Missing The Comraderie...

[norwatch01]

Hi all,

I'm Jemma, I was a Combat Medic for 8 years, I had friends, a job, a good time, money and a close family.

I started off at 'kiddy camp', ATR Bassingbourn fresh out of school, after that my medical training occured at Keogh Barracks in good old Aldershite!
My first, and best posting, was to 1 Close Support Medical Regiment in Munster, Germany where shortly after my 18th birthday in 2007, I went and spent Christmas in Iraq working in the hospital, firstly the surgical ward and then the Emergency department with a few shifts on ITU thrown in.

When we got back, 1 CSMR disbanded, it split into 1 and 2 Medical Regiment, I went to 2 MR in Hohne where I completed a tour of Afgan, during which I was a patrol Medic with Black Watch, Pioneers and Fusillers doing a variety of foot patrols, vehicle patrols, heli-ops and working in the RAP in Musa Qaleh.

After Germany I was posted to Cyprus where I not only worked in the Med centre looking after Dhekelia Garrison, but also worked on the ambulance crew serving both on camp and off dealing with anything a civvie paramedic would deal with. It was during this posting that things started to get to me and I signed off, finishing my career in Bramcote with 30 Sigs in 2012.

During my time, as I'm sure with all of you, I have seen friends injured and killed, most recently on 24th oct 2012. This is when I changed, constantly angry, argumentative and unhappy I lost touch with all friends and most family, it wasn't until I was arrested for assaulting a cop that I went to my GP who diagnosed depression and referred me for psychotherapy, the psychologist diagnosed PTSD.

It feels like I ruined my own life by leaving the Army, I was coping just fine, I think.

 

[JarHed]

Hey Jemma

Welcome to the forums. I think some of your statements have been echoed here over and over. The stuff we experience builds up till it's just too much. I thought that I was coping just fine also. I wasn't.

Stick with the therapy, it's the only thing that will make a difference in what your life's going to be in the future. You're in good company here. Many have served in the same places as you. No matter where or when or what you did, here we're all in that same boat.

JarHed

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome Jemma, camaraderie is a value added thing here at the forum. I always take my hat off to combat medics - your unselfish duty is often misplaced by those who don't understand.

This is when I changed, constantly angry, argumentative and unhappy I lost touch with all friends and most family, it wasn't until I was arrested for assaulting a cop that I went to my GP who diagnosed depression and referred me for psychotherapy, the psychologist diagnosed PTSD.

Yup, that was me alright - didn't have the balls to swing at a cop. That didn't stop me from taking a swing at a "Bar Maid", she obviously violated this drunks #1 rule when she said something like "Sir, I think you had enough" . PTSD anger, mixed with booze is a volatile combination for this sick bastard. That was almost 25 years ago I thought the drink was the prime suspect and stayed ANGRY and DRY for the first 20 until I found out about PTSD.

I'm still DRY but not too angry these days. As Jar said it all stay with the therapy - it worked for me and a good many of folks here at this forum. pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable you're among sisters and brothers here.

Ba

 

[Sarg]

Welcome, Jemma, almost got exhausted reading your intro. Hats off to all Corpsmen and Medics. Glad you're here, sorry for the reason. We have an excellent bunch here with a depth of knowledge about the animal we call the Beast. Pull up a chair and join in.

Sarg

 

[atilla]

Welcome Jemma.

 

[Jimmy1]

It feels like I ruined my own life by leaving the Army, I was coping just fine, I think.

Welcome Jemma,

It may feel like you ruined your life, but could you imagine having a melt down when you were treating someone? Because that is where it 'could' of headed. I thought I was fine too, but the world was falling apart around me.
It's not too late to get yourself to a manageable level and then you could always go back to the job you love, just not in the forces.

Just saying.

 

[Spock]

Welcome Jemma. Glad you found us. (y)

 

[Chin Strapped]

Hi Jemma,

Fellow former CMT here and Brit; was in afghan with the rifles.

Welcome, have a little read around on here, check out the articles section too in your own time. Essential reading.

 

[Sapper1]

Welcome aboard Jemma!

 

[Anglesachse]

Welcome to our slightly dysfunctional family Jem.

10 year Brit army, Para-Commando, multiple tours to NI, Bos and the Gulf.

Still out in Germany.

You aren`t alone, and we can all help. If you need anything give us a shout, there are enough Brits on here at some place or another on the road to recovery that can allways give you a hand and point you in the right direction if need be.

Take care darlin`

 

[COIN 20Golf]

Hi all,

I'm Jemma, I was a Combat Medic for 8 years, I had friends, a job, a good time, money and a close family.

I started off at 'kiddy camp', ATR Bassingbourn fresh out of school, after that my medical training occured at Keogh Barracks in good old Aldershite!
My first, and best posting, was to 1 Close Support Medical Regiment in Munster, Germany where shortly after my 18th birthday in 2007, I went and spent Christmas in Iraq working in the hospital, firstly the surgical ward and then the Emergency department with a few shifts on ITU thrown in.

When we got back, 1 CSMR disbanded, it split into 1 and 2 Medical Regiment, I went to 2 MR in Hohne where I completed a tour of Afgan, during which I was a patrol Medic with Black Watch, Pioneers and Fusillers doing a variety of foot patrols, vehicle patrols, heli-ops and working in the RAP in Musa Qaleh.

After Germany I was posted to Cyprus where I not only worked in the Med centre looking after Dhekelia Garrison, but also worked on the ambulance crew serving both on camp and off dealing with anything a civvie paramedic would deal with. It was during this posting that things started to get to me and I signed off, finishing my career in Bramcote with 30 Sigs in 2012.

During my time, as I'm sure with all of you, I have seen friends injured and killed, most recently on 24th oct 2012. This is when I changed, constantly angry, argumentative and unhappy I lost touch with all friends and most family, it wasn't until I was arrested for assaulting a cop that I went to my GP who diagnosed depression and referred me for psychotherapy, the psychologist diagnosed PTSD.

It feels like I ruined my own life by leaving the Army, I was coping just fine, I think.

Jemma,

Having made it home from a crazy summer out there myself, you and every other Patrol Medic/CMT have my upmost respect.

Stay strong.

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Welcome Jemma.

Yea it definitely gets lonely once you get out and start isolating. But you must be strong. All I can say is try programs within the VA until you find something that helps improve your life. Patience is one thing I feel I lack the most.

Much respect.