45 Years And Its Not Any Better...

[oldschool1]

I am a 2 tour USN Vietnam vet ...gunner on river boats...things started falling apart for me on return to civilian life...I asked for help with mental issues from the VA in '73 and was laughed at...I moved to the mountains of Idaho and lived off the grid for 10 years [best years ever for me]..it was not until I went to the VA in 2010 for a bladder issue that I was guided to the mental health side and PTSD became my life....I have been diagnosed since 2012 and have a 50% disability for PTSD...I knew I was always pissed off and avoided people, but I never had a label, now for better or worse I have the label PTSD...I will stop here, more to come as I have many ????

 

[FieldArtilleryGuy]

Welcome, I look forward to reading anything more you have to say. I am jelous of the fact you lived off grid. That sounds like the life. Many of the guys here have good advice and the forums are full of good information. Take your time, read some older posts.

 

[atilla]

Welcome Brother! There's several Nam veterans on here. I've been fighting the pts beast for about 25 years. Diagnosed in 91. Glad you found this place. Welcome to the unit Brother.

 

[OldDoorGunner]

Welcome to the Farm Brother. One of the old Nam vets here, this site has a lot to officer that will help you. Lots of reading and videos to watch and us Vets helping each other. This coming Oct. I have been living with PTSD for 46 years, I found out 6 years ago that I had PTSD. (We call it the Beast) The Beast got out (bad) when my daughter was 6. She is now 27, and also is dealing with Secondary PTSD because of me.......Her and I have been moving forward and it's a hell of a lot better. On this site you can get to a better place in your life, but it will take some work on your part....One day at a time, small steps. You have questions, PLEASE post them, we will do our best to answer them.

J R

 

[dutchiedelta]

Welcome oldschool, you're in the right place.
Many of us carry this load around for years, decades even.
Feel free to browse the archives and ask what you cannot find.

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Welcome!

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome home brother took me 40+ as well.

One of the *old Nam shits* here. You're right brother - we were the last to know and if it were not those vets poking the VA I'd still be in the bunker. Take a knee - you're among friendlies here.

Ba
(Danang 65-66) BM3 USN

 

[CyclePath]

Crap..., so much for my plans to go off the grid ;-) Thanks for posting on my intro!

 

[Friday]

Welcome aboard, man. Dropped off the edge of the world a time or three myself. Never for very long, though. Few years at most. Good to see ya around.

 

[vikingr24]

Familiar stroy. I dropped out for about 4 years doing art, writing and music. It was probably then that my PTSD resurfaced. The docs misdiagnosed me and it wasn't 20 years later one psych, supplied with new info about it, said I had it. Ever since it has been easier but presents another set of problems. But at least I get it now.

Drop a knee. The fire is hot and coffee good.

 

[Spock]

Welcome home oldschool

 

[Sarg]

Diagnosed 1970! I win! Then spent years trying to figure it out. When I found out, I learned I didn't want to know in the first place.

Sarg