Purple Heart Recipient

[sirsir]

Well do not know where to begin. Therefore, I will begin with an introdution. I was in the first gulf war. I am a purple heart recipant. I am slowly facing up to the fact that I have ptsd. Please be understanding with me because I have just started the task of recovering.

 

[sirsir]

I'm New Here And Just Started Treatment

I was a Marine during the first Gulf War. I am a purple heart recipant. I just started trying to come to terms with ptsd. I have put treatment off for many many years because I do not like talking about my feelings and I do not like medication. However I am getting so aggressive that I can bearly control my physical anger. I will be trying to get some advise and insight into my issues through this forum. :hello:

 

[rallynut78]

Hi welcome! Good to see another vet here! I'm an OIF vet. 1 year in the sand box. the aggression thing is pretty common. They say that PTSD is a terminal illness. either it brings one to suicide or the stress eventually takes it's toll on the body. you really can't fix it yourself. when you try to suck it up and drive on all you really do is end up stuffing it down somewhere deep. those feelings will pop u[p some where else eventualy.

It's hard to accept help and even harder to open those feelings up since you spent so much time trying to supress them. when you do begin to feel it can be overwhelming because it's like the dam burst and you can't keep it back. my aggression got worse before it got better. it might seem like therapy is not worth the effort at first but if you keep at it and do your part you'll be suprised.

go check out the poll section. I found this really helpfull when I first fund this site. it will really bring to light just how many symptoms of PTSD affect your life. also that you are not alone in your experince.

 

[Auburngirl]

Welcome. We all have different stories, I'm not a veteran, but I wish you all the best. Therapy can be really really hard at first and you feel, like Rally nut said that everything's getting worse and out of control, but it really does help. Sometimes I think of it like chemo, you see people who are so ill from the treatment, comiting, losing hair, but if it works the same treatment does make them better. The other useful warning I received from a friend is that improvements don't tend to be stable and linear (you take one step forward, two back, two forward one back, things get better, then worse, then better), I have seen definite improvements but it hasn't been a stable or predictable path.

I've noticed real improvements in my life and health though and have to say it's absolutely worth facing the things that terrify you, talking about things that make you squirm and screm and cry. If you can get parts of yourself and your life back, it's worth it, and you are worth taking that effort.

Best wishes, and best of luck

 

[sirsir]

well I have just started the treatment and I appreciate the warning about things getting worse before they get better. I just started some medication to help me better deal with the long conversation about getting better. Again thank you for advice.

 

[ga yankee]

OOO Rah... Thanks for your service Sirsir (love the name). It took me a while to post here at first...well, sometimes it's still hard. BUT..just reading other posts and doing searches here has made me feel human again...not freaky like when I was first diagnosed. The people here just 'get it' which is a big deal when you have symptoms like we do. Those around us either don't get it, get it but don't want to admit it, or don't even want to try. This is like a safe place for me because no one really knows you but they know how you feel. So welcome!

 

[Mercy]

sirsir, thanks for your intro. I think you will find being gentle with one another is what this forum does well. I have found that people listen compassionately. I wish you well and commend your bravery for starting PTSD therapy. It is hard work and takes time. We will stand by you as you work your way through the tough stuff.

 

[nic]

Welcome, sirsir.

 

[2quilt]

Welcome!

I am also a Desert Storm vet, 100% s-c disabled. I also have PTSD. Read all parts of this forum and you will see that you are not alone in anything about this illness.

 

[sirsir]

Thank you for your encouragement. I had a ruff day at work. The good news is that I was able not lash out at my co workers but it was a effort. We all have good days and days like today. However I believe it was easier to deal with the bad days before I started dealing with PTSD. I use to just fly off the hook. Now I'm fighting my natural reactions and sucking it up. However I did not haveto deal with any physical contact today. When I'm grabbed or touched I still snap.

 

[LuckyStar]

Good for you. I am new to this site, but can already tell you will find compassion and helpful caring people who want to see you succeed. Good Luck!

 

[blue_eyed_angel]

Welcome to the forum sirsir :hello: I'm glad that you have found the forum! I hope that you find a lot of useful information and support here. I found the forum a couple of months ago and what a blessing it has been. I don't suffer from PTSD but I am a carer for an OIF Veteran. There are plenty of people on here that are more than willing if able to answer any questions or anything that you need to know. I am glad that you are seeking help and I wish you the best of luck :smile: