Reluctance for some Marines to admit PTSD

[Eddo36]

Just wanting to make a statement that I think that it's sad that many cases of PTSD goes unnoticed, according to studies. If you feel that you need to see a psychologist, then go see one. I've had the same problem before and it really helped me. No shame in that. Oorah.

[Mikewebe]

Sometimes you can't admit to having it. I would have lost my job had it got out. I do think that folks should find ways to cope with it though if it doesn't compromise them.

[montana]

almost 30 years with it befor getting any help...talking to da shrink helped put things in order some......never buy back the time lost but what the hay....hinde sight is a real kicker...you replay events over and over and see many ways it could or would have worked out differant....guess ya just gotta cut yourself a huss

[2ndLAADBnWRENCH]

I think in alot of ways. I became used to the game and thought it was normal so to speak. In other ways I was afraid to let the powers at be do thier job and help me cause thier supposed to right in helping us? Yet I saw so many combat vets getting screwed for being honest. Looking back at it all. after many years since being diagnosed with PTSD by a Sgt Major I respect and admire highly. I think we get stuck in the ruts and exposed to the raw reality of it all. I didn't sucomb to the treatment and pursue the help untill 3 years ago when I promised I would do exactly what was thrown at me for my program. I ain't cured by a damn site but am better educated and see things a little different and my family is more ontop of my PTSD than ever before.

[jstkiknit]

i think the part that makes this whole PTSD mess worse is all the B.S. cases. and as sad as it is you all know i am right, there are a huge number of vets sucking up all the support and it makes the real cases avoid admiting a problem.

[Pete0331]

i think the part that makes this whole PTSD mess worse is all the B.S. cases. and as sad as it is you all know i am right, there are a huge number of vets sucking up all the support and it makes the real cases avoid admiting a problem.

Probably due to being able to get VA disability benefits for PTSD now.

I have seen many Marines use it as a way of getting kicked out.

[Gunner0331]

you know whats messed up? the other day i was getting the old "killology" brief again and i just thought it was messed up how our bootenant was like it's normal to have the waking up in the middle of the night looking for your rifle and having vivid dreams and this and that after going through something so traumatic, blah blah blah. but he said its only a problem if you have it for more than thirty days. well i'm sorry when you have to sleep on the couch cause you wake up with your wife in a choke hold, its pretty f*cked up. they act like thats normal and the people that have it usually go unnoticed and the people that just want to get out do. I knew a guy, im sure you've heard of him, CPL Joey Wimunc(CEB), had been claiming that he had been screwed up since Ramadi(trust me, he wasnt right in the head, it was obvious). when we were on ship he would always talk about his beautiful wife and kids...well about 2 months after we get off ship, guess who i see on the news because he killed his wife, chopped her up and lit her on fire. She was i believe an Army leautenant. It sucks because he had been trying to get help and they didnt believe him. and that poor woman paid the ultimate price on the Marine Corps expense.

[phillyb24]

I gave up on getting help from the VA. they made me feel like they didn't believe me. i wasted alot of time hating the gov't. i couldn't believe i was treated like that. the dr seemed like he was told to make me feel stupid so i wouldn't come back. after being forced by my family, i finally saw a civilian doc, actually several civilian docs. i didn't realize how bitter i still was until i wrote this! i hope the system has gotten better in the past couple of years. i will never go back to the va as i have lost faith in them. i would rather go broke seeing civilians! pretty sad huh?

[DocGreek]

HEY! Jerry Shaffer.....phillyb24, has NOT completed filling out his profile! AND.....THERE ARE OTHERS, WHO POST HERE, EXACTLY THE SAME! SEND THEM A P.M., AND "let's play nice"! WTF, IS THE STORY, JERRY......YOU'RE THE WEB MASTER?? SPELL OUT THE F*****G "RULES OF ENGAGEMENT!.....Doc(WTF)Greek

[phillyb24]

Doc,
Are you serious? Did you really just whine like that? I'm sorry i thought I was on a Marine website and wouldn't have to deal with childish nonsense. Apparently I was wrong. In the future (if i even return) address me with any issues you might have, instead of crying to someone else. Oh and thanks for the helpful advice!!!!!

