Aspie meltdown DURING laser surgery!

[Marrocco]

Gods, but sometimes I do feel trapped. A few weeks ago I needed yet more panretinal coagulation treatment for the proliferative retinopathy- this makes the fifth session so far in 3 years, and was the first lot for my left eye- and, during the treatment, I ahd a full- blown meltdown.

For those of you who don't know about Aspergers syndrome, this means that I simply could not function at all for a time, was crying, laughing, jerking-all the things you just can't do if they are treating the eyes with a laser. Horrible, distressing for all concerned including me, and utterly unexpected as even I don't know always when my meltdowns are coming on.

Sorry all, just needed to share I think. Also, if anyone DOES know of anything which might help- I would be truly grateful...

 

[mentat]

Re: Aspie maeltdown DURING laser surgery!

I sometimes panic in social situations, I used to curl up and stop responding while I go through inner torment, but these days I walk out of the situation. Doesn't sound as terrible as what you go through!

Something I tried recently at the dentist (not to avoid meltdowns, just to make it less unpleasant) was mindfulness meditation. I've been practicing mindfulness for years but it never occurred to me to try it at the dentist. Well, it really helped! I stayed calm and relaxed and didn't tense up in fear of pain anywhere near as much as I normally would.

 

[anna29]

Gods, but sometimes I do feel trapped. A few weeks ago I needed yet more panretinal coagulation treatment for the proliferative retinopathy- this makes the fifth session so far in 3 years, and was the first lot for my left eye- and, during the treatment, I ahd a full- blown meltdown.

For those of you who don't know about Aspergers syndrome, this means that I simply could not function at all for a time, was crying, laughing, jerking-all the things you just can't do if they are treating the eyes with a laser. Horrible, distressing for all concerned including me, and utterly unexpected as even I don't know always when my meltdowns are coming on.

Sorry all, just needed to share I think. Also, if anyone DOES know of anything which might help- I would be truly grateful...

Hello Marrocco .

If you ARE this severe with an Aspie meltdown - haven't you ever had counselling or
breathing techniques offered to you ?
These can benefit persons who have panic attacks , suffered from post traumatic stress disorders
and for aspergers sufferers who struggle in social and sensory problem zone areas .

Counselling can offer techniques to use mind over matter .
Breathing techniques can help to cope with the stress or panic issues .
These are not offered as a cure for meltdowns/panic attacks but as an aid
to use at the appropriate times - I hasten to add here !

If extremely severe you could try asking about possible sedation with any further surgery
treatment needed .
Wisest and best to discuss this option with the specialist/consultant treating you .


Hope this can help .

Anna .

 

[Marrocco]

Thanks, both.

I'm currently waiting on an appointment re my anxieties/meltdown- but the whole affair during the surgery was the worst example in- well- decades. Scared myself half to death, my wife even worse- and she's the one helped me recognise the aspergers' in the first place! Another thing is, you see, that many of us at my age (40s) grew up rather before anyone really recognsied aspergers syndrome, so we've mostly just been regarded as "antisocial" and/or "tightly wound"- which REALLY understates the reality.

Ach, enough moaning: I'm grateful for your help- and certainly I'll be requesting sedation next time- which turns out to be in a few weeks time...