im new here

[cplSteVens]

I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself to the community. My name is Steven Dowens im 31 years old Born and raised in Tennessee. I have served in the military for 6 years at Fort Campbell in Clarksville Tn. My unit was 5th special forces 2nd battalion. I’ve served two tours into Iraq. On my last tour my unit was attacked while patrolling one of the towns on the outskirts of Baghdad. I had several friends injured and some were killed. I was injured as well, my vehicle was hit my mortar and we ended up on our side causing me to rupture some disc in my low back. I have sense had 2 spinal fusions. And have became disabled. Recently I was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress syndrome. I’ve sheltered myself from family and friends, reoccurring nightmares keep me awake at night. I was engaged to be married a while back but after returning home. Things were different for me. I ended up leaving her due to depression stress and anxiety, I didn’t think it was fair for her to suffer because of what has happened to me. Anyone who has ever served in an active war can understand how things change your life. I recently seen a psychologist, who has referred me to start seeing a psychiatrist. I’m kind of wondering if anyone has ever been seen by one. And what do they expect from the person they are seeing. I don’t like getting out much places with a lot of people put me on edge and uncomfortable. I have lost interest in just about everything I ever enjoyed doing. I have severe daily pain that never seems to stop. Thanks for taking the time to kind of read my story. Please feel free to ask questions. And be respectful to my emotions I wont answer stupid questions about some things if u can understand that..

Thanks again CplStevens

[shatteredhopes]

First of all, as a US citizen, I want to thank you sincerely for your service. I am so sorry to hear of your injury and how your tours in Iraq have affected your life. Unfortunately, it is all too common. But the bright spot is with so many veterans coming back with PTSD, they are making advances in treatment now. I hope that you are near a large VA Hospital where some of the newer techniques are offered, or at least can be with other veterans, as sometimes peers who truly understand can be helpful.

I too suffer PTSD although I am sure mine is significantly milder than your case. One thing I do is sleep with the light on so that if I wake in the middle of the night after a nightmare I can see my surroundings and ground myself a little better knowing I am safe. Typically, the treatment for PTSD is both therapy and medicine, so a psychiatrist will look at your physical situation and medications you are on (since they are MDs not PhDs) for your injury and try to prescribe some medications that might complement and help based on your symptoms, such as related depression. They may want to prescribe something to help with sleep too.

One thing I would caution, forgive me for being intrusive, drug and alcohol abuse is sometimes common among PTSD sufferers. I too suffer physical pain and anxiety, and only take a mild narcotic for anxiety but have to be extra careful that I don't get out of hand. I am a recovering alcoholic too, so I know how much I tried to drink and drug to eradicate emotional pain and bad memories. I just mention this because your psychiatrist will want to know likely, if they are any good, about alcohol consumption and narcotic pain killers, which you may totally need, but just to make sure you don't develop additional problems associated with PTSD on top of the PTSD.

You might want to if you haven't already visit the chatroom on this site. Often there are vets with PTSD visiting I have seen who would like another vet to talk to in private message, which you don't have to if you don't want, but someone who truly understands what you are going through may be helpful to talk to.

Meanwhile, we are here and there are others on this site who suffer PTSD and will listen and try to support you as best we can. So welcome!

[crystalgaze]

Hi Steven.... Just a warm welcome to you.... !