[DocGreek]

HEY! NUMBNUTS! WHY,WHY,WHY, didn't you fill out your profile?? HOW do WE know that you're a REAL MARINE?? CHECK MY PROFILE! THEN YOU CAN GO F**K YOURSELF!!! AZZHOLE!!...REALLY ****ED, Doc Greek

[Petz]

hey philly.... for your information, DOC is doing nothing more than informing people of the rules... you remember what those are right? they're those things you follow when you are in someone elses house to show respect.

you are on a site run by people who say you need to fill out your profile... then if others who have lived here longer than you say you need to fill it out more so they KNOW they are not talking to a poser (which has happened more than a coupld of times) then you should do so unless you are hiding something.

you can act like a hard-asz all you want but in the end people will simply disregard you and your messages and you may as well just never come back here.

as far as your VA experience... I have PTSD... when you goto the VA, it's confidential... no-one will find out.... it's not required for you to explain why you have any disability rating... you simply have to tell them it will not affect your physical ability to do a job.... any job that DOES discriminate will be dealing with the DOL.... it's illegal to disqualify someone for PTSD... it's not like you are phycotic... just hyper-vigilante.

now I would tell you to appologize for being a douche to the good DocGreek, but I don't think you care enough to be somewhat civilized even though I see you filled your profile out a bit more.

[phillyb24]

i was just coming here for a little support and to shoot the $hit with some brothers. try offering assistance before you chop someone down in the future. i do not have time to argue over the internet so i will not be returning. maybe next time ya see a devil dog typing in this thread ya might wanna consider whats on his mind before ya treat him like an outcast.

[phillyb24]

ok so i just had a reality check. this is an online forum run by Marines. As a former Marine i appreciate the structured environment and i will do my best to do my part. i was out of line in my response earlier. any advice on this and future subjects will be greatly appreciated.

[PaidinBlood]

I suppose the D in that alphabet soup relates to part of the stigma. Some of us know we aren't the same, but don't feel like we "deserve" to be fvcked up. For example, I just have to keep an eye on it so long as nobody is being harmed by it.

[DocGreek]

Phillyb24...I apologize, if I acted like an azzhole. Won't happen again......Welcome aboard, Bro!.....SEMPER FI.....Doc Greek

[Tanker2141]

Hey Philly, Hang in there. I had my own publishing business in the 80' and 90's. I was not going to be one of thoses Vietnam Vets with PTSD. I went kicking and screaming to the shrink. Before it was over I had to sell my business. I have been 100% since 1992. It is what it is. The sooner you deal with it the better you and your family will be.

[Petz]

trust me about the family point.... most active duty guys don't believe in PTSD.... mainly because you can express yourself to your brothers who where there with you.

PTSD is real... and you should not worry about going to the VA to seek help.

if they say you don't have it, then you should go talk to another person in the pshyc ward.

[DocGreek]

SSGT....THIS is not classified. I've been shown some "NEW" training videos, for Corpsmen, and Shrinks, for dealing with P.T.S.D. in the field, under Combat conditions. They're using Group Therapy, in "the rear", AND.....some NEW Meds! Videos, were very positive, BUT....made by Navy personnel!! SO....we'll see!.....Semper Fi.....Doc Greek

[ttracker65]

As for Phillyb24 I have to feel for him he had to deal with the back end of Katrina. But as always My Marines have followed through and cleaned up the mess. Doc You have gotten grumpier with age

[RhodeIsland]

I didn't want to talk about, all the stigma. No one really knew about PTSD in the seventies. Admit I had a problem, no way, I'm a Marine. So you hide it and try and have the best day you can. Then my body also starting getting sick. Still I didn't want to talk about it even though i've been in therapy since 1978. So finally after 31 years I start to talk about with my Doctors at the V.A. Hospital and the first thing I hear is "we know". I guess you really can't hide it as much as you try. So I continue to see my Physciatrist and my Physcotherapist 2 times a month at the V.A. Hospital and I still don't talk about it much because when I do I leave my clinic appointments feeling worse because I am thinking about more and more and I try to block it out always but that is just me. They told me that the goverment will never say that they are sorry so instead I receive a check every month and was told to try and have the best day I can, everyday. If you are suffering please tell someone. Do not wait like I did because of pride. I waited so long and my life just went by so fast. If you need help please ask. The Dept. of Veterans Affairs Crisis Hotline is 1-800-273-Talk, press 1 for Veterans.
Semper Fi,
I love you all my Brothers and Sisters and please remember,
"It Takes The Courage and Strength of a Warrior to ask for Help"

