New To This "world"

[mrswgc2003]

Good Day! My name is Lanita, and I am the proud wife of a VERY proud U.S. Navy, Vietnam Veteran (well, at least he used to be proud-after fighting with the Dept. of V.A. for over a year to find out what is going on with him and still being "jerked" around he is having second thoughts about his "pride" in having served).

As I stated we have been going through all the governmental "red tape" of getting an "official" diagnosis (it is written in the Doctors notes as being "classic" PTSD, but not list under the diagnosis as of yet) for what he (we) are going through. We understand the never ending "red tape" involved with this since it will ultimately change his disability status, but we could care less about that at this point.

What we are really in need of is access to a local support group where we can talk with others who have "been there, done that", but this is being denied because we do not have the diagnosis.

Right now we both feel as if we are in this all by ourselves with no where to turn for help or direction when problems arise. I have done some basic research into PTSD, and I know that every case is different, but it would be really nice to KNOW that we are not the only ones out here fighting a monster named PTSD.

I hope that there will be at least one spouse of a Vet with PTSD out there who is willing to come forward and chat with me about the best way to address "issues" as the come along.

Thank You all for listening, Lanita

 

[amethist]

Hi Lanita

Welcome to the forum.

There are a few supporters of Vet's on here Lanita, who will chat to you, once they see your introduction.

Drop down to the Supporters area too, where you will find lots of useful information to help you help him. You can also have a look at the Combat PTSD Forum too, you can reach that by clicking on the blue link at the bottom of my reply.

A supporter is important, no matter what the cause of your sufferers PTSD is, so we try and help each other as best we can. in the good as well as the bad times.

Take care.

Amethist

 

[Tinyflame]

Welcome mrswgc2003, :)

PTSD indeed can feel like a monster, until one recognizes that like anything else it is a specific condition or 'illness' as a result of trauma, and that it has characteristic symptoms that define it. However, a world of knowledge lays there because along with that comes the experiences of those who have learned to accept and manage it, as with any other illness or condition.

It will become less frightening as it is de-mystified.

I wish you both peace, hope and healing in your journey!

 

[mrswgc2003]

Thank You both, I have already been to the Combat PTSD site and talked with some of them as well, they too are extremely helpful.

 

[Mommado]

Documentation, Documentation, Documentation!!!! I've been down this road with my vet husband. We saw a private doctor, got statements from family and friends who knew him prior to his service to note the changes in him. Contact your state rep if need be. You will have to FIGHT! We are getting ready to do the same thing with our son who was discharged on a 5-17. This essentially put the responsibility on VA and not DOA. They tell these young men to get help and when they do, they are quickly discarded! Just be supportive and try to be the voice of reason and optimism when things look hard. You'll get the diagnosis, just focus on getting him better!!
Good Luck!