Ptsd Struggle

[Welzbe Wellz]

Id like to introduce myself to everyone here at MyCombatPTSD. I've known about the site for about a year or so, but just recently joined about a month ago. I served in the US Army active from 2000 to 2003 and Army NG from 2010-2013. I was an 11c or mortarman in the 10thmtn and 15G or aircraft structural repair PAANG. I served in Afghanistan from 2001-2002. While "over there" I was on several different combat missions but the most significant one was OP Anaconda March of 2002. During that operation I landed on a hot LZ and ended pinded down and ambushed for 20 plus hours. I saw all the horrors of war and believe this "event" is what caused my PTSD. Since that day my life has been very difficult to manage. Ive been going to the VA for 9 years and I sometimes think it has only made my condition worse. Having two DUI's and jail time i decided it was time try and get my life back. The VA has been difficult to navigate and the constant changes of psychiatrist and psychologist is wearing on me. I wanted to join the site to get help and to help others. It has been an everyday struggle with PTSD.

 

[combatgoldfish]

Welcome.

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Welcome, Welzbe Wellz.
Everyday struggle indeed.
Some days better than others.

 

[Woodman]

awareness is a good start imho. welcome

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome Link Removed! Take a knee brother your among friendlies here.

Ive been going to the VA for 9 years and I sometimes think it has only made my condition worse. Having two DUI's and jail time i decided it was time try and get my life back.

That, my friend, is probably was the hardiest decision for me as well. I too went the DUI/Jail route - over a 40+ year period. I'm sure you'd agree that none of it changed a dam thing. I put the plug in the jug some 25+ years ago, yet, the beast still had it's way with me. I just didn't have a hangover and/or the court date. If you got the substance abuse issue under control I'm not going to mention the importance not *self medicating* and the like. But, trust me, until you get that under control you'll be a like a *one legged man in an ass kicking contest* - Nuf-said on that.

The VA is a necessary evil and we have to just deal with it. The Doctor shuffle is their hallmark - God forbid you'd get the same shrink twice. Have you tried one of the local Vet Centers? Individual and Group therapy works very well for me - a good many of the T's are combat vets themselves. This site is a good reality check on whats going on between my ears. The folks here know the Beast and it is an invaluable source of information and feedback. We lean on each other when we can't stand alone. Good luck!

Ba

 

[atilla]

Welcome

 

[Friday]

Welcome, man.

 

[vikingr24]

Welcome. I don't do VA except for the Vet Center off and on. I do therapy and lots of hard core meditation and reading. I have done the big drug thing and now focus on getting sleep without drugs. Hard, hard, hard to do for me. My biggest challenge.

But welcome. Drop a knee and join the team.

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome. Hope you find what you are looking for on this site.

 

[dutchiedelta]

Welcome here, great site to read, ask and learn.

 

[sgt95b2]

Welcome brother. You are not alone.

 

[Kaishi]

Welcome. Hope you find the resources you need.