In-patient care for PTSD

[SSgt Ramsey]

Hey...I'm sure some of you have been down this road before....I'm kind of freaked out a bit to say the least....

OK...I've already been through the first PTSP series of classes in Johnson City, TN, and now enrolled in the first series of the "coping skills" portion of the program which is a small, group setting.

My Psychiatrist has mentioned/recommended me attending a 6-week in-patient stay here in Virginia in Salem....I guess my scores on the tests I took were very high....I remember taking the computerized questions with the various answers etc. and I believe there were three of them....

I had a "de-brief" with a PhD who explained a bit of the tests to me, my scores, and basically what they meant....but I can't remember exactly the scores except one which was like a 144 out of 160 or 170 or something like that....

I'm on both anti-depressants and anxiety meds...including Xanax and some others that I can't think of off the top of my head.....

I've been OK somewhat lately, the house has kept me busy and something I can try to focus on....mow the lawn, weed-eat, re-treat my deck etc. for something to do....it's like I can't multi-task anymore and I get frustrated very easily...

Exampe: This last couple of weeks...I wanted to pressure-wash my house as it hasn't been done for a while....I went absolutely nuts when the weather didn't cooperate with me....just ballistic...angry, depressed, disgusted....then finally got it finished and felt better.

A few days ago, I wanted to re-do my deck to seal it and get it looking nice again as it's been neglected....I got up early, and dove into it head-first...really into it....then, the weather turned on me in the late afternoon after working on it for about 5 hrs and all I had done was ruined....again, just positively ****ed, disgusted, disappointed.....sounds dumb but it just crushed me.....

It's like I'm OK for a while, then I kinda lose myself....I alienate myself from everybody, or try to....and avoid people as much as possible as I don't really know if I could stop myself from seriously hurting somebody if they **** me off or I perceive a threat to myself....it scares me and my mood swings are quick, severe, and almost uncontrollable....

For those that have undergone the in-patient care, what can I expect??

Thanks....

[DocGreek]

OH!...you're in for a treat! You're going to meet some interesting personalities. Be prepared for extremes. Posers, who hope to get 100% for PTSD with no proof of the stressors causing their emotional problems. To the other extent, 60 year old men who really can't function in our society without strong med's, and almost daily counseling. THEN....Psychiatrists, and Psychologists who have NO idea what combat is, or what it's like to be in an auto wreck....EVERY DAM DAY AND NIGHT! Group meetings that make NO sense at all.....sometimes twice...daily. Angry outbursts get you put in "lockdown" for a couple of days, and you're given stronger med's to keep you calm and non-combative. You find your past coming back to make your stay miserable.....NOT just your Corps experience, but you'll find yourself reviewing all of the screw-ups in your life. "Did my PTSD make me do those things?" "Just what part of my screwed up life can I blame on PTSD symptoms?" These type of thoughts continue until you break down, and beg for help. Sounds like FUN...doesn't it?? ALL it did for me was to give me a larger perspective of our very serious problem.

You have all my support and prayers for a peaceful experience...I'll be there...with you.....ALWAYS FAITHFUL....Doc Greek

[SSgt Ramsey]

A sincere thank you John....at least you speak the truth.

My next "class" is on Aug 13th and I'll find out then when I'm supposed to go to Salem for 6-weeks of "fun".

I was talking to a Vietnam Vet and he said I get to come home for one-weekend during the program...which would be cool....see the wife, kid, and my dogs then head back to the VA Hospital.

[DocGreek]

SSGT....I promise that you'll learn a lot. Not just about yourself, but how the V.A. "views" PTSD, and how they handle problems. Please try to see this experience as a learning/teaching event. I hope you find some really positive lessons to use in your everyday life. My thoughts, and prayers are with you....Doc Greek

[Phantom Blooper]

I was in an inpatient program for 11 weeks in 2002 in Salisbury,NC.

The program was good and allot of great information. The counselors,therapists and docs put it out there for us and it was a matter of pick and choose.

It did help me allot to see things in a different light....although there is no cure for PTSD they did bring good coping skills to the forefront.

I only now do "What is Necessary" and don't worry about tomorrow.

I still have my aggressions,intrusive thoughts, isolation...and vigilance. But it does get better.....not cured but better.

Sometimes I still want to kill some dipshiats....but I learned to do on what is necessary to stay in my circle and balanced comfort zone.

It may sound harsh...but one must pick and choose and the hell with everything and everyone else until you are back in the world.

Good luck!

Semper-Fi!:evilgrin:

[SSgt Ramsey]

Thanks Marine's.....the info has eased my mind a bit, although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit apprehensive at the "unknown" of the program....but at the least if I walk away with a few helpful "truth's" it will be worth it in the long run....

The group I'm in now is mostly Vietnam era Veteran's with very few of us "younger" guys....and one female in my group....talking and listening to them has helped me feel that I am not alone, and that although sometimes I feel like I'm completely coming apart at the seams, others feel basically the same way as I do....if they're honest with themselves anyway....

