Living with an OSI.

[GAP]

Plumbers/pipefitters, doctors, electronic technicians, and a whole host of trades are mentally visual. You see a mental schematic of what's there and what needs to be done, in electronics (I visualize the flow through each component)and mechanical repairs ( I visualize the interlocking mechanical parts and where the "break" is) etc. etc.

It's actually quite common, people just don't recognize or were never informed about how they visualize things....hunters often visualize themselves at a point above where they are and orientate themselves 3D to their surroundings....

my :2c:

 

[dogger1936]

Plumbers/pipefitters, doctors, electronic technicians, and a whole host of trades are mentally visual. You see a mental schematic of what's there and what needs to be done, in electronics (I visualize the flow through each component)and mechanical repairs ( I visualize the interlocking mechanical parts and where the "break" is) etc. etc.

It's actually quite common, people just don't recognize or were never informed about how they visualize things....hunters often visualize themselves at a point above where they are and orientate themselves 3D to their surroundings....

my :2c:

I dunno about common. There are some other things with smell and stuff I wont get into . ;Dneedless to say it's a rason were only 6%.

 

[mariomike]

If interested ( from another PTSD thread )
Scientific American:
"Soldiers' Stress: What Doctors Get Wrong about PTSD
A growing number of experts insist that the concept of post-traumatic stress disorder is itself disordered and that soldiers are suffering as a result":
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=post-traumatic-stress-trap

 

[the 48th regulator]

If interested ( from another PTSD thread )
Scientific American:
"Soldiers' Stress: What Doctors Get Wrong about PTSD
A growing number of experts insist that the concept of post-traumatic stress disorder is itself disordered and that soldiers are suffering as a result":
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=post-traumatic-stress-trap

Folks,

Let us note, that the CF recognizes that PTSD is only one of the OSI's that can manifest itself amongst soldiers.  Let us not fixate on one of the injuries, which is actually the least diagnosed.  There is Depression, Anxiety and a multiple of other minor Psychological conditions.

Kudos to all that have done well, and remember, the ultimate goal is to pay it forward.  Help your Peers, find the path of well being, that you have found.

dileas

tess

 

[dogger1936]

If interested ( from another PTSD thread )
Scientific American:
"Soldiers' Stress: What Doctors Get Wrong about PTSD
A growing number of experts insist that the concept of post-traumatic stress disorder is itself disordered and that soldiers are suffering as a result":
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=post-traumatic-stress-trap

What a crock.

"Misdiagnosed soldiers receive the wrong treatments and risk becoming mired in a Veterans Administration system that encourages chronic disability."

Yeah thats my &***** problem.....I'm being encouraged to be chronically disabled by getting a sum of money that wouldnt support me two years which takes fighting to get.

 

[dogger1936]

I'll add this in as well. I too was VERY much like the guy saying  well I seen this and that and I got over it during my first tour. And after being a total disbelever during that peroid I totally avoided getting help...I was a Hyporicrite.

It's great for think tanks to get together and figure this and that out about OSI and PTSD. Unfortunately after reading through these past articles I still am messed up. Maybe I'm faking it for the good career advancement, my wife sleeping in another room cause I'm up all night pretending to be having nightmares, and faking panic attacks where I have mastered the faking of puking all over my kitchen floor.

 

[dogger1936]

Sorry if those posts seemed angry. Still bit of a touchy subject I guess. I think it's totally wrong to compare american soldiers to ours in anyway with this injury. Their army is totally differnt i nregards to support given, size, medical support, differnt veterans benifits.

One thing I brought up with my shrink a while back that he got back to me on is ...what percent of soldiers get back to full duties? He said no one could tell him. No study has been done.

From what I have read in the American literature provided is that the american system supports them in getting released and pensioned. While ours you have to fight for a small lump sum. Why can't we learn from their system?

Just dropping by to speak of a great trip to the CDU. I dont spend much time in them however I'm waiting on some rebuild surgery on my leg. I have NEVER been treated so well in the medical system to date. When I went in he not only treated me like a human being but actually had gone through my chart and asked me oabout other tour injuries to ensure I was happy with the outcome. I got a hand shake and a "my door is always opne" at the end. I have heard nothing but bad stories coming out of that place....yet thwe Warrant officer working that CDU was the most professional person I have EVER seen working....I figure my past cutdown of the CDU...I may as well post my good dealing there as well.

BZ to the CDU...It was so nice to be treated like a human. Now can you please fire the crusty old women from the front desk? :nod:

 

[the 48th regulator]

dogger1936,


I am going to have to refute your statement.  Canada is at the forefront in it's treatment of soldiers that have been diagnosed with OSIs.  We are working extensively with the military of many nations, including the USA, to educate them on the handling of injured soldiers.

I do not know your exact situation, and don't wish to comment on that.  What I will comment is that soldiers have been retained, are being looked after, and do not have to fight for a lump sum payment, due to their OSIs.

Stop reading into anecdotal evidence given my the Mass media.

