I've Lived 23 Years With PTSD And Am Tired Of It

[kaddy1]

Hi all!:occasion:

I have to admit I'm a little nervous about posting on a forum. So here goes. I'll apologize now if I don't do it right.

I've lived with PTSD for 23 years. The original trauma I experienced was when I was in the Navy. I did seek help back then however the military did not recognize that PTSD existed at that time.

After I was Honorably Discharged from the Navy I went into Law Enforcement. It may sound a little strange but being in Law Enforcement provided some sort of safety net and my symptoms from the Navy went away for a while. However, what I didn't know is that now I was predisposed to PTSD and the incidents that I dealt with as a Cop would compound my problems.

In a nutshell the PTSD came back and after 18 years I left Law Enforcement.

I was "officially" diagnosed with PTSD by the Veteran's Administration and they are taking responsibility in my treatment. I am currently doing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy and have a number of questions about it if anyone is well versed in the topic.

Thanks for having me here!

 

[amethist]

Hi Kaddy1

Welcome to the forum.

You have found a great place for all sorts of information on most topics concerning ptsd.

If you look at the bottom half of the index page you will find an information section, which will help you get started.

There are many members on here who have done EMDR, I am sure they will give you their take on it, some good, some bad.

Hope this helps.

Amethist

 

[TLight]

I so relate to you thread title. I just had to say hello.

Ditto.........except its been about 30 for me.

WElcome to the forum and hang in there!

 

[ISupportHer]

I will just add that, although you situation does not specifically match what mine is, there are several on this forum with very similar situations.

I hope you find that there are others here that "get it", that will listen and be supportive.

Welcome!

ISH

 

[helena]

Hi Kaddy,

Welcome to the forum, it is a great place for advice and support and look forward to seeing you around the site.

Helena

 

[kaddy1]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone especially TLIGHT; it's comforting to know that I'm not the only one that has endured PTSD for an extended period time.

 

[MontanaJem]

Hi Kaddy!

Welcome to the forum! There's a lot of info here and a lot of people here as sufferers and carers with varied experiences. I hope you find the answers you're looking for. :smile:

Jem

 

[Grama-Herc]

I welcome you to the forum and hope you can find the kind of help, peace and info you are seeking.

But just realize that we are ALL tired of it. Me, personally, it has been most of my life and I am 62.

 

[omolkhua]

Evening Kaddy,

The EMDR I have tried and many other types of treatments.

Personally, EMDR is and was not right for me. I can only tell you that it took me straight back to where it all began (Literally). The light bar as it scrolled back and forth and the dark room…naw. Not for me but there could be others here who might have had positive results.

There is another method; I, again personally, found it very helpful. Please ask your Doc if its right for you or maybe someone here in the forum has more information they are willing to share.

You sit and talk about the even the difference here is its recorded and after you are done with the event you play it back and hear the story over and over again until the voice on the tape sound like a stranger and not you.

There is a name for it, but I can’t remember. Aggressive Desensitizing. I believe its called.

Good luck

omolkhua

 

[kaddy1]

Thanks again folks for making me feel welcome and at home.

omolkhua...thanks and I will