I wonder if anyone can suggest anything?

[superfish]

Hi, this is my first post.

I have had a terrible 18 months.
My DD has been seriously ill.
I had early stage cancer myself and had 2 ops & numerous hospital stays.
My Dad died suddenly.
There have been three other serious illnesses in my immediate family.
My DH had an accident.

If it had all happened to a character in a soap you would barely believe it.

The trouble is I'm finding it increasingly difficult to cope.
I shake constantly, sometimes I'm sick with nerves, I don't sleep well and I have terrible nightmares.
I cry at least 5 times every day.
I don't like to leave the house anymore.
Also, just lately I feel that there is no point going on.

I've seen my Dr and been referred on for counselling, I've had 2 telephone assessments but I'm still waiting. I have chased this but it's been more than 4 months now.

My DH tries to be great but he seems bewildered and doesn't know what to say or do.

I would be grateful for any suggestions.

You poor thing. I would go back to the GP and say exactly what you've said here. Maybe print it out if you find it hard to talk about. Ask them to push for counselling and what other options are available. Don't rule out medication.

Sounds like you are in a bad way, and who can blame you, what a lot to have to go through. If you aren't getting anywhere with the doctors I would suggest contacting a support group. Try the Samaritans, UK: 08457 90 90 90 they will listen and give you advice, perhaps get you in contact with others who have been dealing with similar things or help you get treatment if you need it. It must be awful to feel so alone, there are people out there who will help you.

Some Maggie's centres will do counselling for anyone who has been affected by cancer, often very quickly and for free. Do you have one close enough to get to? If so get yourself there asap and they will make you a cuppa and chat with you and offer you whatever support they can provide. They are lovely places IME full of people going through similar.

It sounds to me like you may have PTSD which is not uncommon after you or your child has been life threateningly ill let alone all you've been through. You may need to be more insistent with your gp which is very hard when you are in a bad place emotionally, perhaps you could write down how you feel, pulling no punches, and hand it to them?

I hope you can get the support you need .

Sounds like you've had a really awful time of it, you poor thing.
Youve lots of good advice above, just wanted to suggest some meditation cds for helping you become calm enough to get off to sleep. You could always use headphones ifyou think you may disturb others.

Thank you, all your suggestions have been very helpful, your kindness is very much appreciated.

I think writing it all down and taking a copy to my GP would particularly help.

Thank you again.

I agree with the PTSD idea. Have you considered hypnotherapy? It sounds like your gp assessments are for CBT. Which has its place but I think you maybe too agitated to really benefit from it. Hypnotherapy could help you

Hi superfish.

Like you I have had multiple bereavements and traumas piling up to the point where I daren't list them for fear of troll hunters. I feel for you - it's ghastly and unfair.

Might you be able to afford some private counselling to tide you over before the nhs comes through? We have had to prioritise this as an expense because without it everything else falls to pieces.

Forgot to say also, would you consider medication? Sometimes it is the lesser evil. Has your gp offered you anything to help you get through the worst bits?

First of all, I'm not surprised you're like this. You've had the most horrendous and awful time. I'm so sorry, and sorry you lost your dad, too. That's very disorienting all on its own.

Whereabouts are you? Here, near Exeter, we have a charity which helps people affected by cancer and their families. We had 7 bereavements in less than 3 years, and luckily (?!) one of them was mum who died of cancer. So our local cancer charity offered counselling, massages, aromatherapy and all sorts. Sometimes, I would just go there and sit in the comfortable lounge drinking tea and being quiet, sometimes I would weep so hard. They were lovely, would offer me a chance to talk and left me to cry if I wanted that. They counselled dd who was only 10 at the time and was horribly affected; she had 4 aromatherapy sessions which were fabulous for her.

You may have a local charity like that round your way. If you happen to be near me, pm me and I'll tell you more about the people here.