Rocky,
100% Service Connected PTSD

[DocGreek]

ROCKY.....by now, you know what a b!tch it is, living with P.T.S.D. ONE DAY AT A TIME!! You have "our full support", no matter what! I'll light a candle for you, and pray that you will have God's hand, to guide your long journey........SEMPER FI, BRO'....Doc Greek

[PaidinBlood]

You know both times we came home they warned us that if not immediately, we could expect to see difficulties around the 3-4 month mark. I thought they were smoking crack but lo and behold I did wig out a little at those times. Now I'm starting to hear people can face a problem 20+ years later? That is some scary sh!t, my friends, and I don't scare easily...

[RhodeIsland]

Thank you Doc for your Kind Words and Prayers.
Semper Fi My Brother,
Rocky

[DocGreek]

PaidinBlood....bad sh!t started for me in the late 70's. Divorces, marriages, being fired for fist fights, unable to stop drinking......you get the idea. When it got to the point, that the V.A. put me in a rubber room, tied to a gurney, with an I.V., for nutrition, AND....THORAZINE, that was my start of trying to deal with P.T.S.D. Found out, last week, that the 200 Mg.'s, of Zoloft, I take, is screwing up my metabolism!! I'm putting on weight, because of "shrinking, little brain"!!!! My very best to you, Chris....don't give up! Please have your wife speak with your Doc, so that she is WELL INFORMED, and doesn't put a bullet in your head....when you act-out!!.....SEMPER FI, BRI'......Doc Greek

[PaidinBlood]

Ha. Ain't no Doc on this Earth could stop that lady once she knows what she wants! And she's got another one in the oven-help us all! Thanks, though and I have tried to give her a little heads up plus we have been able to talk about it. All of it. Even things I never thought I'd tell anyone who wasn't there. Has helped me much.

[FemaleDevilDawg]

But what if PTSD has lead to severe anxiety issues severe depression? Then what? Im dealing with all three and some days honestly I would like to put a bullet in my own head then deal with myself. Its freakin insane. I have seen realationship after relationship fail, job after job fail. I'm so freaking agressive. Someone comes up from behind me and I don't realize it I turn around and go to kill. I am honestly sometimes scared of myself. I deal with the VA and my therapist/shrink can be great at times. Other times its like they have heard the same stories so many times that they are bored with what I am saying and just pretending to listen. Very very frustrating

[DocGreek]

SGT.....YOU DESERVE BETTER!!!! When you visit your shrink, or therapy counselor, please tell THEM, what you told US! Did you receive a C.A.R.? CLICHE'......"What you're going through, is normal, for what you've been through!" Sounds "corny and silly", but it's true! TRY...group therapy.....with other similar, experienced Vets. I PROMISE YOU....YOU ARE NOT ALONE!....AND YOU'LL ALWAYS HAVE US!! P.M. me, anytime, I won't B.S. you!! For me, it's the ANGER.....drugs help, BUT....I'm SO HARD HEADED, makes being "calm", dam near impossible!! MY VERY BEST TO YOU!!.......SEMPER FI.....Doc Greek

[redman1]

