ptsd Mixed Messages

[Guest jangrin]

MY husband saw his VA primary physician for extreme stomach pain that was radiating into his back. We thought it was side effects of medications- his Dr. said it was "stress" related and refered him to the mental health clinic at the vet center. When he presented for the appt. the first thing the psychologist said was how this appt had nothing to do with any claim filed with the VA and had nothing to do with ptsd. Since my husband has filed for compensation which includes ptsd as part of the claim the psychologists statement caught him offguard. Anyway they continued with the appt. and he was given a 12 months RX for a depression /mood disorder. Yesterday we went to see the SO and discussed trying to get an appt for ptsd with someone. she made a couple of calls and we are supposed to be called on friday morning with a possible appt.

We asked the SO if we could include depression as part of the DM II with multiple secondarys claim, my husband just started a couple months ago. She said, "no". also we gave her a list of the side effects from all of the medications and she asked, "what is this?" We told her we wanted it submitted as part of the medical records for the claim of secandary conditions. She took it but I think it is just going to sit in her file. I'm confused, are we jumping the gun on some of this information, should we be inactive until we get the initial rating determination.

Thanks for the imput. I have to leave for work soon and may not be able to respond to questions you may have until this evening.

Thanks in advance for your help and consideration.

Jangrin B)

[Guest DON20906]

Did the psych meds clear up the stomach problem?

MY husband saw his VA primary physician for extreme stomach pain that was radiating into his back. We thought it was side effects of medications- his Dr. said it was "stress" related and refered him to the mental health clinic at the vet center. When he presented for the appt. the first thing the psychologist said was how this appt had nothing to do with any claim filed with the VA and had nothing to do with ptsd. Since my husband has filed for compensation which includes ptsd as part of the claim the psychologists statement caught him offguard. Anyway they continued with the appt. and he was given a 12 months RX for a depression /mood disorder. Yesterday we went to see the SO and discussed trying to get an appt for ptsd with someone. she made a couple of calls and we are supposed to be called on friday morning with a possible appt.

We asked the SO if we could include depression as part of the DM II with multiple secondarys claim, my husband just started a couple months ago. She said, "no". also we gave her a list of the side effects from all of the medications and she asked, "what is this?" We told her we wanted it submitted as part of the medical records for the claim of secandary conditions. She took it but I think it is just going to sit in her file. I'm confused, are we jumping the gun on some of this information, should we be inactive until we get the initial rating determination.

Thanks for the imput. I have to leave for work soon and may not be able to respond to questions you may have until this evening.

Thanks in advance for your help and consideration.

Jangrin B)

[Guest jangrin]

Did the psych meds clear up the stomach problem?

No, the stomach pain and problems persist with uncontrolled bowel problems as well. He does seem a little bit less intense from an emotional aspect.

Jangrin

[john999]

Jangrin

The kinds of bowl problems you describe do not sound like some from stress. Your husband needs to be checked out by a specialist. I have had a lot of stress but that does not sound like stress but rather a ulcer or something else. If he is taking a NSAID that might be the cause.

[Guest jangrin]

Jangrin

The kinds of bowl problems you describe do not sound like some from stress. Your husband needs to be checked out by a specialist. I have had a lot of stress but that does not sound like stress but rather a ulcer or something else. If he is taking a NSAID that might be the cause.

John999,

They just did some blood work and stool samples waiting to get results. Should know more soon. My husband was started on so many medications at one time that it is hard to know which ones if any are the problem. We are deligently on it. Lots of doctors appts lately.

Any comments on the VA claim situation or the SO position regarding these issues is certainly appreciated.

thanks,

Jangrin

[john999]

Jangrin

Was your husband every treated for an emotional disorder while in service? Was he in combat?

[Guest jangrin]

Jangrin

Was your husband every treated for an emotional disorder while in service? Was he in combat?

John999,

To be honest I don't know that much about his military service. I've known my husband for thirty years and I can honestly say he has kept his service record to himself until these last few months. I don't think he was treated for emotional disorder in the service but he was in combat, I think he ran river patrol in 1967 & 1968 and then moved into Saigon during Tet. He has done a reqally good job of totally blocking this out of his life until about 8 months ago when he HAD to go to the VA for medical care because we lost our health care insurance. Now all Hell is breaking loose and the ghosts are coming out of the closet.

Jangrin