Corpsman8404

Agreed Gastone, I truly don't think PTSD can be "cured". Semper Fi. See, I keep seeing conflicting statements here (and on another forum) about IU, and such. Can you or someone CONFIRM that I can GET IU if I am on short term disability? I keep seeing different opinions on this. I would love to go ahead and put in for IU now, but some say you CAN'T while "working"/on Short Term Disability, and now you are saying I CAN??? Anybody have a definitive answer on this?

Thanks for info, Vync, Yes, I have trouble sleeping and have my sleep test on the 21st. Neck pain, check. Grinding teeth/bruxism, check. TMJ, check. Headaches, check. Dr wrote approval for Short Term Disability until the beginning of February, and extended if needed after that. Met with her this AM.Starting tomorrow, I will be on STD, and can try and get some much needed help. I cannot describe how relieved I am at the moment. I know this isn't IU, but it is a path for me to get to go to PTSD treatments, finish exams that are needed for TMJ/Headaches/Etc, and will literally allow me to function at "living" for a bit, to get my anxiety down, and focus on getting myself straight. I cannot function at work, and I will continue fighting to get to somewhere near "normal" again, if that's even possible.If it leads to IU eventually, so be it, that would be my goal, but right now I am grateful for this chance to BREATHE....

Thanks, Tbird. Spoke with Psychiatrist today, and she was helpful but pretty much stated in a round about way that she wasn't the one that could make that determination about quitting work, et cetera. She does want me in the PTSD classes, but those are during the daytime. I want to be in those, too. Hence, right back to square one of having to miss work, and the stress of being fired any day now. Get fired....apply for IU // Get short term disability...apply for IU. Decisions. We spoke about finding someone in my HR Dept at work that could be discreet and find more info from them. She is understanding, and helpful but I don't know how far a "VA DR" is willing to go. She added Welbutrin to my Lexapro, and asked about my headaches and documented that for me which may help with HA exam eventually. She is a "Pharm" Psychiatrist, and also pretty much told me months ago that Sleep Apnea isn't tied to PTSD.... So I don't know how helpful she will be on some things. She mentioned talking to my VSO about the short term and IU, and I went there after my exam with her, but of course I have to setup an appt to speak with them. I guess tomorrow I will go into work, and speak with an HR rep.....and open up a can of worms. ANY more advice is helpful, thanks guys.

Vync, Thank's for the info. I appreciate it. I am wanting to completely cease being in a work environment. I will know more when I speak to my Dr today. My VSO had mentioned applying for IU awhile back, too. I just cannot do this anymore. I have ST (60 percent) and LT available to me, and I personally feel I "should" be able to use it, since I paid for it. We all know how that goes with Corporations/Insurance, though...

Need some advice. As the title states, today is pretty important to me. A major decision, today. I have an appt @1500 with my Psychiatrist, and I'm going to bring up Short Term Disability questions. She mentioned it months ago for me since I had to work around timelines at work. I stated then that I wasn't sure if I wanted work to "know" about my PTSD, et cetera. Now, I am at that point (waaay past that point) of getting no work done, being written up, and basically close to being let go. I cannot concentrate, I feel like a zombie, and my PTSD symptoms are worsening. I am going to ask her today what her thoughts are on this. I cannot work any more, keep missing days, et cetera. I need to insure that she is going to back me up on this, basically. I make good money (over 80k) but I cannot continue to do this, anymore. 1) I have short term and long term disability coverage, at work. I'm not sure how to go about this, other than what the "document" says, "notify supervisor, then notify insurance company". 2) My goal, is to get short term, not have to deal with the stress/anxiety of work, be able to go to PTSD meetings and appointments, and then transition to IU. Have others done this? CAN I apply for IU if I am on short term disability? I have put this decision off for so long. Since we share much with each other here, I am sure it is because I am embarrassed, and how others at work will think of me, after this. I may/may not be let go if I apply, but I DO know I cannot keep doing nothing at work and keep my job.

USMC_VET, I too am looking at using Dr. Bash to try and possibly get things secondary to PTSD (like Sleep Apnea discussion in a thread of mine). The problem is, I have now emailed him twice in the last 3 1/2 weeks, and no reply. Anyone else having an issue in getting in touch with him?

Thank's for that, Talon. From what I am hearing as I'm looking into this, the lab sleep test has people laying on their backs for the test.(Supine) During my "home" setup test, I slept on my stomach and had to adjust the gear off to the side quite a bit (stomach sleeper). I don't know if that affected that home test or not. I can say that whenever I attempt to sleep on my BACK, I consistently seem to wake myself up (either by snoring or breathing issues, I don't know, of course, because I'm asleep.)

Awesome, I can't wait to get all that additional info in the facility sleep test.

