Help Is Coming. Or Is It?

[OldDoorGunner]

To quote Woody Allen; 'My brain is my second favorite organ'. Kind of a laugh here but it's truly deadly serious business.Vets have been put in harms ways to 'test' out many things. Most of those were dangerous beyond explanation.

This idea is something that's way off in the future in terms of being able to do anything useful in regard to PTSD. No one knows or can possibility know what the future holds where treatment for any physical or mental problem. Look where we were only 40 or 50 years ago and where we are now. It's amazing what can be done today, but it pales in comparison with what will be out there in 50years. For me, I know the things that I need to do and try my best to do them. When I do, in general, I have a better quality of life. It's always going to be a struggle for us and I think we know that and at some level eventually accept that so that we can move forward and have some semblance of a life for our selves.

One must always be proactive about our care and look with a weather eye on any of the treatments that our doctors prescribe for us. Gotta' be involved. Being here is a big help as so many are extremely knowledgeable in so many area and are constantly looking to help us all with new ideas. Kudos.

Jar

Being on this site is a safe place, a place to learn and share!!! I can say I'm f*cked!!!! You all will know what I just said and what it means!!! But my counselor or a shrink does not have a clue as it what I just said....I don't care how many years a counselor or a shrink has listened to us telling them our blood and guts stuff. They don't get it! They say things like, I understand!!! How the f*ck do you understand??? I have come right out and asked them that. Have you been in combat? Have you did the shit I have done? Did you feel it, smell it? If you have not f*cking done it, how can you tell me you understand!! Oh I am so sorry, your are a counselor or a shrink, you went to school and read books!!! Yes you know ALL!!! I have an idea for you, why not go f*ck yourself Mr. Counselor or Doctor shrink!!!!

I am sorry Guys and Gals, I guess this turned into a rant......I drove 3 1/2 hrs (one way) to the VA Hospital last Thursday and things did not go well....Has anyone other than me ever notice that most of the people that work at the VA have no idea of what PTSD is or who may have it??? They just say and do stupid shit and that sets off the Beast!!!

J R

 

[reddevil1111]

very true ODG. VERY TRUE.

 

[JarHed]

.Has anyone other than me ever notice that most of the people that work at the VA have no idea of what PTSD is or who may have it??? They just say and do stupid shit and that sets off the Beast!!!

No help but been there done that. If you don't have PTSD before you go to the VA for sure you have it after.

I remember, and this isn't a no-shit thing, trying to explain to this person working there about something and all she could do was get nasty with me. I looked at her and in a calm voice and searing stare said,' what you should be thinking is whether I can leap over this desk and and land in the middle of your chest.' She threatened to call the VA cops. 'OOOH', I said and then said 'they wouldn't be able to get here in time'. She looked at me, realized that I wasn't kidding and then handed me the paperwork that I had come to her for. Then I smiled and said, 'see, now wasn't that easy', turned and walked off. They can be dicks sometimes, after 45 years I still don't understand why.

Hope it gets better JR

 

[Sarg]

Because they're spoiled rotten. They get an easy job, paying more than the local prevailing job of kind, all the holidays, best health insurance you've ever seen, a pension and (drum roll please!) a union! They work with who they want to work with, when and how. Veterans are a necessary evil that they are forced to give the minimum of care to. They can do any damn thing they want to you and walk away, no accountability what-so-ever.

Now, most of the above is based on the VAMC I used to have to go to. They're not all that bad. I've talked to Vets who have had good results in other parts of the country and also read some good reports on the net, so they're out there. I do believe they are falling further behind the wave of New Vets that are impacting our nation now and in the near future.

Sarg

 

[JarHed]

I think too that it's the size and volume that they have to deal with. Everything is just too much; too many patients, too much to do and too many rules which they seem to change like our socks. Sure ain't perfect but it's all there is. God help us!

 

[OldDoorGunner]

I think too that it's the size and volume that they have to deal with. Everything is just too much; too many patients, too much to do and too many rules which they seem to change like our socks. Sure ain't perfect but it's all there is. God help us!

I will have to agree with you on this Jar. I use the ABQ VAMAC, I was told that they are serving Vets from parts of 5 States...

J R

 

[tnkg1rl]

No help but been there done that. If you don't have PTSD before you go to the VA for sure you have it after.

My husband and I were talking about that very thing the other day. He gets anxiety and pissy every time we have to go there. I got lucky with my therapist he's a NAM Vet, my husband hasn't been so lucky and got the revolving door. One therapist got moved....shuffle... the next one tried to prescribe him something he's allergic to.....shuffle......the next one retired after vacation, yup that's right he never came back.
When we came to Vermont and had to start all over with the VA here, some little shit that was about 26 had the gall to tell me I have anger issues and should really learn to bite my tongue (this was after he tried to put me on a bunch of crap that's been tried and failed).

PTSD isn't the same for everyone and using the same assessment tools to try to assess and treat is stupid. Also I question the ability of some of the faculty at the VA to administer the assessment properly. (For example just because a
Vet plays war games does not mean he doesn't have PTSD) that was an actual question asked to my husband, who is not a combat Veteran, but was injured in Korea.

As much as I want to one day be a counselor at the VA, I wonder if I can deal with all the other idiots that work there as well.

 

[Sarg]

I got lucky with my therapist he's a NAM Vet

I do believe that's the first time I ever heard someone say that!

Sarg

 

[Drgnner]

I don't know how anyone can talk to a counselor who isn't a combat vet. I cant. I don't. Why bother? Fortunately for me, mine was a 101st Infantry LT and knew me better than I knew myself. Id rant, he would listen or smile. Now we are friends and I get to listen to him sometimes.

By the way, this may seem really odd to say but, Im happy in my own skin now and having ptsd is part of who I am and I dont mind now that the symptoms are manageable and I understand it. I earned it, I have it, I live with it and it is who I am. It is ok to be me. :cool:

 

[Anglesachse]

I had a Military Therapist years ago while still serving. Officer out of BMH Rinteln, complete wanker only intrested in furthering his own career.

Tried a German Civvie Therapist, guy worked for the German Military. complete Wanker aswell.

Kind of noticing a common ground here.

Lass I had at the end was an 60 year old Women I was her first Combat Vet. Helped me more than anybody else. Had all the time in the world for me.

Guess Experience pays in some cases.

But what people have to remember is that, It has nothing to do with where the Therapist comes from, background, training or anything.
It is all about Sympathy and if there is none the therapy will not work.

 

[Drgnner]

I like the word empathy.

 

[Anglesachse]

Yeah, Em or Sym comes to the same I think. But either way it is what is important imho.