TMI not about attack. I didnt want to join this group. I have done very well at ignoring this group honestly because that's how I have handled things that remind me of being attacked. it was 10 years ago. I went to the hospital police presser charges, and was told by the detective that I had regrettable sex nothing more. I have had nightmares and terrors since but maybe 1 a month. until two weeks ago. I had to go to the er, I had an impacted bowel. It hurt like hell and I was afraid I would tear if I didnt go to the er. First issue was the ER room was the same one I was in that day. I knew it but put it in the back of my mind. I had been constipated for over two weeks and knew what was wrong I told the dr I didnt need an xray to see what else it could be. I assumed I'd be under some anesthesia. or that it wouldn't be like it was. the nurse held me down the Male dr stuck his hand in and (sorry for graphic) scraped the impaction out multiple times. I was screaming begging them to stop telling them to stop. they didnt. I know it was a procedure I needed but for the first time I had a full flashback. the smell the couch everything. I feel like I did when it had just happened. the nightmares are constant. I dont want to sleep or leave the house. I knew I wasnt over it. I never will be, I see a tall dark haired man and check for the nearest escape. but I had it under control. I'm scared of cars parked in front of the house again. Every time my dogs bark I'm worried. I have some sort of protection around me at all times (even though two of the 3 dogs are trained in protection) the nightmares are worse I wake up and can smell the place. my husband wakes me up and I instantly try to attack him or get away I can sleep some when my dog is next to me. Has anyone dealt with this and how long until you went back to "normal" and sleeping pills aren't an option they just make nightmares worse.