Andyman73--Oh yes, EXTREME wear and tear on teeth/bruxism. I have loud cracking every once in awhile of left side of jaw as well (TMJ joint). It actually feels better when I can get it to "snap" if I have had pain in the jaw all day. When I move my bottom teeth/jaw to the right my jaw shakes spasms like it's weak or something? Wake up with headaches, jaw pain. USMC_VET--I believe you had stated you were also trying to secondary your SA to PTSD, correct? Let me know how that goes. I am trying to find the best avenue to do that, as well. Thanks everyone for the good info, I'm hopeful the overnight lab test in December that I have scheduled will provide a clearer picture. Either way, I'm tired of feeling like crap during the day for years now, and napping at lunch every day.

Buck52--Yeah, not sure about the amount of times of a home study, but they scheduled me for a "lab/overnight stay" on 21Dec15. We shall see. Andyman73--Thanks for the info. I'm hoping that the Lab/overnight stay test shows more data, which will give a clearer picture like you received. My GF states I snore excessively loud and we sleep in separate rooms now, which sucks, and I gasp for air and have alot of sleepiness during the day and take naps at lunch, et cetera. Semper Fi!

Good morning!So I had a sleep test done on 27Oct15. I asked for the results of the test yesterday in "secure messaging" on myhealthevet. I get the reply that I need to come in for the overnight test there, with all the hookups. (I have heard from others that the "at home" test is pretty much inconclusive alot).In my results below of the "at home" test, can anyone clarify things? (bolded part is mine)Unattended portable sleep recording was conducted 10/27/15 16:00. The study was performed with airflow, resp belts x2, position sensor, snore microphone, actigraphy, and pulse oximetry. This HST was requested in further assessment of symptoms of snoring, witnessed apneas, and excessive daytime somnolence.Respiratory rate is typically 12 - 14/min Pulse data shows ~ 58 bpm total and 71 bpm supine.Baseline SpO2: ~94.1%Time in bed: 7 hrs 41 min.AHI: 2.2 overall, 0 supine (% 1.7 of time supine)Minimum SpO2: 88%IMPRESSION: This study does not meet criteria for a dx of sleep disordered breathing. However, events which were recorded were primarily central events. The few obstructive upper respiratory events were not positional.RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) In further assessment, recommend an overnight diagnostic sleep study within 2 weeks. So, after doing a little research, I see that there are 3 types of sleep apnea:*Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when a patient’s upper airway closes (either partially or fully) but efforts to breathe continue.The primary causes of upper airway obstruction are: lack of muscle tone during sleepexcess tissue in the upper airwaythe structure of the upper airway and jawOSA is the most common form of sleep apnea, affecting more than three in ten men and nearly one in five women.*Central sleep apnea (CSA)CSA occurs when the patient’s airway is open, but respiratory effort ceases due to a decrease in his or her ventilatory drive. It is a =18.7pxcentral nervous system disorder.CSA can be caused by heart failure, or disease or injury involving the brain, such as: strokebrain tumorviral brain infectionchronic respiratory diseasePatients with CSA don’t often snore, so the condition sometimes goes unnoticed.Mixed sleep apnea*Mixed sleep apnea occurs when the patient shows signs of both OSA (where the airway is obstructed) and CSA (where no effort is made to breathe).In seeing the above from my workup, it "states" I have more of a "primary central events", yet the definition of CSA says don't often snore. Oh...I snore, trust me! lol. So what does this all mean? Is CSA more apt to be dangerous? More apt to compensation? Et cetera? Sorry for such a long post, and I'm sure better results will come from the full on/in house testing at the facility.

Sad news. Prayers to Lucy!

Congrats USMC_VET!

Fantastic news. Congrats bluevet! Thank you for your service.

Thanks Navy04, for the advice. Congrats on your award to 100, and thank you for your service. USMC_VET - Sounds good, I'll see what the sleep study, TMJ, headache consult says, and then add in IME/IMO's. Yeah, I was awarded tinnitus but denied the hearing loss. I was with 81mm mortars and part of a Helo/FAST rope team with constant noise. (2nd Mar Div. 2/2 and 3/2) I swear most people can hear the tiniest things in a quite room with headphones on, but when in everyday life people aren't heard as well. Vync - Thanks, I'll look into getting the PCP added that way.

More great info, Devil Dog! I looked in "secure messaging" and my PCP is not in there YET to send a message to (I meet with him for the first time on Oct 5th). I have a big question for you, or staff, or anyone (Even Dr. Bash if you're on!) I have been considering using Dr. Bash to get things steamrolled the first time. Should I contact him NOW, or wait until I have the sleep study, and the consult for headaches, TMJ, GERD done???? Here is what I WANT at a minimum, to get to 95 = 100. (*'s are what I have now) **PTSD 70% (want increase from 50) Sleep apnea 50% (new) Headaches 20% (new) **Shoulder 20% **Knee 10% **Tinnitus 10% **TMJ 10% GERD 10% (new)

Vync, Will definitely look at a white noise machine for work. I sleep with a loud fan at home, so that helps. Going to bring up the GERD and Bruxism as well. (Can't get sc'd for Bruxism, but from what I've read it's a symptom of PTSD stress et cetera. I def have it, and my dentist has mentioned it in appointments).

