Posted on 06/09/2005 3:51:31 PM PDT by aft_lizard
I am sorry to post a vanity. But FR has some of the greatest people on this planet, and we have many Veterans here.
I have been battling depression ever since I got injured in Iraq. My can do's went to can nots. My injuries were broken knee, hip injured left knee, left shin, both hands,lower back and loss of consctiousness(sp?). I had been dealing well with it and the VA had prescribed me Paxil which only made me feel worse so I stopped taking it, per Doctors instructions.
Last week on Thursday I had a total meltdown mentally, I had a switch in my mind that flipped. I had not slept for 4 days, did not eat I paniced over every little thing. I turned my girlfriend away from me, who I cared deeply for. I went from thoughts of suicide to wanted to hurt others or destroy objects to extreme feelings of elation and boundless energy. ANd I couldnt concentrate at all.My Psychologist I saw earlier this week suggested bi-polar disorder, but that is genetic and tends to start occuring during teenage years. She asked me what triggered it, and honestly at the time I couldnt tell her what had in fact triggered this. Until today. I realized it was due to a near car accident I had a couple of wednesdays ago. After that day I have been totally scared to drive and been having nightmares of my accident in Iraq and some of the dead I had seen.
I ask first for prayers for me while I go through this trying time in my life. Secondly if any vets out there who have PTSD. WHat is the process like getting diagnosed with it, and what should I do for claims, its been almost two years since I got released from the army. And I am also afraid of hospitalization.
ANy help would be appreciated
I will be praying for you!
Thank You
I don't know much about claims myself, but I will get you the number of a friend at the VA. I'll PM it to you.
Also my # if you just want to talk or anything.
Thank you and God Bless you for your sacrifice.
I had my Dad in the VA Health system for about 10 years. He didn't have PTSD, but he had had a stroke and after a five year wait I got him into the VA Nursing Home.
I would suggest to you to keep going back. If you can't get into seeing a doctor, go to the Emergency Room at your nearest VA Hospital. I know here in Texas the best thing to do was to go to the Emergency Room at the VA.
There are many drugs out there that might be able to help you. The hard part is finding which one. Don't give up, and keep on going back. Isn't there a social worker at your VA that can help you? If you don't get any satisfaction, try calling the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) organiztion. They are a great help.
I hope someone on this site can help you. I'll pray for you, too and God Bless You for your service.
In addition to all the good advice in the posts above - get yourself a good Veterans Service Officer (VSO). The Legion, the VFW, DAV, AMVETS, and a lot of local governments have them.
Once you've gotten yourself into the VA to get some help, get with a VSO to file the paperwork to make the arrangement more permanent. Ask around and get a recommendation for a VSO. Go see him. And then follow his advice.
Prayers up!
Oh, I forgot. The VSOs are all free - a service provided by the service organizations to other vets. You don't even have to belong to the organization. But in the long run, joining them is a good idea. In the short run, get yourself taken care of first.
Good luck.
There is a lot of evidence that the drugs we take when we are injured often lead to a shortage of the right vitamins and minerals in the system, as well as killing of the necessary bifidobacteria in our digestive track, which leads to depression and a general malaise (not a doctor so don't know how to spell this). You may want to look into this. Also, the best non-narcotic pain relief I have found was a product called cetyl meristoliate (active ingredient) It works like magic on any soreness and pain I have.
Other than that I agree with the trip, the relaxation and just enjoy some quiet, peaceful life.
Thank You everybody.
I have called the DAV a couple of times in the past, and the local ones down here said they do or did not have a claims rep that could help.
My biggest concern really isnt money or getting anything "due", because I dont like receiving handouts even if its for something like this. I just am afraid of being put in the hospital, which the Doc had told me was a possibility while they tried out different drugs on me and did lab stuff on my liver, since lithium and detrazone(s?) may or may not work.
I am just really confused and do not know if I should continue through the VA or see a private practioner and rep from AMVET or somebody.
Right now I am numb and feel fairly normal, and have to take tranqs to sleep. I dont want to feel like I did last time again either, because the next time could be my last time.
Right now, FRiend, don't do this by yourself. Get help. You'll be glad you did. Don't wait.
The country owes you lifetime healthcare for your sacrifice. Don't you dare think of it as a handout!!! I suggest you get to the VA and tell a doc what's happening.
My prayers for you, aft_lizard, and thank you for your service. Can you call the Veterans Hospital?
Does anyone know who runs the Freeper Canteen? Those folks have contacts and can make recommendations.
check your freeper-mail.
Not much, but it can't hurt.
Paxil can have some difficult side effects.
First of all, thank you for your service.
I am sure that the liberated Iraqis and most people here in the US are deeply grateful for your sacrifice, and none of us will ever know how many lives you may have saved, by fighting in Iraq, and keeping terrorists from coming here to our homeland. You are a true hero.
I am very sorry you were injured, but I hope you are physically on the mend, and will be on the mend mentally as well.
Think -- God spared your life for a reason, because HE has plans for you. You may not know it, but you are part of HIS plan, so don't think of throwing your life away.
Anyone would act and feel strange after not sleeping for found days! So that alone is not sign of anything, don't worry.
I suggest you go back to your doctor, and discuss getting some more traditional tranquilizer, like Valium, since -- but be sure someone else keeps the bottle, and just gives you one pill in the evening or something like that. Sometimes one does need medication to get through some tough times. Or there may be other medications that can help. As a general suggestion, vitamin B complex can't hurt and it is supposed to be good against stress.
And you WILL get through it. God will give you the help you need. I am sure your girlfriend is there to understand and help you. It's OK to accept help.
Also, just because of how you feel now, that does not mean, that you will always feel this way. You will get better and will look back, and thank God, that you stuck it out and didn't give up, because good things could be just around the corner.
I will pray for your mental and physical healing, for faith and strength for you and for wisdom, and may God lead you to help you do the right things for yourself.
It's always darkest just before dawn.
God bless you and keep you safe and give you mental and physical healing.
You CAN and WILL be almost "as good as new". God has plans for you.
Can you help out over here?
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