Officially Diagnosed.

[Britt]

It's been a long four years, but today DJ was officially diagnosed with PTSD.

Originally, they kept those four little letters out of all of his records because he was planning on being a career sailor. Because of the disorder and it's symptoms, he can no longer remain in the Navy.

He had a very mild form of it after being stationed at Guantanamo Bay for six months. The things he saw and did affected him greatly. The nightmares, insomnia, mood swings, weight gain were difficult, but he worked through them. He was doing good until February 2005 when he found out his father committed suicide. In his head, he relived everything that happened in Cuba, but this time he saw his father instead of detainees.

It's been a hard four years. He's not the man I married. His mood swings do scare me (mainly because of my past with my father) even though he's never made a move to hurt me. He's finally got a good psychiatrist who wants to work with him twice a month until we leave here in mid-January.

He brought home her report today and I cried while he read it to me. It's so hard to hear. She even wrote: "His wife is his only source of support, but she is afraid of his moods."

I know there are a few ladies who can empathize with me... Laurie, Lefty, etc. DJ is mightily embarrassed because he was never in combat, but the things he saw, did and had done to him while he was in Cuba did affect him psychologically.

The doctor is pretty optimistic that his symptoms will change and eventually fade after we leave Iwakuni. She feels like he's blamed Iwakuni for everything that's happened to him the last four years.

I guess I could use some prayers and good thoughts. It's going to be hard on us for the next six months while we pack out, transition, seperate and start our new lives.

[Miranda]

I am very sorry that he is suffering from this, but happy that it is being acknowledged and taken care of. I pray that your situation will only improve from here. Good luck!

[Pebbles]

You both will be in thoughts to make it through this rough period-together.

I teared up reading that because I could feel your emotions in what you posted

[Britt]

Thank you.

[Sunshyne]

I'm sure that is all so hard I am wishing you guys all the best

[petsparkle]

I'm sorry that it's messing up his career plans, but I'm glad he's going to get the treatment he needs. PTSD is not much fun no matter what it comes from. It doesn't have to be combat (I was diagnosed with it years ago after a traumatic event). But with the right treatment, he can get through this. I expect staying in the Navy would only keep him in the mood swings and having those flash-backs and panics. Getting out is probably the best thing for him. It's a chance to start fresh at something new.

Hugs to all of you!

I'm praying for you and your family

[Britt]

Getting out is the best solution for him right now. He used to love the Navy. He loved his job. Now he struggles to go to work every day.

He has bigger and better plans then the Navy. He's enrolling in the PreMed program next Fall. I'm very proud of him.

[define]

As Pebs said, I could feel your emotions. I wish you guys the best during the next 6+ months.

[Donna]

I'm sorry. But if I know you guys like I am pretty sure I do, you guys will make it through everything fine. Like someone said before, PTSD doesnt only come from combat. Look at Gabe, he has it. DJ will come through this with flying colors