[Phantom Blooper]

Personally the only problem I faced with the program is they took the keys to my vehicle,wouldn't let me use my cell phone except on weekends and limited my computer access.

Other than that it was fine.

All of my group was Vietnam and WW II and two of the Nam vets were also the 1st Gulf war....it was diverse with allot of different perspectives and insight.

Made allot of good friends whom I still keep in contact with..... at least a card a Christmas.

They changed that program from 11 to 8 and now to 6 weeks also since my time.

In hindsight I could have probally done six weeks because of some of extra curricular stuff that was of no real importance...except trying to enhance socialization skills.

But it all worked out and speaking for myself I am glad I went.

I went through a set back and they wanted me come in for a "tune up" but I declined and bought me a 35' RV instead and named it "My Therapy".

Again good luck and like we tell the future Marines here its what you make of it in my opine.

Of all the VA programs I believe this to be one of the best that I have seen and again my opine...money for the program was well spent and allot of servicemen and women from each branch was helped tremendously.

:evilgrin:

[Riven37]

Now you know you cannot control anything but yourself right...SO WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF ...What scares you about in-patient care for PTSD ... I can't help but feel something isn't being said here.

I remember when I went through our Combat Stress Unit for 32 days, and I didn't know what to expect. My first group, was with mostly Marines a lot of 2/5, 3/5, 1/1 and a few others I don't remember. I do remember this one guy, he was on my Hill, and he knew my one buddy, and this guy went off in group to the point of fist fighting, yep he went off on me. Scary stuff on my first time in. He went AMA, I also went AMA about a few days before the end of the program, and I will tell you the program didn't help me one bit. A year later, I went back into the same program and it seem to help, there ways a good mixture this time around. I will never do it again, twice was enough if God wants me to live as a trip wire vet so be it. Besides, the VA in my town has cut my ties altogether as they told me 4 years ago there was nothing more they can do for me with my PTSD, they now cover only my medical issues.

I think, if Nam vets find a few good guys they feel comfortable with, and don't fight with they should buy a cabin and meet once a month at the cabin for how long they need to be there, it may just help more than the VA can help us...Remember, without us being messed up they are out of work get it.

Hey...I'm sure some of you have been down this road before....I'm kind of freaked out a bit to say the least....

OK...I've already been through the first PTSP series of classes in Johnson City, TN, and now enrolled in the first series of the "coping skills" portion of the program which is a small, group setting.

My Psychiatrist has mentioned/recommended me attending a 6-week in-patient stay here in Virginia in Salem....I guess my scores on the tests I took were very high....I remember taking the computerized questions with the various answers etc. and I believe there were three of them....

I had a "de-brief" with a PhD who explained a bit of the tests to me, my scores, and basically what they meant....but I can't remember exactly the scores except one which was like a 144 out of 160 or 170 or something like that....

I'm on both anti-depressants and anxiety meds...including Xanax and some others that I can't think of off the top of my head.....

I've been OK somewhat lately, the house has kept me busy and something I can try to focus on....mow the lawn, weed-eat, re-treat my deck etc. for something to do....it's like I can't multi-task anymore and I get frustrated very easily...

Exampe: This last couple of weeks...I wanted to pressure-wash my house as it hasn't been done for a while....I went absolutely nuts when the weather didn't cooperate with me....just ballistic...angry, depressed, disgusted....then finally got it finished and felt better.

A few days ago, I wanted to re-do my deck to seal it and get it looking nice again as it's been neglected....I got up early, and dove into it head-first...really into it....then, the weather turned on me in the late afternoon after working on it for about 5 hrs and all I had done was ruined....again, just positively ****ed, disgusted, disappointed.....sounds dumb but it just crushed me.....

It's like I'm OK for a while, then I kinda lose myself....I alienate myself from everybody, or try to....and avoid people as much as possible as I don't really know if I could stop myself from seriously hurting somebody if they **** me off or I perceive a threat to myself....it scares me and my mood swings are quick, severe, and almost uncontrollable....

For those that have undergone the in-patient care, what can I expect??

Thanks....

[FistFu68]

:evilgrin: Behind that Cabin build a Boxing Ring,put the Gloves on @ Beat the Fuc outta each other.Getting @ Giving a good thumping is Sum of the Best Medicine ever Devised. :evilgrin: :iwo:

[Riven37]

Huh, what, you gotta be kidding me...you rather fight.


:evilgrin: Behind that Cabin build a Boxing Ring,put the Gloves on @ Beat the Fuc outta each other.Getting @ Giving a good thumping is Sum of the Best Medicine ever Devised. :evilgrin: :iwo:

[FistFu68]

:evilgrin: Your tha 1 P**ssing @ Moaning about aggression problems put sum boxing gloves on that will cure Your ass of that Chit,:beer: :iwo:

[Bulkyker]

.

