Wtf Do We Do Now?

[docboob#49]

What the f*ck do you do when the VA refuses to treat you for PTSD? I use medical marijuana to treat the symptoms of MS which is legal where I live. When I asked the PTSD clinic at the Phoenix VA about this, I was told that the VA would NOT provide PTSD treatment to any vet using MMJ for ANY reason even though it was approved by the state this year to treat some of the symptoms of PTSD.

Doesn't really surprise me, I'm a Vietnam vet (2 tours as a dustoff medic) and we should be used to getting f*cked by "our country" by now.

Any suggestions? Can't afford private help.

 

[Friday]

I can't use the VA, because they freak me the f*ck out. You'd probably have to shoot me outside of the ER to get me to go willingly through the doors, and I'm not even sure then. It's not exactly a logical reaction.

One option would be VetCenters. That's one that doesn't get as violent of a reaction from me, but I still couldn't handle it. Free treatment, though. I'm... Ah, a bit paranoid. I drove to every VetCenter within about a 5 hour radius to scope them out. They vary a whole helluva lot. Some are in strip malls, others behind barbed wire & brick. Some the staff are almost all former Vietnam medics who went to school to get their psychology degrees, others are more civvie, or more modern.

Another would be places like here & the sister site. Gotten more help here than anywhere in the past 15 years... Picked up this Beast at 17. So much good knowledge here. Things I can actually hear & use, and even better actually work.

Fighting with the VA is outside my ken. But some folks on here have that down to a damn science.

There are other work arounds, too. Private groups & orgs... Guitars for Vets, Equine Therapy, Fishing, For Vet by Vet stuff... Lotta stuff scattered about. Don't know what's harder, finding out about it or finding it period. So much comes down to luck and timing. But the day the VA is the final word? Snort. Worlds done for.

 

[combatgoldfish]

I don't see why it's something that should be shared with the VA. Might just be a me thing and my rebellious nature. In their eyes we shouldn't be doing anything besides the pills they push.

If I get push back for anything, I put in a request for another doctor. When it comes down to it, researching, talking with other veterans and having a dog brought me more than any session of therapy.

 

[Woodman]

Have you tried a rep like DAV or VFW?

 

[CodeAlphaKilo]

With respects to the VA, I never give up anything. "I never smoked pot or did any other drug...hell, I don't even drink" That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Those bastards look for any reason to dodge a bullet.

Is anybody on armed escort yet? The VA where I go has panic buttons and a big private police force. Get angry at someone, johnny law is hot on the spot. Then you get put on a list and are required to have one of the coppers escort you every time you go to the center. It's not demeaning, its for our safety......Haha.

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Like Friday, I recommend a visit to your local Vet Center. Just stop by and talk to the person at the front desk.

They'll probably want you to stay and talk with a councilor. But, the first visit is very layed back. And, you can leave any time you want.

Take your time, and think about it. When you're ready, give it a try.

SD

 

[combatgoldfish]

Is anybody on armed escort yet? The VA where I go has panic buttons and a big private police force. Get angry at someone, johnny law is hot on the spot. Then you get put on a list and are required to have one of the coppers escort you every time you go to the center. It's not demeaning, its for our safety......Haha.

I told my therapist when I was in the ER seemed like multiple people had armed escorts. She told me you have to threaten to kill someone or assault some to get a flag.

I told her that I would like armed escorts for my next visit and she told me she'll see what she can do lol

 

[docboob#49]

Thanks for the suggestions. Think I'll try the Vet center here. Right now, I've become an urban hermit. I don't particularly dislike or fear people in general, I just prefer the company of my 2 cats and 2 dogs to the company of people. Sometimes I go weeks without any human contact and I know it's not healthy but my life is more peaceful this way.

 

[Terrier]

Me and my 2 dogs, best company ever! Agree with you @Docbob498 , animals are so much easier to be around then people.:cool:

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

A big part of dealing with people in the civilian world is learning to accept them for who and what they are. Try not to judge them by your own standards because they'll never measure up.

Take it slow my Brother. And, don't be too hard on yourself. It takes time, lots of time. Give yourself the time you need.

SD