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Saturday, July 6, 2013

Young woman seeking advice writes about walking away from PTSD veteran

While I am not thrilled with the advice given on this, the letter from the young woman tells a side of what PTSD does to more than just the veteran. Reading it is heartbreaking but some may pass it off as just any other story about a youthful love. The letter is about a 22 year old veteran. Around the same age I was when I met my husband. While my life involves Vietnam, today's generation has two different wars to work out but the most heartbreaking thing of all is that not much has changed in all these years and all the money spent. One of the comments on this article is from another veteran writing about the medications they are given. It should make everyone wonder if all this "research" is about healing or is it more about making money.
PTSD sufferers may be too hurt to give fully in relationship
Ellie advises an ex of an American wounded warrior to seek help from therapists and support groups so she is not alone with her emotional pain.
Toronto Star
By: Ellie Advice
Published on Sat Jul 06 2013

Q: I was with an American wounded warrior for a year. He’s 22 now, missing his right leg below the knee, with extensive damage on his left leg. His right arm, wrist, and fingers were also seriously injured, but he regained lots of use from physical and occupational therapy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

I met him while he was still at the hospital and spent months with him during his rehabilitation. I did much of his physical therapy. We became inseparable.

I helped him transition to the civilian world where his parents’ basement was being made wheelchair accessible. Until then, he needed considerable help. I bathed him, helped him get dressed, even changed his prosthetic leg.

I gave up what little I had, and what goals I had, to be there and take care of him. He really loved me, too.

After three months of constant togetherness, he changed. He went back on narcotics, about 40 milligrams per day. All he wanted to do was play video games — 20 hours straight.

He had no sex drive whatsoever. I understood that it was from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but he refused to admit or address it.

He was very inconsistent with what he liked, and with his decisions. He changed his college major three times in the first semester he started.

But, I had much hope and faith that he’d get past it. I’d even play video games with him.
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