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misfit77
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Default Mar 02, 2019 at 11:20 PM
  #1
I feel like I should know when it starts, but I really don’t.

Here’s my story. I had twins in early November. Shortly after their birth one of them almost died. He turned blue and my husband and I had to resuscitate him. He then spent a few weeks at a children’s hospital in NICU. He’s fine now, we think, but he did suffer some minor brain damage and only time will tell how it will effect him. Because we live in Canada we have a lot of great resources and he is going to be followed up with a lot of care. I’m optimistic.

I’m currently very sleep deprived. I also have a 2 1/2 year old. I don’t feel I ever really dealt with what happened to my son. I don’t feel like I have any lingering issues-but because I didn’t deal with it I worry I will. I have become choked up when EMS vehicles go by. I feel like I’ve been on autopilot since my twins were born. What will happen when I come out of the haze? I thought he was dead. He looked dead. Fortunately my husband and I took infant CPR and we were able to resuscitate him shortly before first responders got to our house. Both twins sleepmwith breathing monitors on their diapers which helps me sleep.

I’m concerned because I’m not good with death. I’ve always had a huge fear of losing people I love. My children of course would be the worst. I have some OCD about it (intrusive thoughts) that I’ve learned to manage through past therapy.

Is there something I should be doing so this doesn’t turn into PTSD? I’ve had mild PTSD in the past from something else. I’m not in therapy right now.
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HD7970GHZ
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Default Mar 04, 2019 at 05:20 PM
  #2
Quote:
Originally Posted by misfit77 View Post
I feel like I should know when it starts, but I really don’t.

Here’s my story. I had twins in early November. Shortly after their birth one of them almost died. He turned blue and my husband and I had to resuscitate him. He then spent a few weeks at a children’s hospital in NICU. He’s fine now, we think, but he did suffer some minor brain damage and only time will tell how it will effect him. Because we live in Canada we have a lot of great resources and he is going to be followed up with a lot of care. I’m optimistic.

I’m currently very sleep deprived. I also have a 2 1/2 year old. I don’t feel I ever really dealt with what happened to my son. I don’t feel like I have any lingering issues-but because I didn’t deal with it I worry I will. I have become choked up when EMS vehicles go by. I feel like I’ve been on autopilot since my twins were born. What will happen when I come out of the haze? I thought he was dead. He looked dead. Fortunately my husband and I took infant CPR and we were able to resuscitate him shortly before first responders got to our house. Both twins sleepmwith breathing monitors on their diapers which helps me sleep.

I’m concerned because I’m not good with death. I’ve always had a huge fear of losing people I love. My children of course would be the worst. I have some OCD about it (intrusive thoughts) that I’ve learned to manage through past therapy.

Is there something I should be doing so this doesn’t turn into PTSD? I’ve had mild PTSD in the past from something else. I’m not in therapy right now.

Hi Misfit77,

I am very sorry you experienced this. Thankfully you were able to save your child's life. That is amazing news!

To answer your question, the DSM gives a rough estimate for whether PTSD becomes diagnosable if it has lasted for a long time after the event, however, it is still PTSD symptoms. If you are feeling any of the symptoms of PTSD then you could safely say you have PTSD. The events you have shared are certainly traumatic and it makes sense that you feel the way you do.

Be gentle with yourself and know that you saved a life. Think of the day when you can tell your children about it.

Thanks,
HD7970ghz

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Default Mar 04, 2019 at 07:07 PM
  #3
It's good to talk about what you experienced, not so good if you hide how you feel and start to isolate with it. Remind yourself that you were smart and knew what to do and reacted in a way that saved your child's life. Remind yourself everything is ok now and you can go back to being the good parent that you are. It would help if you could get some help though so you can get some rest, do you have any family that can help you out so you can get some good naps in? Sleep is important when it comes to our brain healing and we all know that caring for young children can lead to experiencing some sleep deprivation.

Remember, your child survived, the trauma of it all has passed and you are all safe now, keep reminding yourself of that (((Caring Hugs)))
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