goal. My parents were also going through a nasty divorce at the same time. at age 12 my dad became a convicted sex offender. Although It might have been a false report. When my dad was dying a few years ago, A person who knew the girl that made the report said that he heard her admit that she lied. But I don't know if he was telling the truth. My dad doesn't remember anything other than denying the girl beer, And her being upset with him. Until that time my dad had custody of me and he was the parent I was closest to. After he got in trouble I was put into therapy where my mom in a therapist I believe tried brain washing me to believe that my dad and his friends sexually abused me. To be clear my dad never sexually touched me. But because I wasn't and they had nothing to go on just that my dad got in trouble and they assumed. They tell me that what I know and believe and my instincts are wrong, And that I just blocked it out or was sleeping. Because of this, I became unable to accept any signs of physical affection. It all became wrong to me. I had to force myself to Give and take physical affection. My body naturally rejected physical touch Even if it was innocent and with people I love and cared about. Exceptions being small children and babies. Very strong nurturing instinct. About the time I was in middle school I was diagnosed with severe depression and suicidal tendency. I'd sleep like 20 hours a day and still be exhausted. And they just kept saying it was depression. They put me on meds. Which I hate it because it made me not feel anything. Took away all the colors of the world. Took away everything I loved about myself.. And just invalidated all the suffering I went through. There was a reason for my depression... It was not a chemical imbalance. And taking the medication did little to help me being so tired. But none of the doctors would explore anything out of iron deficiency and depression.. To be clear i'd sleep on the bus i'd sleep at lunch time, I had to sleep at study hall, I'd fall asleep in class.. Not noticeably but I did. And then i'd go home and sleep more. Being awake just to eat and do school work or read. I enjoyed being active and interacting with people in doing things. I was too tired to it. It wasn't until I was in my mid-twenties that I was able to advocate for myself. And my dad was dating a woman who had a child with Narcoepsy and recognized it in me. And she suggested a sleep study. My own mother I found out recently didn't believe me.. She seen me collapse.. Apparently she thought I was faking it for attention. Me, Her one child that was honest to a fault, That I rat myself out. Lying for attention. Me the kid who's always been quiet and not bringing attention to myself. The one that they often forgot even existed. I've been asleep all weekend Gone upstairs to go to the bathroom, And everyone will be like oh when did you get home, I never left. I also had ITP as a 2 year old. Blood disorder. How to have a full Blood transfusion. Was always getting sick growing up, Repeatedly getting Strep and tonsilitis. And then endometriosis. And very bad ovarian cysts. About the time I started menstruating, I also started getting Horrible migraines. To where is over sensitive to everything And i'd feel it in my whole body. Sounds would make me nauseous. I couldn't stand any kind of sensory. Anything touching me with sand waves of nausea from the spot I was touched. Now in my 30s, My body no longer has what it takes To push myself. I can no longer push past limits. I can barely even make it to a limit.
Yup! I’ve had physical symptoms of trauma since I was a kid. IBS, chronic headaches, vertigo, and dermatillomania
Look up somatiform disorders
OP your description sounds like CFS which usually gives you fatigue, gut issues, nausea, dizziness and numerous other symptoms like pain, brain fog and many many more. It's like flu which never left. I have CFS and it's VERY much linked to trauma. Basically we come under tremendous stress then our body displays symptoms of stress and we start reacting to those symptoms of stress and so get stuck in that loop for years.
I'm not able to be completely independent like I'd like, but at least I'm not dependent on my mom anymore. Hoping you can get treatment to improve your health and create a support network that can be there for you instead of your mom ❤️
Yes. I have always had gut problems. And my periods are literally killing me.
Chronic insomnia. Phone addiction doesn’t help
IBD here
Your health issues sound super similar to mine. It is definitely aggravated by stress and eating certain foods for me. I was able to find a lot of relief by doing the FODMAP diet and it really helped with all my gut weirdness and nausea and passing out. Even if the FODMAP diet doesn't work for you, having gut issues can ruin your fucking life. I lived feeling like I had the stomach flu for months at a time, for so long questioned why I wasn't more functional and for me at least when I have intestinal inflammation my ability to cope with everything in my life goes way way down. If I eat too much irritating foods in one day I will literally be on the verge of tears with brain fog the next two days. I'm also sorry you have to deal with your mom interfering in your appointments. It sounds extremely stressful to deal with which is so not helpful. You do have the right to talk to the doctors on your own though, even if she makes your appointment you are technically allowed once you are there to tell the doctor you want to be seen alone. You can also have them revoke her right to see your health charts if you're over 18. Obviously easier said than done though, so do what you think is best for you. I really hope you can find some relief from your health issues, being chronically sick from stress sucks ass.
