ptsd Losing The Fight With Ptsd?

[john999]

Yes, there are private doctors who just want to help. They are not going to judge you. It is better than 15 minutes at the VA every 3 months for a med check. Find a pyschologist who talks and does not just hand out drugs. That is what I did when I got back from Vietnam and it saved my life.

[Guest Ryan]

Yeah, I've been through the residential program in Sheridan Wy., and was going to the vet center for group/individual therapy in Casper Wy, for about 6 months last summer, and got a sc of 10% for combat related ptsd.

I lost the ability to have faith in this rating system to be fair about the accual disability.

Dr. C.D., who is a PTSD specialist in Sheridan at the VAMC, was the HMFIC for the residential programs, said I was an ideal cantidate to slip throught the cracks. She said some people's conditions accually get worse from trying to navigating the VA, but it's the only system available. She was obviously right.

I moved to Denver in late march with the hopes of finding more options concerning getting help, and have just basically been wasted off and on since I've been here, so I really haven't given Denver a chance like I did up in wyoming. I am rather concerned of what my response would be if things went the same here, so avoidance is my safety net, but is a double edged sword, because I do need to do something as far as treatment since my safety net isn't so safe anymore. (Didn't take long)

I called the Vet Center this afternoon, and am awaiting one of the counselors to call back to maybe set up an appointment. Just not real hopeful since they are gov. funded too. That means there are personal agendas. Been around enough to know that much. We'll see.

[Pete53]

Vet Centers are separate from VA although they get their money from VA. VA can't even peek at your Medical Records unless you ok it

[Guest Ryan]

Hmmm. Like I said I didn't plan on getting my hopes up with the Vet Center.

Found out that they in fact do use a shrink there that works at the VA too, and I've not heard back from them reguarding my inquiry on the 14th.

I know two people who have worked at the VA here in Denver one for about two weeks before quiting, and the other for about 2 years. These two people, one of which I am related to, work together now at a low, or no income hospital called Denver Health. They said Denver Health is a little better than the Denver VAMC which isn't sayin' much.

Big suprise. I'm going to find a private doc/therapist.

[carlie]

Ryan,

How does your 30 % SC break down ?

10 % PTSD and what else?

carlie

[Guest Ryan]

My right ankle / lower calf 20%.

I'll be cruisin' along and all of a sudden when I step on my right foot it's like it's not even there. My joint pops out and my foot can accually move front, and back when holding my leg still. Was an accident during training.

I had been awarded this when I first got out. Going to put in for secondary for my left knee since my knee cap is shoved up from landing on it a bunch once they give me the shaft on my appeal.

No, I'm not making up this stuff about my experiences with the VA and Vet Center for something just to grip about. Just sayin'.