Doc its O.K. to be a Grouch in old age, Hell I'm one but still I'm a good man that cares about others. Just rough around the edges.
I salute you Marines that have to deal with PTSD (Its REAL)
Had a zippo lighter in Nam that said (When I Die I'll Go To Heaven Cause I've Spent My Time In Hell) ITS REAL ALRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had it for years and never got help because I didn't want anyone to know so I drank and fought in bars every night and so on (wanting someone to hurt me)
Wanted to watch a Vietnam movie one night with my third wife and she was on the phone, I ask her to get off and watch it with me because I new I would get upset but needed to face reality to get better and needed someone to give me support. She didn't come in until much later and I was sitting there crying, SHE said Get over it, It was in the past.
I cussed her out and left and never went back
Later when not looking I met my Fourth wife who is my BEST FRIEND and Soul Mate,
I opened up to her and she listened and understood. I told her about things I never talked about before while crying.
She listened and hug me the whole time and still supports me and respects, loves, and looks up to me. She thanks me almost everyday for what I've done for my country.
I fought in bars every since I got back in the states and one day my two sons who were ten and fourteen years old ask me Dad Are You Ever Going To Grow UP, Wow That Hurt and made me think.
That was before I met my fourth wife who helped me but when talking to my wife I understood for the first time I was angry about making it back to the states alive and not being wounded. I didn't feel deserving to live because of all the good Marines that gave there lives. I would have given my life but it didn't happen.
I'm better now and have a good life but its been a hard struggle by myself
PLEASE Marines GET HELP IF NEEDED, We all are here to support each other also.
This is the BEST DAMN site I've ever seen.
My wife is glad I found it.
Kick ASS, Don;'t give up, and remember Once A Marine Always A Marine, Semper Fi Devil Dogs Redman1

[DocGreek]

RED....EXCELLENT POST!!! When I learned that there were sh!tloads of Vets, with the same experiences, and emotions, and the same type of life, I've had.......didn't heal me, but I know that I have BROTHERS, who suffer the same way. We're part of a VERY SPECIAL GROUP OF MEN, WHO SURVIVED, AND FEEL GUILTY, FOR IT! I say a prayer, for every Brother who has suffered so much, over the years. THAT'S WHAT....."ALWAYS FAITHFUL" MEANS!!!.....Doc Greek

[PaidinBlood]

Just be glad you all can't deploy any more- in between the booze, women, drugs, etc., many of us (just like Marines before us) are finding ways to hide from it all in the zones that started it. Imagine that-cowardice leading you to a war zone! Keep me in all your prayers, today or tomorrow I should find out if my orders came through or not.

[NoRemorse]

Just be glad you all can't deploy any more- in between the booze, women, drugs, etc., many of us (just like Marines before us) are finding ways to hide from it all in the zones that started it. Imagine that-cowardice leading you to a war zone! Keep me in all your prayers, today or tomorrow I should find out if my orders came through or not.

Semper Fi, Marine. We'll be pulling for you. :usmc:

[PaidinBlood]

Good bad or ugly at least it made sense over There...

[DocGreek]

Christopher.....my prayers are with you.....And your family!! "WE", will ALL be with you, if you have to go again! The FIRST C.A.R., I got.....I threw away....ANGRY S.O.B.....NOT MUCH HAS CHANGED!!! When I first requested my 201 File, and After Action Report's, "THEY"....sent me a box, with 14 Medals, and Ribbons in it!!! It's sitting on the top shelf of my bedroom closet. F*CK-IT!!!!.....MY BEST TO YOU, BRO!!!!......SEMPER FI....Doc Greek

[PaidinBlood]

I should know today or tomorrow, Doc, and I don't "have" to go-I VOLUNTEERED:D! SEMPER FI.....where we would we be without nutjobs such as myself... ?

http://tshirtreviews.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/nuts120gallery_normal.jpg

Get it? It's a nutjob!

[redman1]

There's been lots of time I wish I could deploy again
That's what we were trained for
Sometimes I think that's what was wrong when you come back home you feel like a fish out of water
I remember my first night home I couldn't sleep and then I realized that it was because it was too quiet.
Also being without a weapon I felt necked
Then while there they wouldn't let us get the job done and we couldn't do justice to our fallen Marines. I didn't deserve to make it back but I'm not GOD
So we adapt and move on because we are Marines and always will be
We all are a special breed and have learned to adapt to a new life. But we still remember and still could deploy except for our disabilities and even then we would imper-vise and get the job done.
They say we lost the war Bull **** look at Nam now!!
Not sure I would ever want to return but WE made a difference.
We need to always give these new Marines our support for the job there doing
Its a different war but its still war and Its HELL
Semper Fi Redman1

[PaidinBlood]

I have felt a lot of those things too. After the first trip I had a lot of guilt and missed the action and danger. One time I lit out for Arizona in the middle of the night because I just had to go somewhere. Got stopped along the way with a loaded pistol in the front seat and lucky this sheriff said he didn't like arresting Marines get the hell outta his town. After the second I just missed having purpose.
Semper Fi


Men, like nails, lose their usefulness when they lose their direction and begin to bend.