Thanks USMC_VET, I too stopped drinking in 2013, after yeaaaaaars of pushing everything aside with the use of a bottle. Once I did, things became clearer, but it also had the effect of reality creeping back in even harder. Appreciate the info on the logs, and I am going to continue that. I did start my Sleep Apnea, Headaches, TMJ submission on the 14th, and after I meet my PCP and have my Sleep Study done at the end of Oct, I will "submit". (One more thing, if I may. When I meet my PCP on Oct 5th, should I ask for a consult/referrals for HEADACHES, and TMJ?) I have been looking at some of your info, and will definitely download your material for good use! Thank you for doing that work on the side. Semper Fi!

Thanks for that, bronco. I believe I can make a case for headaches, secondary to anxiety/PTSD condition. I am working now, but I have extreme concentration issues, and it is affecting my work. I don't like crowds, and "people" bother me, if that makes sense. Over the years I have become recluse and distant. Withdrawn, so to speak. Nice to others, but not involved... As for mad at work, yes. I tend to keep my thoughts to myself about issues at work, and not outwardly show them, but work is difficult and I sleep during lunch from tiredness et cetera. I will include any issues in my Headache log pertaining to work missed, and/or appointments.

Thanks for the reply, Vync. I use a bite guard now from Walgreen's. (Drug store like Rite Aid). I do not have an injury for my TMJ, but I have severe popping like when I yawn it cracks and hurts, and is very audible. When I do that, it hurts, then there is "relief" if that makes sense? Constant ache at ear level/TMJ joint. I have seen where TMJ has been shown secondary from PTSD in cases, which I assume I can apply? Also the stress headaches, as well. I have started a headache log, and a PTSD/"crap that pissed me off" log today, on myhealthevet site, as per USMC_VET's advice. I do have chronic heartburn, and I appreciate that advice on that! Makes sense to look into a GERD claim. Thank you.

Vync- Thanks for the info, I will surely look through this site and the net for DBQ info, et cetera. Devil Dog- Good info in regards to the headache log. Much of my headaches are due to stress levels and grinding my teeth at night as well (bad bruxism). The TMJ also makes my headaches pretty constant along with neck pain. I am waiting on my med records/dental records for to preview for instances of it noted. As a Corpsman years ago, I wrote off headaches as hangovers and pretty much sucked down Motrin like candy (which also was for knee). For years I have used Goody's powders 2-3 days per week. I am assuming to "secondary" the headaches, sleep problems, and even the grinding/stress/TMJ to PTSD as a means forward with this? Thanks for the pdf also, I will look into that as well!

Good morning everyone! First post.I have switched my PCP to a VA doctor, and have my first meeting with him on Oct 5th. My assumption (you know how that goes) is that using the VA PCP would benefit me in my claims. My question is, how do I go about telling them that, "look, here is my goal". I'm not asking to "lead" him, but I'd like to tell him my issues and have some comfort in knowing that he will help with IMO/Nexus letters, et cetera?I will be mentioning Headaches, my TMJ issues, and my upcoming sleep study on the 27th of Oct.As well, I meet with my VSO's on the 28th to discuss these issues and to even try to bump up my PTSD to 70%. It will be the first time I "meet" them, since they have done everything in the background. (Virgina Dept of Veterans Services). With them, I'd like to discuss "here is my plan, here are the numbers I'd like to try and reach on each issue, and how can I get there?".Is this reasonable? This may be common sense to most of you, but I want to do this right, and thus far I have went from 20%-70% within this year with the signature items below. With the right numbers on Sleep, TMJ, and Headaches I am shooting of course, for 100!Thoughts?

Good morning everyone! First post.I have switched my PCP to a VA doctor, and have my first meeting with him on Oct 5th. My assumption (you know how that goes) is that using the VA PCP would benefit me in my claims. My question is, how do I go about telling them that, "look, here is my goal". I'm not asking to "lead" him, but I'd like to tell him my issues and have some comfort in knowing that he will help with IMO/Nexus letters, et cetera?I will be mentioning Headaches, my TMJ issues, and my upcoming sleep study on the 27th of Oct.As well, I meet with my VSO's on the 28th to discuss these issues and to even try to bump up my PTSD to 70%. It will be the first time I "meet" them, since they have done everything in the background. (Virgina Dept of Veterans Services). With them, I'd like to discuss "here is my plan, here are the numbers I'd like to try and reach on each issue, and how can I get there?".Is this reasonable? This may be common sense to most of you, but I want to do this right, and thus far I have went from 20%-70% within this year with the signature items below. With the right numbers on Sleep, TMJ, and Headaches I am shooting of course, for 100!Thoughts?