My name's chris. I write and make pots for a living. A couple of years ago I met Chris (yes, same name). We commiserated over our similar injuries. We've both suffered spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries. It's a bond that has kept us going through the really tough times.
He's an OIF veteran who served with the AirForce and Army as a combat medic who has suffered from PTSD since 2005. He's also my best friend whom I had the pleasure of marrying on November 30th.
With him medically retired, I do my best to write with him puttering around the house. He suffers from flashbacks and nightmares, anxiety, uncontrolled waves of emotion, and something new which prompted me to search out a place filled with those who are experiencing the same day to day issues we are.
Recently, he's had stroke like symptoms after short catatonic periods. For several hours he was unable to speak without great effort. It gradually got better over the course of a day, but it was frustrating and frightening. He's hesitant to tell his doctors at the VA because they've already taken away some of his rights due to his PTSD. This past summer they attempted to take away his driver's license, so I have to find a way to get him to trust them again so he can once again seek treatment.
With all that, I adore him and we really are quite lucky. Some days, however, it's all so crushing. I look forward to lurking around the forum and searching out some answers. Thanks for the opportunity.
-chris
He's an OIF veteran who served with the AirForce and Army as a combat medic who has suffered from PTSD since 2005. He's also my best friend whom I had the pleasure of marrying on November 30th.
With him medically retired, I do my best to write with him puttering around the house. He suffers from flashbacks and nightmares, anxiety, uncontrolled waves of emotion, and something new which prompted me to search out a place filled with those who are experiencing the same day to day issues we are.
Recently, he's had stroke like symptoms after short catatonic periods. For several hours he was unable to speak without great effort. It gradually got better over the course of a day, but it was frustrating and frightening. He's hesitant to tell his doctors at the VA because they've already taken away some of his rights due to his PTSD. This past summer they attempted to take away his driver's license, so I have to find a way to get him to trust them again so he can once again seek treatment.
With all that, I adore him and we really are quite lucky. Some days, however, it's all so crushing. I look forward to lurking around the forum and searching out some answers. Thanks for the opportunity.
-chris
