I guess nobody saw my post. Sorry I bothered you guys.

Thanks for the reply. Dave Barker has years, I have 2 years of doing this, and I started like all to get help. I found, and Dave Barker found that I was able to help others, so I am here to help. I must enforce the rules of the owners, and links must be approved by home office.

Hi everyone, I got a phone call this am. It was for a mental health exam at a "independant provider" requested by Seattle VA regarding my comp&pen for PTSD. The appoinment is set up for Aug. 10. I am not sure why this is being done. My claim was for 70% PTSD 30% unable to work. I am worried about a possible decrease in income.

Sally,

Only a guess but if it is an independant provider the only reason I can think of is to support the VA finding, or reverse the VA finding. I had one that lasted about 3 hours, and mainly it appeared they were looking for malngering.

Also only a rumor, but a source told me they were considering some diagnoses were really bipolar rather than PTSD.

We could dig a hole thinking about what they really want, but more importantly is to show up and go through the process... not letting it stress you out.

Are you still on a regular treatment program for PTSD? I have also heard if a Veteran has not been treated for several years they may re-evaluate. This is more common. Some Vet's, once they recieve their award, quit going for treatment or takening medication.

All is guess work on my part, and I wish you the best.

I think this is one of the hardest things we do living with PTSD.. worry about everything.

Salute

Hi everyone The mental health exam is for Monday morning. The letter said that my claim has been reopened by the VA. I have been in treatment for PTSD since after Sept. 11, 2001. I take my meds and see my PTSD Dr. The only thing that I can of think is that I filed a claim for disability due to exposure to AO. I do not trust the VA!!

Sally,

I would like to say best of luck with your exam Monday. Be strong.

Welcome Home

Salute

My ex (just recently) finished is term in the Marine Corps last year, he served 2 tours in Iraq both extended periods of time. Once he was out he noticed anger, depression, and paranoia.. He also developed a problem with alcohol.. Once this all became clear we went to the V.A. and he was diagnosed with P.T.S.D. at 40% he was prescribed Prozac but discontinued it shortly after starting to take it because it made him more annoyed, he wouldn't listen to me that maybe it was the dose or that they needed to prescribe something different, as a result he went into denial about his diagnoses and his P.T.S.D. became worse, along with the paranoia and drinking.. It killed me to know I couldn't help take the pain away, I did everything I thought that I could and because he was in denial I couldn't do much, so after a 6 1/2 year relationship I left.. Anyway, I don't know how to get him help if he doesn't want it, now he is still in Texas and I am back in California, he is becoming more distant and it scares me, also right before I moved out and moved back to our home state he became suicidal.. Any advice?

I am hoping one of our experts will stop in an answer. I do not have first hand knowledge of this area and try to not provide advice on this topic. Someone, please help this poster.

I reply to the Veteran that lives in Texas, and the concerned spouse. I spoke to my treating therapist and the following is her response.

-----------------------

Hopefully the veteran could be convinced to voluntarily call the VA (mental health) closest to his residence for

an appointment. If any veteran is suicidal they can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) which is the

national suicide toll–free number for veterans. This service would direct him and get him help at the VA.

-----------

I hope him only the best.

Salute

Good Day All,

If she wishes to find the nearest Vet Center...

Here is the link: http://www2.va.gov/directory/g...r_flsh.asp?isFlash=1

Just copy and paste it.

The Bear

I]"he is becoming more distant and it scares me, also right before I moved out and moved back to our home state he became suicidal.. Any advice?"[/I]

I'm still in the middle of my own battle and I only have my own experience to go on - but he has to decide to help himself - one of the effects of PTSD is self isolation and anger - self medication can become a strong part of the disease - and depression leading to suicidal ideation can make it even worse.

With suicide you go from thinking about it to planning it out - the method, the time, the place and the after effects and ultimately to doing it. The objective is oblivion - the big dreamless sleep where nothing can harm you and nothing can bother you.

You should contact the VA hotline and ask the professionals what they can do to help - here's some info:

Know the Signs
Watch for these key suicide warning signs, and provide the Lifeline number to anyone exhibiting them.

Talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
Trying to get pills, guns, or other ways to harm oneself
Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
Hopelessness
Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
Acting in a reckless or risky way
Feeling trapped, like there is no way out
Saying or feeling there's no reason for living.

call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - DO IT RIGHT NOW!

I'm a bit confused and concerned here...why didn't anyone reply to MedEvacstar's post? I was on my internship and pretty much not around the forums, just saw it today. What happened?

For that matter, why am I told i can't post as guest when I try to post after logging in....multiple times?

Hi everyone! I hope the problem with login is fixed once and for all!! I am hanging in there. I have three seperate claims with the VA going at the same time. The exam for the VA was a mental exam . It covered from childhood to now. The other claim is for AO exposure and disabilities. I limped into the exam. The other claim is for helpless child for Mary Ellen. Mary Ellen's situation appears to be the way it is. Te Office of Civil Rights office in Seattle did not even investigate it! It reminds me of dealing with the VA. I am taking my meds. I have a great primary DR..

