Today after 2 years of battling against the NHS I finally was given a formal diagnosis for PTSD, I feel I should share my experiences for other British Veterans who may be tempted to put a little faith in our healthcare system.
I went to see my GP within months of discharging back in spring 2011, I told him I was having problems and that I believed them to be a result of my experiences in Afghanistan in 2010. I was displaying all the classic symptoms; irritability, hyper-vigilance, nightmares etc etc. He prescribed me Citalopram and sent me on my way, saying he would refer me to the local mental health unit. The Citalopram made me feel considerably worse, I was having huge mood swings and i was a very difficult person to be around. Then for the first time I felt suicidal. I went back to my GP with these further problems 6 months after my initial appointment. I'd had no contact from the mental health unit at all. I was taken of citalopram and prescribed sertraline and was assured my refferral would be chased up.
My situation deterioted more and I ended up having to stop working and moved back in with my family. At this point as i moved "out of area" (20 mins away) I was told I had to register with a new GP. So a 18 months after first going to the NHS with symptoms of PTSD I was told I needed to restart the whole process with a different mental health unit. My new GP was very supportive and called the local unit on my behalf explaining as a veteran I must not be put on a waiting list (unlike the previous mental health unit, we shall get back to them later).
I went to an appointment at the mental health unit where i learned i was seeing a counseller, not a psychiatrist (needed for a formal diagnosis). I was assured a diagnosis was not neccessary and i could begin treatment with a team that worked specifically with Veterans (VRMHP). I received a phonecall 2 months ago inviting me to an assessment which took place 80 miles away from my home (after being told this was a service operating 10 miles away).
So off i went to my appointment thinking finally we have the ball rolling and things can start to get better. I should also point out I had been taken off sertraline for having problems even worse than on citalopram and i was a suicide risk again, next up fluoxetine. I had my assessment which was quite unpleasent, then i was told that it was an informal service and no diagnosis was needed for treatment. But as we all know......with no diagnosis...no war pension/compo watever you want to call it. Im sure you wont be shocked to learn VRMHP is backed by the MOD. But none the less i was not about to refuse treatment. I was told i would get a phonecall on their decision to take me on in the next 7 days, which i did receive and was told they were organising a group session, but they had to confirm a venue. TO THIS DAY I HAVE HEARD NOTHING.
So last month i decided to call back combat stress, who had previously offered their services but i turned them down as i could not commit to their residential programmes due to work and it was too far for outpatient appointments. I was initially told i would have to wait till june, but then was called back saying they could get me in for an assessment today at 10am.
So I drove down to Audley Court in shropshire. The first thing that struck me was how peaceful the whole place was. Being born and bred in the city im not used to the lack of background noise and i found it quite soothing, this was before id even walked in the door. As i went into reception I was greeted with smiles and I didnt even have to introduce myself. After refusing cups of tea from 5 different people i was greeted by the psychiatrist that was going to conduct my assessment and shown to a room where I explained what id been going through and how it was affecting myself and those around me. The whole thing was wrapped up in 30 mins, after which i was told without a doubt i was sufferring from PTSD and a formal diagnosis would be sent to my GP and be stored on my medical records. I then was told about the programmes and treatment they offer, sat down with a very pretty psychologist for a chat, and was back on the road by midday. I urge british vets to use combat stress instead of the NHS services. I was treated with so much respect and care. For the first time I felt i was infront of people that actually gave a shit about how i was feeling and understood my combat experience.
Im going to attend a 2 week residential programme in june/july and they are sending welfare officers out to see me in the meantime to talk about financial support. I know this has been a long winded post but i hope other British Vets see this and can get the help they deserve. I know hold Combat Stress in such high regard and I am so thankful to everyone at Audley Court for letting me know im not alone.
apologies for spelling/grammar.
