I'm so sorry to hear Evie's having a bad time with flashbacks. I hope she can get to the neuropsychiatrist quickly. When I have flashbacks and dissociation, I am sometimes vaguely aware that I also do not move or respond to much, if any, external stimuli. I had two new flashbacks this past week and don't really know what they're about. So I now know that new ones can come at any time. I will try to see if I can discern any warning signs in myself.

Hi, Kathy - I am sorry Evie is having such a rough time. Apparently, catatonic is rather normal for me during a severe round of flashbacks - I have spent most of the last 2 weeks in that state, or so I am told. I can only imagine how scary it is to watch - probably as scary as it is to be that way. I am not sure what I can tell you to do to help. Sometimes, it will bring me out to have someone who is very close and very trusted to put their hand on my face gently - other times, I can't be touched. I wish I could tell you something helpful.

Oh my Grace 2 weeks is a dreadfully long time. I do hope you have someone with you when you are going through these episodes, as you still need to eat, bathe and so on (my apologies, the mother in me came out for a moment there!). Kers, Lisa, Pandora, and Hodge - thank you ever so much for sharing your experiences. It certainly helps us to understand better what Evie is going through. You have helped us to feel a little less anxious. Since Evie's surgery, we naturally have some paranoia regarding organic brain issues vs. PTSD symptoms. Regardless of the cause, it sounds quite frightening and my heart goes out to all of you.

Evie is much improved this morning, more like herself although still quiet, so I believe the worst of it is over with. She is spending the day quietly, playing video games and resting. I feel rather embarrassed to say so, however - when we asked Evie this morning is she knew why she had become so ill suddenly, she pointed to the calendar. And oh my, suddenly I remembered, October 14th is Eric's birthday! Well no wonder. I certainly feel silly having made fun of Jim for not remembering dates, when I forgot a very important one myself!

Thanks again all, your support during the last day has been much appreciated!

I hope the appointment comes quick. Please keep us updated!

bec

Thank you Bec, I hope so as well. As I said she is doing better, however last night she had her feelings hurt by something said in an email and she is still hurting this morning. I do hope this is not going to be another long lasting hurt. I feel quite helpless to do anything about it if it is. All I know is I desperately want to see her happy!

I think thats all anyone wishes for someone who has been through so much in their life.. particuarly when its a young person. People can be so insensative and sometimes just plane cruel just out of carelessness and not understanding. I hope your whole family finds the peace and happyness you are working so hard to find!

We have talked to her, and she is somewhat better, not so hurt any longer. I believe we shall simply keep talking things out with her as much possible as it does help.

Hi Kathy sorry to hear that Evie is upset by something in an email? Do you know what it was?
If my daughter got an email that upset her I know she would be upset and she does not have all the problems that Evie has had to endure.
I suppose what I am saying they are the same age they are young ladies and they do have feelings!
Jen

Yes I saw the email in question. Evie generally shows us any correspondence which disturbs her. I feel very fortunate for that as there are some very odd people out there! I am afraid for her at times.

You know Jen, it is an excellent point you make, thank you. Evie is a young lady and would likely have strong feelings about certain issues regardless of the PTSD. I fear I am guilty of forgetting that fact. Lately I have been so worried for her, due to the surgery, the neurologist requesting we watch her and so on. It's difficult to weed through what's normal and what isn't. We've had so many boys in this house, I am used to dealing with boys. Evie is the only girl, and as you know girls are very different. I was 24 myself once but it seems so long ago! Was I ever that young?

LOL its funny I sort of think of the same thing with me.. I have 2 girls.. never had any boys and I think omg I wouldn't know what to do if I ever had a boy!! I pray I don't end up taking him out in pig tails or anything if I ever do have a boy!! lmao!
But as to Evie I would say you are doing the best thing you can do to suport her.. just have an open comunication line between the two of you. If it is "girl" issues that upset her then you being another female will be a comfort to her as someone to turn to for advice and understanding. I would think that growing up with lots of brothers might make girl issues harder for her to work out then say if someone was bullying her or something that she could respond to as she would if it was her brother doing it.