Well, Shit...

[Terrier]

@CyclePath the NICOE program is good, been thru it, but also keep in mind they, for me, overreacted in some cases especially the meds. They will put you thru a whole lot of special scans and tests, but you will come out knowing what is really going on in your mind and your body. That in itself will be a great start for VA eval process. The comments above hit he nail on the head, continuing to ignore it or fight it can make it worse, it will come out and with a vengeance. Let it out, it is good. Be honest. In addition to some recommendations above, bio feedback sessions can also help control your triggers and anxieties. I get those same panic attacks and thought for years I was having heart attacks. We are with you and I get the concern about effects on career,, but it is time for you to take care of YOU. You can do this. PM me if you want/need more info on the NICOE program.

 

[CyclePath]

Thanks everyone. Great advice Terrior, Iceman and Field, but unfortunately I think I need to mind my pint's and quart's with the embedded mental health folks until after I am out. Not sure if I trust them and confidentiality really isn't confidential on this side of the fence. Combine that with the fact that everyone knows everyone else and you might understand why I didn't go in until now.

 

[Woodman]

Well I'm kinda retired and I understand. But when you're not busy being retired, (lol) you kinda sit around and think or reminisce about all that shit and then some.

 

[atilla]

Welcome to The Farm Brother.

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Welcome, lots of good info and great people here.
I took med's at first for a year or so, then I sorta rebelled and stopped
probably due to side effects I can't remember now, but basically a year or so after
I stopped I got back on them because I was way low. The side effects were worse than
the first S.S.R.I I had been put on. Then began the realization and
personal research online into the entire business of psychiatry.

Which was what caused me to start the process of coming off the last med which caused
some real trippy balance issues and headaches for around two to three weeks slowly lowering dosage.
But everyone's path is different. The norm seems to be initial meds, then perhap's lean off meds, and
find some natural remedies. But ultimately what's not told is that there has been a huge risk in heart failure
and vet's dying in their sleep with pills. So I am not with the program anymore. Therapy and stuff with out meds
I should be looking into myself soon though.

 

[CyclePath]

THX, Manon

 

[Kaishi]

Welcome around, CyclePath.

Glad you made it to where you're now in your life, and glad you made it here.

 

[vikingr24]

Give'em hell.

 

[OldDoorGunner]

Welcome CyclePath. Old Nam vet here. Not much to add, I like so many other Nam guy's, have been dealing with the Beast for a lot of years. (46 this year) In my case I have been getting help coming up on 6 years this year.....I have made it to a place, that I can live with at my age. (65) One thing you need to think about starting now.....GETTING OLD!!! Keep your body in good working order as you get older......Old age is a real pain in the ass and the rest of the body. I can not run, can only walk 150' and need to sit down. I deal with arthritis mostly.....f*ck, doing and oil and filter change can take up to 3+ hours. LOL This is what's so hard for me to deal with!!! I can no longer do 98% of what I could do. I can stand up about 15 mins, than have to set down, But I am learning to deal with it......I just keep working on what I am doing, may take hours or days. I will never give up........One last thing....The Beast does not care about your age, that mother f*cker still thinks your 18 years old.....

J R

 

[CyclePath]

GETTING OLD!

Appreciate the advice, OldDoorGunner! In fact I was thinking about this today as I filled out a DD Form 2807-1 for retirement. I had to add eight pages for block 29 details/explanations. If I can make it to 65 I think I will have some new knees, hips, and a couple of rebuilt nerves by then. Then again, I didn't make any plans for anything past 40 so I'll take what I can get! I can't run either and I am still active duty (they've kept me around for my brain/special talents/experience) so I've already got that going for me, but I can walk for about a mile before my back/knee makes me stop. My right leg is screwed from an injury to L5-S1/sciatic nerve (diskectomy/laminectomy/foraminotomy) and I was given a cane late last year because it keeps getting worse. I'm 45 and I only use it when absolutley necessary, but I have had a couple of falls when my back is really bad. I even dropped my Harley at stop sign because my leg didn't work when I put my foot down. I also have pins and screws holding my left elbow together. About the only thing I can do comfortably these days is ride a bike and swim, so that's what I do. So much for my previous plans of retiring and hiking the Appalachian Trail and maybe Ironman...

 

[vikingr24]

Keep the attitude, buddy. With the load you got, it's the best thing going for you. Wish I had it.....

 

[CyclePath]

I try to stay positive and I can deal with the jumpiness, hyper vigilance, anxiety, and broken body. I don't like them, but I would embrace them like my woobie on a cold night for the rest of my life if the guilt and depression stays at bay. For me, that's when things get ugly and I start dwelling on the past.