Should I be concerned? What should I do?

[Sailorsong]

Yesterday I went to my weekly recreational therapy appointment. Basically it is a bunch of vets sitting around in a circle playing world drums. This therapy is for my PTSD. I play the drum with just my right hand and fingers due to the left wrist injury.

As I always do I was wearing my FitBit on the left wrist and was recording my heart rate during the session as it kind of like doing some form of exercise. My normal heart rate is around 50 but during the sessions it will go up to around 65-70. But yesterday's reading were a lot different. While playing the drum it was going up to 90 most of the time, and during one 3 minute period it went up to 189. My maximum heart rate for my age is 155.

The only think different about this session and previous sessions was that for the first time there was a young black guy at the session. My PTSD is from being assaulted by 6 black sailors when I was in the Navy and I'm very paranoid about being around young black men. Being stressed is the only thing I can think of as to why my heart rate was so high. Additionally all of my heart attacks were brought on by high stress.  

So should I report this to my cardiologist?
Should I report this to the therapist for the drum sessions?
Should I quit going to these sessions? (though I really enjoy them)

Dennis

[ConfirmedRachel]

Sorry to hear this Dennis, it does sound linked to the PTSD doesn't it.
I wonder if you've tried other therapies for your PTSD? It might help and let you keep drumming. Maybe talk to the person who runs the session and if you can bear it, talk to the new guy. Even write to him if you can't speak/be near him. Maybe putting a personality to the person might help reduce your fears from your assault?

This guy is innocent and might want to help with your rehabilitation in this respect. I wish you lots of luck, keep talking on here too with your progress.

Nx

[Joiedecour]

Do you have someone you can talk to about this? A someone professional? I would think it makes sense to continue but with modifications. Maybe if somehow you can work through this, sharing the drumming with vets who physically resemble those you caused you such trauma could end up being a really good thing? I hope you can work it out, Dennis. Good luck.

[4happygnomes]

I'm so sorry for both the reason for your PTSD and that the therapeutic activity you enjoy so much has caused an additional health concern.  I hope you can get  it sorted out so that you can continue to play drums, that sounds like a nice outlet and sounds like a lot of fun!

[Corriel]

Hi Dennis, definitely report this. Even if it is stress related. If your higher levels of stress trigger heart attacks, the medical folks need to know.

As for avoiding the sessions it would be great if you could work through your fear but not at the cost of your overall health. Is there anyone who can help you work through it without it getting your stress level out of control?

I am sorry to hear that this has triggered a painful time for you and hope that there is someone you can talk to about it so that it doesn't manifest itself in your day-to-day life.

Hugs,
Corrie

[Sailorsong]

Corrie,
Yes it is fun to play the drum especially since I use to be a drummer. Hopefully, once I can get my wrist fixed, I may again be able to play drums at home again. One of the Vets (also a drummer) figured out a way I may be able to hold on to my drum sticks again.

I had gone to a therapist for my PTSD, but the method (Emerson) was too hard for me to take. I just could not tolerate being around a lot of people.

[HVAC]

I would report it to the cardiologist just to be safe. It can't hurt to let the therapist know they can't read your mind. I am sorry your PTSD got triggered and I am sorry for the original assault.

Alex

[Sailorsong]

Alex,
Thank you!