Need an Inpatient facility for combat PTSD. Advice?????

C

Captain

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
I wrote most of this on the intro page, but have not had a response, so thought I would start a separate thread.

I have been struggling (that's putting it lightly) with PTSD for the past several years, and migraines for the better part of a year. I was diagnosed in 2004 after 10 months in Iraq (MP Platoon leader).

Kept my PTSD away with alcoholism and workaholism until 2008/2009. Stopped drinking and got an "easier" job with less hours and fell apart...

Just returned from my second inpatient stint and I am not feeling suicidal right now, but my husband and I agree this past stay was merely a bandaid.

The first facility described itself as a Military Wellness Program and it was like a prison, horrible, dirty and the beds not filled with military were filled with people with mental illness symptoms really not condusive to PTSD recovery. Very chaotic most of the time and they didn't care if you just stayed in bed all day. Also, their answer seemed to be a zombie cocktail. Bleh.

Second one was on an emergency basis and if I had not gone, I would be dead, guaranteed. It helped, but they had absolutely no program for PTSD, no matter what caused it.

I am wanting to go to an inpatient facilty geared SPECIFICALLY for PTSD with combat veterans. I would like to stay in the service until I can retire with 20 years of Active Federal Service, but know that if I don't get a handle on this, I will not be able to.

My therapist has stated I may not be able to recover any further as long as I am a Soldier, as that in itself seems to be a huge trigger for me.

Does anyone have recommendations for an inpatient treatment facility like I described? Both of the ones I went to were not for specifically for veterans, and they really didn't seem to know how to treat PTSD.

I also have MDD, so they basically treated me for that, but that doesn't end the nightmares when I do sleep and insomnia most of the time. It doesn't really help with the panic attacks or avoidance either.

I don't know what to do, but I am on convalescent leave so I can find a treatment center. The bosses are giving me a lot of leeway, and I would like to go to one that might actually help.

I have been on meds and in therapy at least once a week for 2 years, and my life still sucks. I am tired of fighting this, but I am not ready to quit.

Whether another treatment center helps me stay in the military or not, I need to go, because my quality of life is shit. I have been off for about 6 weeks total for PTSD symptoms since January, and when I am home I don't go anywhere, have no friends anymore, have a startle reflex that scares others around me, and I know it is hard on my husband (although he is a retired Gunny so he understands war, thank God).

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Michelle
 
I went to UBH (University of Behavioral Health) Denton TX. It is called freedom care and it caters to military only. I found that it helped me alot. They do extended exposure there ,it can be really hard sometimes but I came out feeling better. It will never go away but you can learn to lessen the impact it has on your life.
 
Captian,

I've been to where you are talking about. Scary old people in that place made the stay alot worse. If you feel like PM'ing me do chat, feel free.

SCO
 
I did Denver VA male only last year. It helped but the symptoms sometimes run rampid. I hear Sheridan WY has female capability. Also there is a place in Palo Alto CA that might fit your needs. I went to 3 places to look at before I chose. No way was I going to a locked down facility. Keep asking and calling places. Always ask them if you cant come see them where would they go.

Tomcat98
 
Thanks for the replies. When I went to the first one I had no idea what to look for. Yes, the lockdown part was horrible. The suggestion to go look first is great, I will do that.
 
I go to a excellant outpatiant clinic in Batavia NY. Walter H Grisby Medical Center. They have 2 week or 1 month stays. Males and females are housed and treated seperatly from each other. Mostly 8 to 10 person groups(men), women may be differant. You can leave the facility at any time for food runs or local stores. Very relaxing environment. During day is somewhat run on schedule. classes, meal breaks, ect. they offer food and pay allowance when you leave. definnatly worth checking into. about to attend for 3rd time. 2 weeks to get away from everything and concentrate only on myself. sounds narcosistic but u gotta take time to put 100% into yourself. Great staff and physicians. great group therapy. easy to relax cause people have been through same things as me and can totally understand. Good Luck. Your already winning your fight because you took the time to look for help. Good Luck!!!
 
Michelle,
What geographic area would you like to be in?
The VA facility in Minneapolis is wonderful. Great people, great staff, great PTSD recovery team and program.
You'll make it through this. It is hard because combat is awful and nothing in life prepares us for it. If you are having a hard time it is because you are a good person and what you experienced is contrary to everything you've learned and experienced in life so far. Don't feel bad about being startled easy, having a hard time around people - it is to be expected from someone who experienced what you did. Hang in there, your husband will help you get the help you need. Be patient with yourself and permit yourself to feel bad about what you experienced. If you didn't feel bad, people would wonder what kind of person you are.
 
I think geographically I would like to stay closer to home than NY or MN, but hell, who knows. My therapist just filled out the paperwork for a 7 week PTSD program at the Cincinnati VA. That is about 125 miles from home, so my husband could visit. I am on convalescent leave until then. I tried to google the Grigsby medical center, but nothing came up. I have also found a program in Pueblo that is for wounded warriors only. I guess now I just wait to see if Cincinnati takes me, that program starts in July. It may be full.

Thanks for the advice
 
I found my phone numbers for the Batavia clinic, the coordinator (Alison's) phone number is 1-585-297-1225, or you can try the hospital numbers 1-877-705-5860 and 1-585-297-1200. Good luck in whatever you decide.
 
Thanks for the phone numbers. I will look into it if I don't get into this Cincy VA program. I like how you said you are not locked down. I hate that. I am not a "threat", I just need some help.
 
Michelle,

Please take a look at the VA medical center in Tuscaloosa, AL. They are probably the best PTSD treatment facility in the country. They actually, and truly care for Veterans. Good luck! Also, thank you very much for your service to our country.

CSM (R) Bob Pearl
 
First, you deserve happiness and the love of your family. Get well - and enjoy it.

If the trauma is MST related...hands down...BAY PINES, FL, VA healthcare is the BEST for inpatient care.

All the best to you.
 
University Behavioral Health in El Paso TX,=. They house all the military together and have a great PTSD program. I spent 24 days there inpatient. It really helped. Also, you should read :the Warriors Guide to Insanity" by SGT PTSD Brandi
 
I would also recommend the Batavia NY hospital, Walter H Grisby Medical Center for PTSD. This is an excellent inpatient hospital for both men and women. You only attend classes and meetings with your specific gender so men and women are rarely ever in the same place at the same time. The staff has a long history of working with vets that have PTSD and other substance abuse problems. I have been in that hospital twice in the past year and really feel good during the stay. The appointment coordinator, Alison, ( phone number is 1-585-297-1225), is extremely friendly and like the rest of the staff, easy to talk to and work with. They are a great team and I can't say a bad thing about any of them.

MAJ L
CA US Army
 
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