[redman1]

Blood, Like your quote
You are wise for your age
I didn't mature until six years ago
Semper Fi Redman1

[PaidinBlood]

Sure wish someone would tell my wife that! Thanks, though. My daddy made me tough (he tried anyway) and my mom tried to make me a thinker. That lady is like Socrates in a dress! She taught me that line when I was tiny, and only recently has it come back into my mind..

[DocGreek]

CHRIS.....doing what's right....FOR YOU, is your FIRST PRIORITY!! If you aren't happy....no one around you, will be happy!!! SHOW, AND TELL YOUR WIFE, AND FAMILY, HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM!!! Be cool, calm, and affirmative about EXACTLY what you want to do, with your life!!! One step, one day, at a time!!...."Lord, grant me the serenity, to accept the things, I can not change, the courage to change the things, I can, and the wisdom, to know the difference."......ALWAYS FAITHFUL, ALWAYS!!!.....Doc Greek

[usmchauer]

Some of us know we aren't the same, but don't feel like we "deserve" to be fvcked up.

My thoughts exactly! I kind of see it as a double-edged sword. At what point does your acceptance of suffering from PTSD become a cop out for bad behaviour? I suppose that determination is made by the one with the problem. Example: Vet who's verbally or physically abusive to his wife/kids, but blames "what he's been through" as an excuse? I'm not the example here, but I can see how it could be tempting to use PTSD as a scapegoat for any number of things.

[DocGreek]

MATT.....you're right!! I, and my friends, have been witness to posers, in group therapy sessions. When pressed, they fold up, like a cheap switch blade! SAD!! So much has been researched about cause and effect, of P.T.S.D., it's become a specialty, among Psychiatrists. Each patient must be treated for their particular severity of the symptoms, depending on things like, family socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds, basic intelligence, and life experiences, before going into combat. If you are an experienced clinician, you "should" be able to weed-out the posers. SYMPTOMS, SYMPTOMS, SYMPTOMS!!!!!! Personally....I have to hear the "whole story", before making ANY judgments. It takes time to get to the "core", of the patients symptoms. ALSO....a "counselor/shrink", SHOULD be a Veteran, or have at least 3 years of treatment experience. I've got 20........SEMPER FI.....Doc Greek

[PaidinBlood]

My thoughts exactly! I kind of see it as a double-edged sword. At what point does your acceptance of suffering from PTSD become a cop out for bad behaviour? I suppose that determination is made by the one with the problem. Example: Vet who's verbally or physically abusive to his wife/kids, but blames "what he's been through" as an excuse? I'm not the example here, but I can see how it could be tempting to use PTSD as a scapegoat for any number of things.


Thanks for the second, brother, but let me make sure everyone gets where I was going with that. :D

We live in the here and now and judge ourselves and our peers by one standard with all the resources available to us. These Marines (and that squid over there...:banana:) came home in a really different time when there was simply no such thing and have paid the price. I do find those who would exploit this and use it to be a huge fvcking discgrace and worthy of a firing squad. I have tried hard to never pass judgment on an individual but there is always "that guy" and for him all those who are truly suffering will pay over and over again. You know - that clown who saw a fast track to disability for the stress injury incurred after a year on the Depot. Because of the fakers and malingerers our brothers who need help will not seek or accept it.

Semper Fi from a former member of the Mysterious Order of the Darkhorse.
Still a proud member of the Fighting Fifth but not fighting so much these days. Hopefully some good news comes today. Still waiting.

