ptsd Ptsd, Appointment, Status, Gaf, Meds

[sgmdae]

Give it your best advice

First, I had my first appointment with Clinical specialist, really it never happen.

The Dr, got me in ask me some question, gave me more meds, and said she didn't want me to get into the PTSD trama until I get my personal life in order. She directed the Specialist to do suicide prevention sheet on me. This is because I told her what I feel is that the amounts pills she gives me, gave me the idea, that pills are the way to commit suicide.

So off to the Mental Health Specialist. He does this sheet on suicide for me, and made a statement that I have sound rational, and know the difference from Right and Wrong. Ok whatever that means

I said that I have a track record of noting getting along with staff, and don't think I need to work with people any longer.

He said, there other option, I said like what, he SSI, I said under what conditions he said Mental. OK I guess

I asked him about a GAF assestment, he stated that the Dr probably has that in her notes, but she has never ask any ? under the criteria. I don't know what to think

First, is this correct care, do I have a DR, that not aware of GAF, or procedures. She seems to shy away from PTSD

She has mention Bipolar Disorder, OCP, depression, anxiety,

she didn't like the idea that was going to VET center, but honestly they have let me talk more, and gave me some advice.

I have follow up with DR, Mental health Specialist, and I think the janitor, maybe he will help

[tagandbag]

sgmdae, what did they mean by get your personal life in order? It seems the reason you are their is exactly that, to get your life in order.

t&b

[sgmdae]

I am totally confused also, I just can't understand that lack of counseling and probing for problems and recommend solutions

[carlie]

Sounds like mental health medication management and suicide assessment.

jmho,

carlie

[purple]

I've also found that many therapists aren't comfortable talking about PTSD until they feel you are "stable". I know....sounds ridiculous, it is ridiculous, but it has happened to me several times.

I was just recently told by my last therapist that I couldn't see her anymore because I was "too unstable & suicidal" for therapy. VA therapists can't handle real therapy.

[sgmdae]

She did stay that dealing with my trama right now, might be to rough on me, I told her I was watching more War movies, and she siad that that wasn't good. She seems to talk more manic depression, Bi-polar, ocp,???? every once in while she will talk about PTSd

She did say I had people that cared for me, that was from spousal letter, buddy letters of one who served with me. I read them different, they were so negative about my behavior, I just don't know

If I don't get some satisfaction, I will go somewhere else for care

[john999]

If this couselor is a VA person she might be following orders from above to not push the PTSD thing. Combat PTSD is a definite service connected condition. MDD or bi-polar could be something NSC. I don't know why she would shy away from your going to vet center. With MDD you are probably going to have to show SMR's with evidence of mental disorder in service. With PTSD you don't have to do that. You just have to have the diagnosis and combat medals and you can probably get SC'ed for it pretty quick. I was SC'ed for another emotional condition and the VA was constantly talking about PTSD. I ignored that and just asked for increase based on what was already SC'ed. I got SC'ed years before the PTSD diagnosis even existed. I think you have the reverse problem unless you have in-service diagnosis of a mental disorder.

[sgmdae]

Nothing in my record for any disorder

PTSD, will be verified by Awards, KIA and WIA, Stressor Verification

Thats why I question, why she is going other directions from PTSD

[Bonzai]

In my case, my p-docs said I had PTSD without a verifiable stressor, so I should just stay away from it. However, they were able to get me Service-Connected for Bipolar Disorder, which was more difficult to do, IMHO. I ended up moving last year and got a psychiatrist I didn't get along/agree with.

Do you realize that you can request a different psychiatrist? I just did, but I detoured around actually requesting a change until I was able to actually see a different psychiatrist. I had a fresh-out-of-college psychiatrist who wanted to see me every three months, and said all of my problems were a result of my home life - I was not having any problems at home, but I was having major problems with sleep and nightmares. So I called and asked to see my psychiatrist earlier than my scheduled appointment, but was told that she was not available. They asked me if I want to see a different psychiatrist, and I jumped at the earlier appointment, and brought my wife with me when I had it. After explaining everything that was going on, the psychiatrist prescribed another medication (they always seem to do that) and I then asked him if I could switch to him as my psychiatrist. He asked why, and I told him that the other psychiatrist didn't have a clue as to what I was going through, and just rushed me through my appointments. He agreed, so now I have a psychiatrist I am happier with, even though I still have problems with sleep and nightmares.

I am not an expert, but if you have verifiable stressors, then those are the nexus needed to make a PTSD claim SC. Why don't you just file a claim with what you have? They will have to follow-up on your claim, and even schedule you a C&P for it. I'm sure others will have suggestions, this was just my two cents.

Hope this helps,

Louis

[Philip Rogers]

FYI, PTSD is not verified by awards, KIA and WIA, stressor verification. PTSD is verified by a psychologist or a psychiatrist giving a diagnosis.