Pris',
I just saw this post of yours now. I'm having difficulty keeping up eith the threads also.
I missed MedEvacstar's post and I posted after it. I hope Doc is all right...

Flash

quote:

Originally posted by Prismatic:
I'm a bit confused and concerned here...why didn't anyone reply to MedEvacstar's post? I was on my internship and pretty much not around the forums, just saw it today. What happened?

For that matter, why am I told i can't post as guest when I try to post after logging in....multiple times?

PTSD is one of those terrible things that come up after exposure to trauma.

Get the help you need right away!

Hi all,
It's been so long since I posted most of ya'll may not even remember me. Doc, I remember you from a few years ago...it seems like ages.

It took a couple of years after returning from Iraq to finally admit (with my wife's help)that I had a problem. I finally went to the VA. I had anger issues and depression along with sleep problems. I couldn't (and still can't)figure out where all the anger was coming from. Normally I'm an easy going person. The doctor tried several trials of different medications. I have been on Zoloft for awhile now and it seems to control the anger issues.

I don't feel like I am the same person that went to Iraq. It seems that part of me is still there. The part that came home is not as reliable and responsible as the part that left. My faith and relationship with God is still intact, but my "faith" in my brethren is lacking. I don't know if it is my fault or theirs. In Iraq my battle buddies would take a bullet for me as I would take one for any of them. My "church" friends are not so sincere. Some that are even leaders are hypocritical. I know that part of my problem is that worship in a warzone is far more intense and sincere than it is at home. There is something about the sounds of mortar fire while singing hymns of praise that fortifies a person's faith. At home it seems most people are merely going through the motions. It is not my place to judge them. But I feel that this may be the source of my sadness and emptiness. Sorry for the rant.

quote:

At home it seems most people are merely going through the motions. It is not my place to judge them. But I feel that this may be the source of my sadness and emptiness. Sorry for the rant.

Never feel sorry. You are not ranting, you are sharing deep feelings most of us can relate, but not express.

When I returned from my service I felt much the same, especially the part about people going through the motions. Being from a mid size town made it even more uncomfortable because to often people would talk about stuff (war related) that they knew nothing about. I wanted to stay away from conversations with people that did not understand the emotions we share, and I moved to a large city where I was unknown.

The larger city was what I needed to "hide" from the memories bottled up inside. I never realized the damage I was doing by not talking and releasing these memories. Years of light sleeping, supressed emotions turned me into a gruppy old man, and the damage to my heart, blood pressure excellerated my aging process. Of course I was to young, and not educated in the areas of health to know any better.

But now that I know better I have the experience to tell someone, like you, do not feel ashamed to express your bottled up emotions. It is better to share them with those that you feel understand, but NEVER feel sorry.. sharing you feeling with others is the BEST way to release them and let them go.

Short example: The other day I was in the waiting room for my appointment (PTSD therapy), and a small group of about 10 Veterans had gone into a group session for PTSD. Well that left the dependants setting with me. I could easily see some felt uncomfortable because their loved ones were being treated for PTSD and they were uncertain in their roll in all this. Well I did something I could not have done 4 years ago.. I started talking to them about PTSD, and I kept it on the light side adding a lot of humor to a serious problem. It was not long before I had the whole group laughing so hard one lady had to excuse herself to the ladies room. She was quick to return because, as she said, she didn't want to miss anything. The recpetionist added, you should have seen him a few years ago.. he wouldn't speak to anyone.

Once you realize that you are letting the PTSD control you, you will turn the tide and find ways to LET IT GO. Easy to say hard to do. My tool has been humor, and through humor you can tell your story in a way it becomes less of a problem.

I wish you all the best on your path to recovery.

Salute

Be careful. It is always dangerous to try to diagnose oneself with PTSD or any other type of affliction.

Hi everyone! Happy Veteran's Day and Thank You for serving !!! This year is the first time that I have gone to a Veteran's Day Parade. I have joined a group of veterans, Pack Parachute.org. What we have in common is PTSD/MST. Pack Parachute. org. marched in the mile long parade. It was the first time for all of us to go public.I was pushed in a wheelchair. Mike, my husband, carried an American Flag in his shirt over his right shoulder. I waved to the crowd. When we were done marching , I wanted to go home! Oh, there are two reporters that are doing a project on PTSD/MST and what Pack Parachute. org. is doing. I am still waiting for my claim . The VA decided that I am competent. PTSD is a mental disorder. It is important to get examined by a trained mental help provider. Get into treatment. I am not the same person as I was before the Army. I have a faith in God. The Indian name that I have picked for myself is Pathwalker. I am on Facebook.com. as Sally Allaway( my real name).

"Sally Allaway"

Hey, that's a Frank Sinatra song - "When somebody loves you Its no good unless he loves you - allaway"

I hope you have fun in that parade and have a happy Veterans Day.