[DocGreek]

ROBERT....nothing showed up on your post!!.....are you OK??....DOC

[SSgt Ramsey]

Hey Doc:

I got the e-mail reply to the thread with a inbedded YouTube video but it didn't show up in the post or it was edited by a mod/admin are the only things I can think of....considering our history, I'm guessing that it's not positive from the good Sergeant towards me....which is fine....

I tried to view the video from what I got for a link but either it's incomplete, or since I'm on dialup, I can't view it or download it I'm thinking....I dunno..... I'm kinda curious myself.

[Bulkyker]

I tried to embed a pretty good youtube video and it didn't work. It just came up with html code so I attempted to delete my post. Wouldn't allow me to do that so I just edited it out and put a dot. No worries ... nothing negative.

[RhodeIsland]

Sam,
All these months have gone by already. Did the VA scheduale you for your C&P Exam yet?
Semper Fi,
Rocky

[SSgt Ramsey]

Rocky:

I haven't undergone a full exam yet to my knowledge....but here's where I'm confused....my Psychologist has made the comment several times "100% disabled on this alone" and that I'm "unemployable"....

VA Benefits is still saying "you can't possibly have PTSD, as you don't have the CAR and aren't a Combat Vet".....

I'm about 3 weeks away from having my CAR submitted for me from my former Platoon Commander from the Nassau who's now a Reserve LtCol, and I've gotten statements from my former boss who I worked with on the flight deck who retired as a MSgt verifying everything for submission.

I'll get the CAR awarded....then the VA won't have a choice, what frustrates me is that no Vet should have to go through this....it's the ultimate in having a back turned on you and then kicked in the ass.

I've also been following the progress of HR 952 the 2009 Combat PTSD Act....that should eliminate this crap and level the field a bit.

[RhodeIsland]

WOW!!! That too bad Sam. It's been a long time since you first posted on this and alot here have givin you advice so I just thought I would ask. It s*cks when I hear a Veteran who is suffering not getting the Treatment or Compensation they deserve but I really don't know what the problem is here. You have a diagnosis from your Doctor, you wrote your in Service stressor letters to the VA Regional office and have not been schedualed for a C&P exam.
Keep fighting Sam and take care of your Mental Health.
I'll keep up on the Thread in case I can offer any advice.
Semper Fi,
Rocky

[Phantom Blooper]

I may be remiss here...but I was under the impression to even get into the VA system for health care one needed to have a C&P exam and proceed from there.

Usually this is scheduled at the VARO in the state living.

Again I may be wrong.....but this is to find service connection and non service connection based on military service.:evilgrin:

[SSgt Ramsey]

Thanks Rocky...

VA Medical has been great with me....both the head of the PTSP Program and my Psychologist have written to the Roanoke RO regarding me, my diagnosis, and lack of compensation in lieu of the facts....

The VA makes it so very difficult to obtain benefits using criteria which hasn't been updated since post-WWII era guidelines and their intrepretation of the manual is laughable at best....just insane....

It's been difficult finding Marine's I served with from 12 years ago to say the least to corroborate my experiences and history during Silver Wake....the LtCol has his documents, my statements, and those from the Nassau's Flight Deck NCOIC to include, and the 26th MEU Adjutant is also in the loop with their imput for me....but it's a very long and frustrating process.

Enraged does not even begin to describe my feelings towards the benefit's side of the house....especially in lieu of the information, awards, and documentation on my DD-214 listing Sliver Wake as a Combat Tour and (amongst others), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Silver Wake (campaign award).

I'll "win" and get some back pay, but it's not right how they can do this and screw over Veteran's.............I'm not asking for a handout, just owed compensation from my service...that doesn't seem like a unreasonable or unjust request on my part.

[DocGreek]

SSGT.....do you have a copy of your 201 file??....OR...copies of After Action Reports?? These ARE available. Start a fire under who-ever is your "sponsor"!!! Worked for me!

[SGTMunson]

A National Service Officer (NSO) from any chartered Veterans organization could help any of you with these.

I'm a life member of both the DAV and PVA. A local chapter would be glad to help. Might be worth stopping by or giving them a call. That's what they do. If you are entitled, or are unsure if you are entitled to a benefit, they will find out and obtain it one way or another.

-Mark (S/F)

[SSgt Ramsey]

Thanks...I think the quickest way to ultimately win my compensation side of the house is to get the CAR entered into my records and send a copy to the RO in Roanoke....then, the burden is off me and it should be relatively easy to go from there.

26th MEU is providing After Action Reports from Silver Wake to the LtCol for supporting documentation, along with his endorsement and from the NCOIC of the flight deck for me.

It just sucks...since I'm only at 20% VA disability, my meds aren't free, and I don't get compensated for travel to and from the VA and it's 1.5 hrs each way at least. Since I'm PDRL, I dont' rate concurrent receipt yet so I'm essentially paying for my own disability compensation every month...and to top it off, the VA wont write me out a prescription for my meds to use in town as a retiree....I'm getting screwed all around.

I also don't know if I'll be eligible for CRSC when I get PTSD included in my compensation from HQMC....still trying to figure that out....but I don't know what being in the PDRL will mean for me in that regard...