Hospital renovations

Hi everyone,
I am new to the PTSD forum but have been posting in the bipolar forum for a while. At the moment I am IP on an unlocked ward and the hospital I am in is doing de/contruction work. The constant noise is driving me wild during the day and the fact that I feel trapped is triggering PTSD feelings as I was locked up as a child by my abuser. I am not sure what to do as I am too unwell to go home but i am so panicked that I feel like running away, which would only lead to death or time on a locked ward. I just need to make it through the next couple of days till the week end. I am trying all the coping skills I have to get me through. I feel like I am drowning. I am also having ECT for the Bipolar so discharging is not really an option. The noise is around for a bout 6 hours a day on weekdays. This sounds like a petty thing but it is really undermining me trying to find stability at the moment. I know no one can stop the noise for me. I guess I was just looking for support and understanding as it is really triggering me.

I did see your earlier post, Wander. This sounds like a very unhealthy situation and it doesn't sound petty at all. Even people without PTSD have a great deal of trouble with construction noise, and that's without feeling triggered. I'm sorry it's happening and I wish you luck in getting through it! Just a couple days more….

Hi Wander, you are definitely not having a petty problem, noise can definitely be challenging and even triggering in your situation. Can you get ear plugs? One of those music players with earphones would be nice so you could at least listen to music to drown out the irritating noise. Maybe your room is too close to the noise? Can you ask for a quieter room?

I have asked for a quieter room and should be able to get one tomorrow if someone discharges. Music and earplugs do help but I am having trouble calming myself down from the extreme panic i feel. I just need to get calm then I can hopefully stay calm. It is a little quieter today so far. Thankfully.

Hope it stays quieter, ((Wander)). I would find that really difficult too.


Bluegrey

could you ask to go to a different hospital, before you go nuts, i know it would drive me crazy, i can't handle any noise even slight disturbances. i hope you make it ok!!!

How are things, Wander? Were they able to move you?

not yet due to my fragile state. Where I am is next to the nursing station so they can keep an eye on me. Kind of a paradox really. Thankfully the renovations have been quieter today and I have managed to catch up on sleep. I am still eager to be moved by Monday though...or discharged, though that would be unlikely. I need to get better asap so I can just go home. I miss being at home but I would still be unsafe there feeling like this. No wonder I feel trapped. I am just breathing through each moment, hanging in there out of love for my family and friends.

I really sympathize with you. I had that happen to me in a hospital. I was so happy when I got out of there.

Thanks for your support everyone. I am now at home enjoying the relative quietness, although the lawn mower man arrived just after me which drove me wild again. But that was temporary, thank god. I may have discharged a little earlier than I would have as I still feel very fragile but I am safe. It was hell being trapped in a constructuon site while so unwell I am so glad for all the support i had from staff, family, friends and here that helped me through this. Thanks guys!!

It's great to hear you're home and doing better!