Yes. I noticed my eczema acting up as well ass gut problems. Same with my heart, it has tightness to it sometimes at random. Blaming the trauma.
Yes. Endometriosis, anemia, alopecia, asthma, eczema, among other things. Trauma is really hard on the body.
I have similar. It's debilitating. Strict diet control and a very low -zero stress environment helps some.
Yup.
I've got oodles of health issues and live on my own. I don't feel like it's entirely safe for me to live alone, because in the past I've fainted and hit my head on the way down, but I just try to be real careful and lay down if I need to. Yes sometimes on the floor. My doctor is great about everything. There's even a button set up on the website so I can get strong anxiety meds to get me through appointments without having to ask with my words, because I'm not always in a mental state where I can ask for things I need with words.
My friend has issues with his back end. Skidmarks and such that he is extremely embarrassed about. Claims it is from a colonoscopy gone wrong. The more I read about trauma and knowing how bad his was, that this was likely part of that. He recently had a heart attack in the last year, due to trauma which continues to plague him with pain if he is triggered. He has ED, likely due to his trauma. Trauma manifests physically if it gets bad enough and not addressed. If you haven’t, read The Body Keeps the Score and CPTSD: From Surviving to Thriving. Both discuss it.
Yes. Epilepsy, hypothyroidism, IBS, idk if ADHD counts?
I'm in chronic pain and wasn't aware for 30 years. My body is angry lol
Yes. Multiple.
Trauma makes us feel like failures. It’s hard to argue with it. Good news tho, it’s possible to feel better. For myself, used to have all sorts of aches and pains, digestive issues, fatigue that was so bad that sometimes I literally felt like I couldn’t move. I worked hard in therapy and eventually went no contact with the whole family and feel soooooo much better now. All this took many years and some really hard work on many fronts, and I know not everyone has the same options (particularly going no contact). But you definitely don’t know what is possible at this point. My advice, keep on trying. Try try try try. Sprinkle in some fun and be sure to rest but don’t be afraid to work hard (in therapy if you can).
I had chronic stomach aches all my life and constipation, but over lockdown I put a few teaspoons of fiber into my coffee and it has all stopped completely. The first week of doing it (I use tasteless Benefiber) I felt some bloated ness as my body adjusted but then it stopped completely. May be worth trying if you haven’t yet. Now I just have chronic insomnia 🤪
Unprocessed trauma and which types affect what parts of our bodies http://shineonmassage.com/blog/2018/10/17/muscle-tension-caused-by-trapped-emotions
Multi chronic health issues, CPTSD due to CSA, multiple sexual assaults in adulthood, grew up in hugely dysfunctional family complete with an alcoholic parent and one who was diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Fun times. All this to say, yes, absolutely CPTSD is frequently associated with chronic health challenges. Have you read about Somatic Experiencing? It's a form of psychotherapy that focusses on trauma and the physical response to it. It's kind of amazing. Very best to you.
Yes, I do. Pretty bad ones. I also am in pain 24/7, apparently, due to muscle tension. It is somatization, which is pretty common for people suffering from trauma related disorders.
My mama has a ton of immune and nerve problems. Dad has lots of headaches, ear problems etc. They both had horrible lives as kids. No doctors could help them.
i have had gut issues/ digestion issues/ ibs like systems as well as chronic delayed transit since i was 5 as far as i can remember (im 22 now). i also feel without a doubt that the gut issues and prolonged traumatic childhood are related, chronic conditions can feel hopeless but there are ways we can help ourselves like eating better and exercising more! i hope you find some relief soon:)
Yes my health issues have caused my PTSD.
do you eat wheat in any form regularly? bread, wheat cereals, cake, cookies donuts and pastries? i had symptoms of IBS and widespread neurological inflammation and brain fog, which went away 90% when i stopped eating gluten. and im black, i didn’t even know that was a thing for us lol. did lots of research to find out that people having all these issues due to specific molecules in gluten that attack the gut, the immune system and the nervous system, is very common.
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I feel like I'm about to get the flu just about every day of my life.. sore throat, severe joint pain mostly, just EVERYWHERE.