All,

After speaking to my Dr (Neurologist), she feels that I probably should see someone to screen for PTSD. I'm nervous about this. I really want to stay in the military...I had planned on making it a career. What if I get diagnosed with PTSD, will the military kick me out?

I'm also concerned that I have a symptoms related to TBI (memory loss, cognitive defect, etc). I'm worried that if I get a diagnosis of PTSD, the military will try to blame this all on "mental" problems and not treat my obvious physical injuries. Call me a cynic, I'm just afraid they'll find some loophole to kick me out without benefits if they can somehow blame this on mental problems. I also have a security clearance..will this affect that?

As my neurologist explains, for some reason TBI and PTSD can feed off one another. If you have a TBI, you have a much greater risk of PTSD...the medics don't know why. I just really scared right now. I want tho get treatment, but I don't want to be treated like a basket case and I don't want to be kicked to the curb either.

I don't know wanyone else with PTSD, but I'm not like "freaking out" like you see in the movies. Other than being in constant pain, the headaches, dizzy spells, etc. I'm pretty much OK. But I have nightmares every so often. I get nervous in large crowds. Someone tapping me on the shoulder will make me jump. Small things can set it off...I could be driving down the road and a car will approach me fast. I'll swerve or slam the gas. I don't even think just instinct. If I see something in the road....I've slammed on the brakes (scaring the crap out of my wife) to avoid going over it or close to it. I even cringe when I pass a broken down car on the shoulder. I can't even explain why--it's just an instinctive reaction. Oh yeah....and traffic jams make me nervous...I feel trapped...like the car next to me could explode any minute. I don't go crazy....but I get a bit anxious.

I used to think this was normal....the normal reaction coming back from combat. But it has been 5 months now and not faded, in fact the dreams have gotten worse (possibly brought on by meds for my TBI--Nortriptyline, Seraquel)

I don't get flashbacks like in the movies...I don't break with reality. I just don't think I'll ever look at the world the same again. I'm scared here...the military just doesn't seem very supportive right now.

Nate

Hi Greene,

You would think with all the anti-discrimination laws that they couldnt "kick you to the curb" without proving that you could no longer perform your duties - both my brothers were in the army - one saw "action" he didnt want to see the staff T but did in the end and said it helped him - I'm not int the forces but I know I fought hard not to get given the PTSD lable because I thought it meant I was crazy - I jump at loud noises - cant stand enclosed spaces where I cant see an exit - re-act to things that I see out of the corner of my eye that others dont notice - in the end i gave in and got treatment - for me it came down to a matter of survival - I hope you find the info you need - is there someone in the forces you can talk to about this apart from your T - ? A Social Work type person or religious guy? priest? vicar? rabbi? someone you can discuss this with and they will keep it outside of the loop - all I can say is therapy does help - i wish you well - take care P7

*trying hard to think of the right thing to say.

Nate,
Are back stateside or still in the thick of it?

I'm by no means trying to compare us. I did 7 for the Air Force. (91'-'98). I did a little time in Kuwait, but saw no combat and definitely did not suffer trauma such as yours. I did get kicked out because of my weight.
-At 6'4" the most I could weigh is 230lbs. After 6 weeks of basic in San Antonio in August, I only lost 10 more pounds. The weight came back quick and I eventually got pinched. I loved my job and was good at it as well as looked fine in uniform. (Not to step on Phoenix's toes, but the military has a different set of rules when it comes to 'conforming to standards' and finding a reason to "fire" you.)

But this ain't about me.

I can tell you to make sure everything is documented and whenever possible, get copies for your self. And as a vet, there aren't many benefits they can yank from you. In fact, I don't think there are any. Talk to the military lawyers when you get a chance to know where you stand. Ours was OSI. If you're Army, I think it's the CID. Navy and Marines have the JAG.

I can also tell you that .5mg of clonezapam twice a day helps me immensley on the anxiety issue. I got the MS diagnosis 5 years ago and 5 years after I seperated. You may ask about meds that can help you and look into any therapy offered.

I know, I know. These are things that get a lot of turned up noses when you start looking into it. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

BTW, thanks for being you and serving.

You are not alone.
Youy are one of us.
And we are here to help.

Gosh a week or 2 ago I just saw a show on how the military is handing out psych meds like candy , just so they can send the troops back for another tour...
I don't recall the channel or network though...

All I can say is do what you feel is best for you and your health.

Hi Nate,

Just wondering how you're doing with your prob - I hope you found a solution.

Take Care P7