New Here

[KateB]

Ok, second time is a charm, I hope - don't know what happened to the first message!

So, I am new to all this. I'm hoping there are some people out there with advice..anything really....I just really can't take this anymore. Not me, no, my Dad has PTSD (Vietnam Vet), retired one year ago, and it's like watching the man I love disappear....and to see the strain it puts on his marriage to my mother (and subsequently the relationship she and I have) is heartbreaking..

So - hi to all...if you have any questions, please ask :)

Kate

 

[Sandra]

Hi KateB, welcome to the forum.

 

[BigBear]

I'm hoping there are some people out there with advice..anything really....I just really can't take this anymore. Not me, no, my Dad has PTSD (Vietnam Vet)... Kate

Hi Kate,

The best way for you to get advice is to post specific questions. Also, You should be reading in the supporter forums...

Welcome!

Bear

 

[Sazza]

Hi Kate,

Welcome, must be so hard for you watching your dad suffer, like has been said will find lots of support and advice in the supporters section. Its great you want to find out more to try and support your dad, mum and yourself through this.

Sazza

 

[KateB]

HI All

Thanks for the replies - I will definitely post more, I just wanted to get the initial introduction done. That, and the fact that I've been working 10+hrs per day to get ready for Thanksgiving. Will definitely check out the supporters forum, thanks!
Kate

 

[pi314159]

Hi Kate,

Welcome to the forum. I hope you find lots of information here.

I just wanted to let you know your dad is really lucky to have you as a daughter :)

 

[KateB]

Thanks Pi :)

 

[Sandra]

Welcome to the forum KateB.

 

[Paranoid10]

Welcome to the forum Kate. I want you to know that I am a medically retired Soldier who spent 8 years and 3 deployments to Iraq. I am by no means an "expert" on anything, but I can offer advice based off my own experiences. If you need anything or you just want to talk, drop me a line anytime. Respectfully Yours, Paranoid10.

 

[KateB]

Thanks, I appreciate the offer, and will most certainly take you up on it! Here's the first question...to anyone who has seen combat, actually - is it inevitable that the nightmares and insomnia get worse? I sometimes think that if he hadn't spoken to his friend (called him after 40+ years) who was in the helicopter crash with him, things wouldn't have progressed as they have. I also wonder if.....well, my Dad served in Vietnam, and soldiers were treated so differently then, as compared to now....

Night all
Kate

 

[amethist]

Hi Kate

If your dad did not the care and help he needed at the time of the crash, then it all still in his head. Anything could trigger the memories to come flooding back, a noise a smell, a voice, anything.

So speaking to his friend again, even after 40+ years, could have put his mind right back to the second it all happened.

I hope you find some help for your dad, he deserves as much as can be found.

Amethist

 

[KateB]

Thanks, Amethist, I appreciate your advice. I doubt Dad got any help at the time - he spent a year in the hospital, then went on about his life. Sometimes I wonder if, being of a different era, it's harder for those folks to really get help, that maybe there's a stigma attached..

Kate