[redman1]

That's why I never let anyone know that I had problems, hell most people didn't know I was ever in Nam until a few years ago
They are allot of those out there just using the system. I have diabetes type 2 and I know some that get disability because of linking it to Agent Orange, I have not tried but sometimes I wonder. I try to tell myself that I deserve it as much as anyone else, I did put my life on the line like everyone else.
Thank GOD for Marines like you guys and other on this site. Your what being a Proud Marine is all about.
I have trouble saying what I mean sometimes and I hope it comes out all right. I'm better in person or on the phone.
Doc, I'm glad you made it out the other side, I wouldn't make a pimple on your ass and I'm glad considering all the spicy food you eat.
Men like you are hard to find. Not thinking about themselves and putting others first.
Blood are you sure that your only 24?
Proud and honored to be one of you and part of this group
Semper Fi Always Redman1

[PaidinBlood]

I am no superhero-I just take one pill a day to help me get by. check it out and see ol DocG for a presciption! No side effects, no dependency, no copays, and there's plenty to go around!:D

http://www.outmac.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/fukitol.jpg

[redman1]

Your going a long way on this form
Enough praise Maggot, You got allot of years to put under your belt to be a pimple on our ass but your on your way
Thanks for the jokes
Semper Fi Redman1

[PaidinBlood]

Anytime! Just keeping the faith and carrying the torch as it was passed to me. Semper Fi from the trenches and (God willing) from points forward before too long! Just re read what you said about being a zit on the ol Doc's as$ and I about had to buy a new keyboard! Don't know how I missed that one..

[redman1]

That would be a nightmare!! Wonder what he is going to say?
Semper Fi Redman1

[PaidinBlood]

Whatever it is I know it will be loud!

[redman1]

All of you can private E-mail me at kabusd@charter.net Sempe Fi Redman1

[DocGreek]

OKAY...NUMBNUTS!! I'm gonna' POP that zit, tonight and see what or who flies OUT!! I've got sox, and skivvies, older than YOU!! MAYBE....SOME CONDOMS, TOO!!! ME.....and all the other "old fart's", on this site, want you "virgins", to know that "WE", ALL SUPPORT YOUR TOUR, WITH THE CORPS!!!!! Pick on us....we love it, and miss it!!! HEY, YOU SH!THEADS, talked to an older Doc, a physician, now a 58 year old Plastic Surgeon. He said that he would fix FOUR of my RVN scars, FOR FREE!!! He WAS a Corpsman, with 2nd Mar. Div., in 66/67!!!!! E-mailed me some scary pic's, of night time firefight, and a chopper, spraying his Gattling Gun, right in front of his Company!!!!! I've seen "Puff", work at least 2 clicks....up and down.....up and down.....HOLY CRAP!!!! Might just take him up on his "FREE" offer!!! Some of you "newbies", are SO ugly....maybe I can get you "pimples", a good deal!!!.....SEMPER FI.....Doc Greek

[PaidinBlood]

OKAY...NUMBNUTS!! I'm gonna' POP that zit, tonight and see what or who flies OUT!! I've got sox, and skivvies, older than YOU!! MAYBE....SOME CONDOMS, TOO!!! ME.....and all the other "old fart's", on this site, want you "virgins", to know that "WE", ALL SUPPORT YOUR TOUR, WITH THE CORPS!!!!! Pick on us....we love it, and miss it!!! HEY, YOU SH!THEADS, talked to an older Doc, a physician, now a 58 year old Plastic Surgeon. He said that he would fix FOUR of my RVN scars, FOR FREE!!! He WAS a Corpsman, with 2nd Mar. Div., in 66/67!!!!! E-mailed me some scary pic's, of night time firefight, and a chopper, spraying his Gattling Gun, right in front of his Company!!!!! I've seen "Puff", work at least 2 clicks....up and down.....up and down.....HOLY CRAP!!!! Might just take him up on his "FREE" offer!!! Some of you "newbies", are SO ugly....maybe I can get you "pimples", a good deal!!!.....SEMPER FI.....Doc Greek


There he is! :thumbup:

[redman1]

Doc, You better check the clicks, with all that windage down there you better double check and recheck.
You didn't let us down.
Semper Fi Redman1

[DocGreek]