I give you kudos on your journey.  But having walked the same journey, in a time that was a hell of a lot more tough, to get services, I can say that the soldiers today are receiving immense help.  And now being able to pay it forward, and being a part of the system that helps soldiers with OSIs get back on a good path, I have first hand knowledge that it is happening.

As I said I commend you for seeking a better path for yourself, but please stop spreading false statements.

dileas

tess

 

[Cdnleaf]

I correspond with UK/US mbrs with PTSD, though don't read too much into their news and concur with the 48th regarding CF treatment.  Many previous vets paved the road less travelled IOT get the services available now.  In that respect I feel fortunate with both the COC and Medical system support.  At this time I'm not spending much time concerned with VAC and "the lump sum" that is frequently mentioned - it's definitely not part of my recovery plan.

OSISS has been great, I'm starting to get good sleep again and won $20 on the MAX the other day / which should cover some of the deductable from my window lol.  All the best, Dan. 

 

[Turner]

I don't think that Doggers is "spreading false statements". He is just typing out his opinion to a select few that wish to read it and comment on it. When a soldier first starts to act out from the symptoms of an OSI it can be hard on them and it might come across to them that the CF doesn't really do a good job in taking care of them. It might take a while for a member to be diagnosed with an OSI. I'm not talking a long time but in the eyes of the member who is suffering it may seem like a long time. It only takes a few weeks of mental anguish to really do some damage to your personal life and professional career. As for the small lump sum, I think he is right a little bit. Even though a member might be diagnosed with an OSI he still has to be interviewed, fill out a request form, and be seen by a specialist before he can start the "up to 2 year wait time" for a payout. And the payout probably isn't going to be $250, 000 so ya you could say that it's a "small" lump sum. Sorry for typing this 48th, but after I read your post it seemed like you were telling Dogger to keep his mouth shut on an open forum when he is going though a lot right now and typing a message here and there to a group of people like us.

 

[the 48th regulator]

I don't think that Doggers is "spreading false statements". He is just typing out his opinion to a select few that wish to read it and comment on it. When a soldier first starts to act out from the symptoms of an OSI it can be hard on them and it might come across to them that the CF doesn't really do a good job in taking care of them. It might take a while for a member to be diagnosed with an OSI. I'm not talking a long time but in the eyes of the member who is suffering it may seem like a long time. It only takes a few weeks of mental anguish to really do some damage to your personal life and professional career. As for the small lump sum, I think he is right a little bit. Even though a member might be diagnosed with an OSI he still has to be interviewed, fill out a request form, and be seen by a specialist before he can start the "up to 2 year wait time" for a payout. And the payout probably isn't going to be $250, 000 so ya you could say that it's a "small" lump sum. Sorry for typing this 48th, but after I read your post it seemed like you were telling Dogger to keep his mouth shut on an open forum when he is going though a lot right now and typing a message here and there to a group of people like us.

Is your view based on experience, or reading his post?

dileas

tess

 

[Turner]

I am experienced in the field of OSI's and PTSD. AND I can understand from the various posts that he has submitted that he is going through a lot right now and I can understand why he might feel frustrated with the way he is getting help. And if he, the member who is experiencing some of the side effects of an OSI, is frustrated with how he is being handled by the professionals than he can have the opinion that he has and he can type things like he did. Because it is a bit true. Maybe a lot of guys get the help that they need right away but for others help doesn't come so quickly. If you work with OSISS than you are getting guys that have been helped in a way. They've been referred to OSSIS after seeking help. But I'm sure you know that there are many soldiers out there that are suffering in silence because they are afraid to talk and open up to a mental health worker. (or whoever is on that base) OR maybe they have opened up slightly but not enough to be diagnosed with an OSI. I can see these members feeling frustrated and thinking that they are not getting the help that they need. So it's a tough and tricky situation for the members AND the professionals. So that is my two cents on why he said what he said. Am I right Dogger?

 

[the 48th regulator]

I am experienced in the field of OSI's and PTSD. AND I can understand from the various posts that he has submitted that he is going through a lot right now and I can understand why he might feel frustrated with the way he is getting help. And if he, the member who is experiencing some of the side effects of an OSI, is frustrated with how he is being handled by the professionals than he can have the opinion that he has and he can type things like he did. Because it is a bit true. Maybe a lot of guys get the help that they need right away but for others help doesn't come so quickly. If you work with OSISS than you are getting guys that have been helped in a way. They've been referred to OSSIS after seeking help. But I'm sure you know that there are many soldiers out there that are suffering in silence because they are afraid to talk and open up to a mental health worker. (or whoever is on that base) OR maybe they have opened up slightly but not enough to be diagnosed with an OSI. I can see these members feeling frustrated and thinking that they are not getting the help that they need. So it's a tough and tricky situation for the members AND the professionals. So that is my two cents on why he said what he said. Am I right Dogger?

Turner,


The way someone feels, when suffering from an OSI does not give them the right to spread misinformation.

