[mikepsmith]

I was diagnosed with C-PTSD approximately 3 years ago, I have since received treatment incl. medication and therapy.

My symptoms/condition has slowly improved over the last 3 years though there a few things which haven't changed/improved and I am hoping/wondering whether anyone can provide myself with any information based on there knowledge or experience (relate) concerning the symptoms/my feelings/experience as outlined/described below

1) I am shocked when consider 3 years has passed as it feels like no more than a year has passed by each New Year I reflect on the past year and feel I can't account for most of the year (is part of me still in an auto pilot mode) this may be a result of my memories which are limited and certainly don't amount in my mind to a 3 year period.

2) I am by a completely different person to the person I once was and I struggle to recall the person who I was prior the myself developing PTSD

3) I struggle and are confused when attempting to identify how I feel

4) Can physical allotments be attributed to PTSD specifically numbness and pins and needles in both my arms - diagnosed as carpel tunnel

Very much appreciate any comments / information relating to the above

[Skeezyks]

Hello mikepsmith: I see this was your first post here on PC. I'm sorry you have received no previous replies. But, under any circumstances... welcome to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

I'm afraid I would not be in a position to tell you if what you are experiencing is normal. I do believe (based on my own experience) that antidepressant mediations at least, cause a certain "muddling" of one's conscious thought processes. So what you wrote about having difficulty realizing 3 years have gone by, & feeling like a completely different person than you used to be, makes sense to me. I'm no longer on psych med's. But when I was, my recollection of it was sort-of like living in a fishbowl.

As far as struggling & feeling confused when attempting to identify how you feel, I can only say that, personally, I gave up trying to do this some time ago. When I did, I always just ended up feeling foolish. Perhaps it's just me. I don't know. I suppose to some extent it's just something that takes practice.

I can't really comment with regard to your experience of numbness, pins & needles. I'm not aware that this could be caused by PTSD. But I'm certainly no expert either. From my layman's perspective, I'd be more inclined to think it might be related to whatever medications you're taking. But I don't really know.

PsychCentral is a great place to get information as well as support for mental health issues. There are many knowledgeable & caring members here. The more you post, & reply to other members’ posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are social groups you can join & chat rooms where you’ll be able to connect with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) Lots of great stuff! So please keep posting!

[ramonajones]

Originally Posted by mikepsmith

I was diagnosed with C-PTSD approximately 3 years ago, I have since received treatment incl. medication and therapy.

My symptoms/condition has slowly improved over the last 3 years though there a few things which haven't changed/improved and I am hoping/wondering whether anyone can provide myself with any information based on there knowledge or experience (relate) concerning the symptoms/my feelings/experience as outlined/described below

1) I am shocked when consider 3 years has passed as it feels like no more than a year has passed by each New Year I reflect on the past year and feel I can't account for most of the year (is part of me still in an auto pilot mode) this may be a result of my memories which are limited and certainly don't amount in my mind to a 3 year period.

2) I am by a completely different person to the person I once was and I struggle to recall the person who I was prior the myself developing PTSD

3) I struggle and are confused when attempting to identify how I feel

4) Can physical allotments be attributed to PTSD specifically numbness and pins and needles in both my arms - diagnosed as carpel tunnel

Very much appreciate any comments / information relating to the above

I can completely relate to 1, 2, and 3 and have also been experiencing them for three years.

[Wild Coyote]

Hi milepsmith,

You'd itemized your topics, 1-4.
I agree with the prior poster, 1-3 seem "normal" within the realms of C-PTSD.

Some people feel some tingling, some numbness and, perhaps, some pins/needles in extremities, especially the arms/hands (and sometimes the head) when feeling anxious and hyperventilating.

If you have had a diagnostic work-up for carpal tunnel, including nerve testing, chances are good you truly have carpal tunnel. Please do not take my word for this. Please discuss this fully with your physician(s). Please be sure you have met all diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel prior to any surgical procedure for release.

My Best to You,

WC

[leomama]

That all sounds normal to me. I was diagnosed 10 years ago and I am having a major flare up due to family stress. You ask good questions. Do you have a doctor, nurse, therapist or social worker you could discuss these concerns with?