Sufferer Hi, 30 Yr Old Male, Survival Of Arterial Bleed

[Skeeter14]

Hi everyone, I figured it was time to enter into an Online support group for my PTSD in hopes of finding solace.

I would be happy to elaborate further on my story as people ask or need to, but for the sake of being brief.

In February of 2010 I suffered a major arterial bleed in my sinuses (post operative) that put me within seconds of death. As a result I have not been able to shake my fears, and illness.

On top of it, once I (albeit filled with fear of embarrassment) notified my boss of my PTSD diagnosis and the reasonable accommodations I needed, he promptly used it against me to heighten my PTSD, my stress level and when I would not break down and just quit, he fired me on March 20th, 2012.

As I mentioned my story is long and I’m willing to share, but wanted to say hello and open myself up to discussing my story, other stories, and and questions.


So….Hello everyone!!

-Skeeter

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Hi Skeeter and welcome to the forum. I am glad you found this place. It is a rich resource full of wonderful people who understands. It is nice to meet you.

 

[KP the nut]

Hi Skeeter and welcome to the forum.

Sorry about your boss - put him/her down to be a tosser :rolleyes:. I hope you find the information, support and friendship here, helpful to you on your journey to recovery.

 

[The Albatross]

Welcome Skeeter... part of my story was almost bleeding out from a botched tonsillectomy when I was 6. I had to have two emergency transfusions. My mother insisted that she visit me after visiting hours and found me nearly dead. I had many fears and anxiety reactions to hospitals, doctors offices, even the disinfectant smell. It has taken a while to deal with those... but I am largely recovered from that trauma now. It can get better.

 

[Skeeter14]

First off Gizmo, KP, and Albatross, Thank you!!! I never expected for a moment that I would receive such a speedy welcome. You people are great and, while just a small gesture, have made my day

Now....KP, thank you for your regards on my bosses behavior. Like I said I can into detail if you'd like. but in short, seeing as you are from the UK I am not sure if you are aware of similar resources, but stateside (I'm from Upstate NY) we have The New York State Division of Human Rights, as well as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on a Federal Level.

I have filed charges against both him and the company on multiple grounds of Discrimination (PTSD being just one of them, as the discrimination goes back as far as 2006). I feel very strong about my case (which is ongoing), but I have learned a few things in the past 8 months of unemployment:

1) Nothing takes the place of family and friends. I have a beautiful fiancee (wife in 21 days) who is there in the darkest of days, 3 dogs who think the world of me, and friends who have my back unconditionally. I also have a great home which I was actually terminated the day after we moved in (and yes, my Boss knew. Can we agree he's a bit more than just a Tosser;) Wanker perhaps?)

2) Don't feel sorry or upset for yourself when you did nothing wrong.

3) Accept that you are who you are, and that you have a disability. And trust that the people who are supposed to help (Psychologists, the DHR investigators) WILL help you. They are there for you, so trust them.
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Albatross, my major sinus bleed that nearly killed me was at 3:30am. It was the first time in my life that I actually came to terms that I was going to die.

My mom is an LPN of over 30 years, and while on the phone with 9-1-1, I didn't bother to ask her if I would be OK. I didn't want her last words to me to be a lie. To this day, even now just typing that.....the thought brings tears to my eyes (My father passed away when I was 5 of a sudden heart attack, making my bond with my mom extremely strong and that much more meaningful)

Thank you for the kind words, I know you are right. It can get better, and more importantly WILL.:)


My apologies for the length everyone:-)

- Skeeter

 

[intothelight]

Hi Skeeter,

Welcome to the PTSD Forum! :)

I hope you find the information and support on this site helpful as you work on healing.

Take care.

Debbie

 

[Skeeter14]

Thank you intothelight!!

Every day right now is a battle for me, but with the proper approach and knowing there are (unfortunately) many people fighting the same battle, things will get better.:)

 

[Pinkcake]

I'm very sorry that your boss is behaving the way they are. I'm glad you are seeking out assistance when it comes to your work situation. I'm fortunate in the face that my boss went through something similar to me and understands when I need time.

 

[Skeeter14]

Pinkcake....you are very fortunate. In fact, my former employers policy of workplace harassment/discrimination only covers "Sex, Race, or Religion"....without needing to get further into it, you can see how progressive, and respectful of ANY disabilities they are....a shame really.