Nothing in my record for any disorder

PTSD, will be verified by Awards, KIA and WIA, Stressor Verification

Thats why I question, why she is going other directions from PTSD

[Bonzai]

Thanks for the clarification on PTSD verification. I assumed the person had a dx of PTSD already, but in re-reading the thread, I see that is what they are asking for a dx of Combat PTSD. Duh, flat forehead syndrome strikes again.

So would the best option be to see a different psychiatrist/psychologist (cheapest, but will take longer) OR to get an IMO ($2,500 is a number I see bandied about). This definitely s*cks...

[sgmdae]

She gave me medicine for PTSD, and has mention it as one of my disorder, but taps around all the time

I just don't think she is familar with PTSD

[BoonDoc]

She gave me medicine for PTSD, and has mention it as one of my disorder, but taps around all the time

I just don't think she is familar with PTSD

sgmdae,

Do you have copies of your treatment records from those sessions, so you can see what they have written?

BoonDoc

[Pete53]

Maybe Veteran Organizations should petition VA to service connect PTSD to Veterans who have a diagnosis that a Medical Professional links to their service and throw out this obviously unfair witch hunt for a verifiable stressor per the current VA requirements.

[sgmdae]

Pete

We need to do something, the sessions I have had, have cause more stress for me, then I have had in years and years. Then for her to say we don't want to talk about your trama, not yet. She has not had a two minute discussion in how I am feeling, but 2 hours or so on medication, the effects and possible reactions. I jst don't know what to think.

My gut is place the PTSD as mild, and the other disorder as over powering.

This a real struggle for me

[john999]

Pete

You are right. Why not make it presumptive disorder like AO disorders? If you serve in the military in a combat zone and got combat pay then PTSD should be presumptive. Maybe all vets should be presumptive for PTSD.

[billy2]

Pete

We need to do something, the sessions I have had, have cause more stress for me, then I have had in years and years. Then for her to say we don't want to talk about your trama, not yet. She has not had a two minute discussion in how I am feeling, but 2 hours or so on medication, the effects and possible reactions. I jst don't know what to think.

My gut is place the PTSD as mild, and the other disorder as over powering.

This a real struggle for me

I always feel worse after my sessions also. I not sure if reliving trauma and all the stupid things that I have done is a healing process. When I didn't give a s--t about what I did I felt a lot better but I was younger and living on the edge.

Bill

[sgmdae]

Is it normal for them to look for other DX, shying away from PTSD,

I ask about a PTSD support group, they really diverted that, saying No we want to give some care prior to that

What are they afraid of....

[WHOLESALE]

I'd have to disagree. We would then have a backlogg of over 3 million claims and legitmate claims would be held up.

Just my opinion on it,

frank

Pete

You are right. Why not make it presumptive disorder like AO disorders? If you serve in the military in a combat zone and got combat pay then PTSD should be presumptive. Maybe all vets should be presumptive for PTSD.

[sgmdae]

Wholesale

Lets face the facts, what do we want care, rating, and or money

I am looking for first real DX, so I can be provided care. I have done without for 40 years.

Maybe I should continue, have nothing, got nothing=not knowing what I missed

As far as rating my god, what does it take, my C&P examiner location has 2, 300 back log longer then 180 days

So forget about a timely ratings, it is not going to happen, So now there is no care in sight, I will probably be dead before I am rated. Maybe that balance the Budget!!

Then some of you worry about almighty Dollars. I am military retiree its a Dollars for Dollar, not much of a advantage there.

So yes John999, presumptive with immediate care, rating immediately temporary, with a final rating later

Wholesale can't you see the money they waste, with trial and Error of meds, and social workers. I have not had the first damn one on one session yet and it over a year.

So back log too bad, let do something to get VETs care immediately, ratings second, and fair compensation in a timely manner

So sayeth The PTSD victum, with no one caring if it happens today, tomorrow or in VA plan in thefar far future

Now if I had a plan for suicide, or a target for homicidal outburst, oh man watch them get excited then

Maybe each Veteran with a Claim should call Suicide line on the same day..Just a thought

Edited August 19, 2009 by sgmdae (see edit history)

[carlie]

sgm,

Have you tried contacting either one of these.

Vet Centers, in the opinion of many, provide some good care.

carlie

Louisville Vet Center

Skip links Key Staff

1347 S. Third Street

Louisville, KY 40208

Phone: 502-634-1916

Fax: 502-625-7082

********************

Lexington Vet Center

Skip links Key Staff

301 E. Vine Street Suite C

Lexington, KY 40507

Phone: 859-253-0717

Fax: 859-281-4801

Edited August 19, 2009 by carlie (see edit history)