If Dogger, you, or anyone want to state what happened to yourselves, fine.  Don't make your own experience appear as if it is the norm, this is much more dangerous, as it will scare people getting help.

As for your OSISS referral assessment, I can state you are so far from the truth.  This further proves my statement, talk about your own experience, and don't post  as if it is the norm.

As I said, I commend dogger for his honesty, however I will not stand by as he posts inaccurate information, which may cause someone to seek help, to back away.

dileas

tess

 

[Turner]

What happened to me personally is not "far from the truth". It is the truth because it happened. A soldier doesn't just walk into the MIR or CDU or an OSI office and say "sign me up". And talking about my own experiences or the experiences of Dogger IS THE NORM. PTSD is a problem and you are acting as if everything is "under control". Just because you are Directing Staff that shouldn't give you any reason to shut down a members opinion of the way he and others are being treated during their recoveries. You did commend Dogger for his honesty BUT you did also kinda tell him to shut up and stop spreading lies. If he is having a hard time getting certain help that he feels he needs than ya, he can say things like what he said in this forum.

And you mentioned that reading his post would scare off would-be treatment seekers. I don't think so. 

 

[the 48th regulator]

What happened to me personally is not "far from the truth". It is the truth because it happened. A soldier doesn't just walk into the MIR or CDU or an OSI office and say "sign me up". And talking about my own experiences or the experiences of Dogger IS THE NORM. PTSD is a problem and you are acting as if everything is "under control". Just because you are Directing Staff that shouldn't give you any reason to shut down a members opinion of the way he and others are being treated during their recoveries. You did commend Dogger for his honesty BUT you did also kinda tell him to shut up and stop spreading lies. If he is having a hard time getting certain help that he feels he needs than ya, he can say things like what he said in this forum.

And you mentioned that reading his post would scare off would-be treatment seekers. I don't think so.

Turner,

I advise you forget that I am "Directing Staff"  and would appreciate the benefit of the doubt, that you are championing on Doggers behalf.

I would appreciate a little respect, on my experience. 

I too have experienced the evils of an OSI.  I experience every minute of my life paying it forward, to help those that have suffered as I have.

Please stop your noble effort to aid the "downtrodden" on this site.  Dogger's experience is not the "Norm".  What is the norm is people like you trying to play the crusader, and discounting those of us that have fought the battle for too many years, and still do on a daily basis.

I stand by my post.  If we want to help those that suffer from an OSI, let us stop perpetuating myths.

dileas

tess

 

[MPwannabe]

This is slightly off topic, and if told so I will just create another thread and delete this post:

I was wondering if there are specific trades out there that are more likely to get PTSD than others? I know a lot of it depends on what happens that results in getting an injury like that. Cooks are less likely than infantry to go on patrol for example. (I think so anyways, I'm not positive)
I guess what I'm really asking is whether or not certain trades are better trained to handle a situation that would cause PTSD in a person, and if that training helps prevent that injury. Does training help, or is it more of the person's personality, coping mechanisms, and support?

If this is a subject better left alone, then please let me know and I will delete and not ask again.
-MPwannabe

 

[PuckChaser]

Different actions affect people differently. People also handle traumatic situations differently. There's no cookie-cutter to say X trade has a 10% chance of PTSD where Y trade has 15% chance. In fact, you may find that someone tasked onto the QRF who's not Combat Arms and gets into a TiC could possibly be more affected by it than an Infanteer who has numerous TiCs a month.

IMO trying to pigeonhole people based on "You're X trade, you can't have PTSD" is where some of the problems lie in helping those that actually are feeling the affects. A good friend of mine is battling it right now, and his trade is definitely not a Combat Arms trade.

 

[MPwannabe]

I see. Thanks for helping clarify that Puck, I appreciate it. I'm just trying to get a better understanding of what's going on overseas and afterwards. I know that if I get hired as an MP, a lot of my experiences will likely be with men and women who have OSI's. The more I can understand the why's and how's of what these soldiers are going through, the better I can address them in a respectful manner.
I realize every case is different, and generalizing a trade is just as terrible as generalizing a gender or race.

Thanks again,
-MPwannabe

 

[Turner]

Back to the subject of faking PTSD. It would take quite and actor to do such a thing!

 

[mariomike]

Back to the subject of faking PTSD. It would take quite and actor to do such a thing!

There is some concern in the U.S.:
MSNBC:
"PTSD is among the easiest (psychiatric) conditions to feign."
Dr. Dan G. Blazer, a Duke University psychiatrist
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36852985/

The Wall Street Journal:
"The Battle Over Battle Fatigue":
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704913304575371130876271708.html
Sally Satel is a psychiatrist and resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.

( I can post in U.S. military if this is the wrong thread. )

Toronto Sun
30 Oct, 2010:
"It's a cliche, yes, but if there is an elephant in the room when it comes to our military, our police, and our EMS crews, it is PTSD.":
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/editorial/2010/10/29/15881626.html