Hello Everybody!

[DocSki83]

Hi! My name is Eric and I serviced as an army medic for 7 years. I spent a year in Iraq in 2006. Just like everything else in the army, I got adjusted to it. Every day was the same where I got up from wherever I was sleeping brushed my teeth and showered when available. I was constantly on the move. We either patrolled, was QRF, or pulled to a site. Every day I saw someone hurt, dying or dead. I learned a great amount about trauma. I also learned how to pretend the things I saw and did were sometimes I could easily brush off. After my return from combat, I was still jumpy but fixed that with lots of alcohol. (The benefits of Germany, I guess). I reenlisted in 2007 to avoid being stop lossed and returning back to Iraq. When I got to my next duty station, my nightmares started. People would wake up by shaking me or saying "Doc, we gotta go! We need help!". Or I would feel someone standing over me while I slept. I would often yell at nobody to stop staring at me. Can't have a lamp at my bedside because I punch it thinking I'm being attacked. I suffered injuries in Iraq, but not combat related. I developed tarsal runner syndrome in both ankles and tore my labrium in my right shoulder trying to save a life. My 3 year reenlistment consisted of 3 surgeries, one each year. Flash forward 5 years since I've left the army, I am married and have a beautiful wife and home. I work at the Dallas VA hospital. I love working with my fellow veterans but my anxiety and PTSD have taken their toll. I miss about 2 days a week due to anxiety. I take my meds religiously and have done 2 years of therapy. I hate going out to crowded places and find myself sleeping a lot. If I don't dream, I sleep well. But that's only 2 nights a week if I'm lucky. That being said, I finally wanted to join after being a lurker for a few days.

 

[atilla]

Welcome to the forum Doc. Good advice on here Brother, from a band of brothers and sisters who have a lot of experience dealing with PTSD. I served in Desert Storm, Infantry. We have Bros here that served in Nam, and everything in between. Take a knee, you're among friendlies here.

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Welcome Doc, glad to have you join us.
I served 3mo OIF, 9mo OEF as an Army 12B Engineer MG.
Anxiety is one of the biggest issues I have and that shit does not wanna go away. (I no longer take meds though.)
Same thing with the dreams if I don't remember them its decent, when I do no longer are they war related, but a nightmare worthy of waking up abruptly none the less. Crowded places, avoided like the plague.

 

[Raven]

Polish doc? :sneaky:

Welcome. I'm a former medic too.

 

[vikingr24]

Eric,

You certainly have the Beast and have come to the right place. Former parajumper, USAF, SEA.

Welcome.

 

[DocSki83]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! Raven, I am Polish. It's nice to find a community of veterans and understand where I come from. Co-workers and family do not understand while my patients do. I find myself relating to them and kind of distancing myself from those I work with. My wife tries to understand and does a great job. She comforts me when I'm having issues while my parents and sisters just think I've become a hardened jerk whom loves to yell and cuse then shake like a leaf to get sympathy.

 

[Woodman]

Hey doc, you're in the right place. You'll find comfort and great advice here.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome Doc, take a knee!

You guy's are field magicians - what you do with a field dressing half the Dr's with degrees couldn't hold a candle too.

I miss about 2 days a week due to anxiety. I take my meds religiously and have done 2 years of therapy.

Your moving forward - that's progress. We're here to lean on when needed.

I was still jumpy but fixed that with lots of alcohol.

Me too, it was the only game in town 40+ years ago. Trust me, it's only a temporary fix to a long time problem. I'm sure you know that.

You have a good support in your work and family - nothing pissed the Beast off more than family/work dynamics.

Lots of stuff to read and learn here - go for it!

Ba

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome Doc.

Will talk more when I find myself again.

Jimmy

 

[nomedic1]

Welcome Doc there are good people on here, hope we can help

 

[dutchiedelta]

Hiya Doc, welcome on board. Make yourself at home.

 

[Friday]

Been a little sideways for a few weeks, so I missed your coming in, hope to see ya around.