by cary » Wed Nov 20, 2013 5:50 pm
Thanks Chris:
Yes to both. Have been in counseling since May, 2009, both individually with Psychologist and individually with Psychiatrist as well as various group things with Psychologist. Earlier this year, completed a ten week anger mgt course, and it helped...some. Medications began in 2009 and the 2 meds worked pretty well til recently. Psych thinks another med and an increase in a current dosage might help, but with the increased potential side effects, I'm reluctant. I thought I was handling this shit OK by myself for many, many years, but in 2008 Tina and I took a long, hard look at my life and it was very clear that I was NOT handling it. 3 marriages, 2 divorces, lost jobs, various estrangements from family members, then a very, very high dollar bankruptcy and loss of my business in 2008 brought things to a head, I guess.
Of course, the VA saw an opportunity to lay my "problems" on my personal life, especially the business loss; no way was it PTSD-related. Fortunately, my VA Psychologist is GREAT and she has helped me thru 3 claim denials, 2 appeal hearings at the VA RO in Indy until we finally won, albeit a basic win. The VA granted PTSD, but low %. Currently still have 3 claims running thru VA that are PTSD-related, 2 since 2009.
Probably more info than anyone really wants, but maybe I can help others open up.
Thanks for asking.
Cary
Da BOSS @ Retired & Lovin it !
I just can't help it. I am even a BAD INFLUENCE on myself !!!