RED....What the HE** do I know, I thought a "click" was 1000yds.!! ALL I know, is that it scared the crap, out of ALL of us!!!!.....Doc, blondie, Greek

[redman1]

All I know is that you never let us down.
Couldn't wait for your reply and then when Blood said here he is it made my night
I started it with the pimple on your ass and you finished it in Marine style
Us old farts have to stick together and you have brought back memories
But I have to say that Blood if he makes it as long as us will fit right in.
Have a good night and Semper Fi Redman1

[oldtop]

Redman ! get yourself to a Veteran Service Officer and file a claim for service connection for that Diabetes Type II. It is a presumed condition if you set foot in Vietnam. That means that service connection for it is automatic. Even if you do not want the money for service connection, you will get the medications needed to control it free from the VA. The real problem with this disease is the secondary conditions it causes, like hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinapathy. Diabetes is a really nasty disease, it can caues you to go blind, loose all feeling in arms, hands, legs and feet, and stroke. At the lease, do it for the sake of your family.

Semper Fi

[DocGreek]

TOP....Thank you for your info.!! I've got Diabetes, TypeII, also, but because I'm already 100%, P & T, I'm not filing a claim on it. You're right....the med's worked for me. Down from 285/300, to 160/180, MUCH BETTER!!......RED....Top's right, gotta' "get with the program"!!.....SEMPER FI.....Doc Greek

[Zulu 36]

Redman ! get yourself to a Veteran Service Officer and file a claim for service connection for that Diabetes Type II. It is a presumed condition if you set foot in Vietnam. That means that service connection for it is automatic. Even if you do not want the money for service connection, you will get the medications needed to control it free from the VA. The real problem with this disease is the secondary conditions it causes, like hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinapathy. Diabetes is a really nasty disease, it can caues you to go blind, loose all feeling in arms, hands, legs and feet, and stroke. At the lease, do it for the sake of your family.

Semper Fi


Quite right, OldTop. I just went through the Agent Orange screening at the VA. Fortunately, while I do have PTSD, all of my health numbers are so close to normal it's almost un-American at my age. No sign of Type II diabetes, which is perfectly fine with me. Just plain old arthritis in a few spots.

The screener pointed out that Type II is indeed automatically considered to be service connected if you ever stepped foot in Vietnam. They just assume it is caused by Agent Orange regardless of your actual exposure level.

Get that diabetes under control now and do it for cheap at the VA. Make the claim. Diabetics are a pain in the butt for medical people to work with because the disease affects so many bodily systems. Get it under control and any other medical problems you might come up with will be easier to treat.

[390 Mach I]

My situation was not of the "I didn't want to admit it" type.
My situation was rather more like "I didn't realize I had it until..."

When I seperated out of the Corps after "Just Cause"... I was angry.
Always... angry.
I was inconsolable. I was near to being an alcoholic. I was furious and I was not the person I know I am... or was, or could/should be.
I would not admit that(to myself) though.
I had a hair trigger.
I was on edge and very, very unstable, even though I didn't recognize that at the time.
All of my personal relationships suffered.
I lost alot.
I deserved to lose what I lost.

It was not until years and years later, after succumbing to, and defeating depression(without drugs) that I realized that the instigator of my 'downward spiral' was PTSD.

I had/have never been diagnosed officially.
I never sought help.
I dealt with it on my own and through some serious self-examination I eventually came to that realization.
Once I understood and admitted to myself that what I was experiencing what was a form of PTSD, I found it a way to right myself.

It takes hard work, lots of honest, serious self-examination and the ability to tell yourself that you: ARE HUMAN.


:flag:

Bless all of you and do what you have to do in order to get your head straight if you suffer from PTSD.

It is serious. It is overlooked.
It can be overcome.

