New Member Here

[3rd ID]

Hey name's Drew....

I am struggling right now with PTSD and Pain in my back from issues in service.

I was only in country for three days (Iraq Baghdad)...

Before I was injured. Now I can't sleep and have issues.

I received 10% disability from the VA at separation.

I served in 2007. Why the Army sent me to that h*ll hole fresh outta OSUT.. I'll never know.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome drew to the forum, you're among friends here so pull up a chair.

Why the Army sent me to that h*ll hole fresh outta OSUT.. I'll never know.

It's that blank check we wrote when we took the oath. Your back and in somewhat good health now time to heel the beast.

Notice I said "heel" - with the beast, on a good day, that's about as good as it gets. I assume that the 10% is for your back injury and you may have claimed for PTSD. If that is the case it is a good start - but there is a lot more to learn.

3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months don't put yourself down you did your bit for God and Country. Never be ashamed of what you DIDN'T do!

Start reading, and take notes you're not alone.

Ba

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome Drew,

Three days, well it only takes 5 min or less to change your life forever.

As Ba said, you took the oath and that is where the planes were heading. Now you have to stop thinking about the actual event, it's hard, but you now have to concentrate on the 'Now' or you will get nowhere.

There are lots of guys and gals on here now that can light your way, but you have to do the hard work and it is hard, but you can manage it mate.

Jimmy

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Welcome Drew,

Like the guys said. "Read through the threads. Watch the videos". And, keep posting here. Thje journey back is long and tough. But, each step you take is worth the effort.

Don't look back. Why the army sent you is no longer important. You can't change that. Stay in the present. You can always make a difference there.

SD

 

[Spock]

Welcome Drew...stay safe, stay strong

 

[OldDoorGunner]

Welcome Brother.....

 

[3rd ID]

Thanks all. Been busy with my daughter. I have an appointment with outpatient psych this week.
Your right Ba Moi Ba... I receive 10% for my back. I filed an informal claim on PTSD in 2011.
I am waiting on a decision if I get denied this time I gotta appeal to the Veterans Board of Appeals.
I can't complain though... I am proud to have served... Thanks brothers for your kind words sometimes we forget things like pride in the fact we served. Hell, I am getting a m16 memorial tattoo for my father who served in Nam in 71'. He didn't have a choice but he loved this country as we all do. I know I should start another thread for this but: I live in Florida and the VA here in Miami is alright I have gotten treated well for the most part... But, have any of you guys been to the W. Palm VA or Tampa VA? I don't wanna seem like a bigot but.. I kinda get tired of having a language barrier when I go and see my Primary Care or Pain management docs.

 

[SteveMD]

Drew:
3ID (Been there, done that), but like BMB, 3 days, 3, months. You saw it. I've been most everywhere from Baghdad and North. Pretty much the same throughout, Except KRG. You didn't miss anything.

I'm now on to Mirtrazapine as the latest sleep tool. The "side effect" is "somnolence." It means you sleep for 10 hours and am groggy for two more, but sleep is sleep. Like most, you have to stage into it, but that's my latest.

 

[Lee C]

Welcome

 

[atilla]

Welcome

 

[3rd ID]

Drew:
3ID (Been there, done that), but like BMB, 3 days, 3, months. You saw it. I've been most everywhere from Baghdad and North. Pretty much the same throughout, Except KRG. You didn't miss anything.

I'm now on to Mirtrazapine as the latest sleep tool. The "side effect" is "somnolence." It means you sleep for 10 hours and am groggy for two more, but sleep is sleep. Like most, you have to stage into it, but that's my latest.

Yeah... I got a buddy who ran convoys from Camp Virginia in Kuwait all across Iraq in 04'. He told me the same thing. Baghdad, Mosul, etc... all the same. Yeah, on the sleep issue they prescribed me Valium for sleep at night it works. It feels as though I have a hangover in the morning though.

 

[Fargo1]

Welcome to the hole brother. We are all here just trying to fill it in, or keep it from collapsing. So grab a shovel when you can, or a seat when you have to.