[redman1]

I've been having a problem betting my DD214. I've sent off for it on the web site and they lost my signature copy that I faxed over and now I have to start all over. My meds which we have always got through my wifes insurance has gone up so much I guess I need to go to the VA and try to bet the meds I take. It really ****es me off that just because they lost my signature page they **** canned the other paper work. Somebody told me that it takes about one year to get any benefits started. I think somethimes that they hope you die first.
Thanks for the info and all you brother that care. I'm going to the VA next week and try to get my other meds free. I'm filling out the paper work this weekend and try again for my DD214. After three wives I can't imagine where it got to. Have my discharge and some other papers but no DD214.
Semper Fi Redman1

[DocGreek]

GOLLY GEE!!!! WHERE, have I heard that before?? BUD....almost a year, since I filed for a DD215!! What's their problem?? They SAY....MANPOWER...BUT, aren't they on computer's?? Just another way to deny us our rightful benefits!! BEST OF LUCK!!.....DOC

[RhodeIsland]

I've been having a problem betting my DD214. I've sent off for it on the web site and they lost my signature copy that I faxed over and now I have to start all over. My meds which we have always got through my wifes insurance has gone up so much I guess I need to go to the VA and try to bet the meds I take. It really ****es me off that just because they lost my signature page they **** canned the other paper work. Somebody told me that it takes about one year to get any benefits started. I think somethimes that they hope you die first.
Thanks for the info and all you brother that care. I'm going to the VA next week and try to get my other meds free. I'm filling out the paper work this weekend and try again for my DD214. After three wives I can't imagine where it got to. Have my discharge and some other papers but no DD214.
Semper Fi Redman1

Morning Buddy,
I did the same thing at www.archives.gov (http://www.archives.gov) and after waiting and waiting I finally called the V.A. Regional Office in my State and talked to the National Service Officer there and had my DD 214 in 4 Days.
Hope that helps.
Semper Fi,

Rocky

[redman1]

Thanks Rocky, I call Winston and they told me they couldn't help me. I really don't understand why we get the run around. If it takes one year to get benefits after you apply and I've e already used up six months trying to get my DD214. See why I need to go to the VA and get my drugs but I"m sure I'll get the same ****. Hurry up and wait. I'm sure some of you have had good luck which I hope so but this **** stinks. Another thing that ****es me off is that I saw on the news that a couple was awarded three or four million dollars for the wrongful death of there kid. I don't know of any Marine family getting much help. The price they put on our lives makes me sick. Well that's enough griping, I got off on the wrong track but sometimes I get overwhelmed. Thanks for all your help. I'll keep on trying if I don't die first. Another thing before I go I think they know when were in pain we don't think or act like we would if not in pain. Semper Fi Buddy

[RhodeIsland]

I know, it sucks my brother but it's worth the trouble. I've been enrolled in the V.A. healthcare system for over 25 years and I get the best healthcare. You have to get this done asap. You are entitled to it, you've earned it and you deserve it. Less than 50% SC you have to make a copay on RX'S, I think it's $8.00 per, at 50% SC, it's free. I am 100% SC so everything is free, RX'S, operations, medical supplies, eye glasses, dental, etc, etc, I wish I could help you more but with my PTSD most days I can't help myself. You can call your Congressman for your district for help but WTF, you know how that SH*T goes, next he'll be looking for a campaign donation.

[DocGreek]

BUDDY....I waited 8 months for a copy of my DD215, in 1997. I got so pizzed-off, that I found out WHO my Congressman was and called his office. I told his secretary the EXACT story. NO B.S.! She verified my address, and told me to expect a letter, from the Congressman, in a few days. 3 days later, I got a letter, hand signed, saying for me NOT to worry....he'd take care of it...ASAP!! I had asked for my 201 File, After Action Reports, and any Medical History, with my DD215. THREE WEEKS LATER......FEDEX, delivered a package, about 2 in. thick, to my door!!! There's more to this story, but it concerns some MISSING pages, in my 201 file, my After Action Reports, AND my dam Medical file!!....ALMOST A MONTH OF DETAILS!!!....BUDDY.....ONE DAY, ONE HOUR...AT A TIME!!! DO NOT GIVE UP!!!....THAT'S WHAT "THEY" WANT!!!.....Best to you and Ethel May.....DOC

[Kegler300]

If you're a DoD contractor or federal civil service employee who is applying for a job that requires a security clearance, they have modified the questionnaire to remove the requirement for reporting psychological therapy or counseling due to PTSD. We all have PTSD in some form.