Just a reminder to everyone that posts are moderated for all new
members for a period of time.

a post request we just received is part of the reason.  It was a post
with very little information about PTSD at all and only a link to a
blog promising hypnotism as a mircale cure that instantly cures PTSD.

While hypnotism may help some people it is not a cure all and not all
people are able to reach the relaxed state required for hypnotism to
work.  As a person with PTSD who sought this type of help at one
point i was told after several attempts (with different
therapists/drs) that because of the ptsd and the fear of loss of
control that comes with PTSD hypnotism was not possible for me, as
with many people who suffer from PTSD.

I am not saying hypnotism will not be possible, and i am not saying
that in some rare cases people may think it to be a "cure", but i am
saying i will not allow 1 person who claims to have a miracle cure to
post to this blog without supplying any evidence other then the
sentance "it worked for me"....because as you all know from the
infomercials on TV...things rarely work as advertised when the only
proof is "it worked for me".....whether it be hypnotism, a pill, or a
special dance to be done naked in the moonlight...you need to supply
more proof with your post...

Ryan,
I am glad to see you are able to remember the good you have done,
many of us tend to forget all the people we have helped, and focus
only on those we couldn't.  You are a hero to the friends and
families of those you have saved from their downward spiral.  It is
hard to know you can never return to the job you once loved.  I know
that as much as anyone, especially right now.  I am helping out a
friend with his small shop so he can keep it running thrut he
winter.  What I didnt know when I agreed to help out is that his shop
diagonal from the hospital.  A hospital where I delivered many
patients as an EMS, and where I hear the sirens several times a day.
I long to be back on the ambulance, but I know it can never happen.
It hurts even more when I run into old EMS friends who ask me why I
don't come back, because I can't explain to them why I left.  People
in this small town don't want to understand mental health issues, so
it is best not to bring them up. What I have learned to say is "sorry
I can't keep those crazy hours anymore, but I am still doing work in
the field through an online support group for emergency responders
with PTSD."

I can never work in EMS again, I know that, but it does not mean I
cannot help others.  Ryan have you considered doing volunteer work?
Either within the field or outside of it, it really can make a
difference.  There are a lot of programs these days who need
volunteers, scared straight programs or youth activities where you
can try to reach kids before they turn to crime.  or outside of the
field with breast cancer walks, or picking up donations from local
businesses for penny auctions to raise money for a local scout
troop.

7 years ago as i sat in a tiny apartment in Phoenix, with no friends
or family nearby, a job I hated that barely paid the rent, and
getting less then 2 hours sleep per night because of all the
nightmares...i could not see a future for myself.

Then one day after taking a call from a woman with terminal cancer, I
stopped and said to myself what if that were me?  I had always told
everyone i knew that i wanted to travel the world when i
retired...but suddenly it hit me what if i don't make it to
retirement?

It has been a few years now and since then I left that job started my
own business, gone back to school and completed another degree, been
to africa twice, even living there for 3 months...been to europe
twice, and lived there for 4 months...

It took that one moment for me to realize i cannot live in the past -
and dwell on everything i did or didnt do...and i cannot live in the
future and plan for everything i may or may not do...i can only live
for today and do the things i need and want to do...

Ryan, remember with your posts here you are still helping people
every day...

--- In emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan" <RYAN504@...> wrote:
>
> Tomorrow marks the 4th anniversary that I was shot in the head and
lost
> a 31 year career as a police officer.  My therapist and
psychiatrist
> both say I will never work again.  Fortunately, workers comp is
still
> paying and the State granted me disability retire, but I don't know
if
> I'll make it to the 5 year milestone.  It's getting harder every
day to
> cope with everything.  I try, and I'm stubborn so I won't give up
> easily, but I have my doubts.  I was just a couple years shy from
> collecting a military reserve retirement, but the injury made me
> inelegible for reenlistment.  I've had a good life and done many
things
> very few can say they have accomplished.  I know I was solely
(along
> with my partner) reswponsible for lowering the crime rate in a
> Louisiana Parish (County), few can say that.  I have lost count of
how
> many lives I've saved.  I also know for a fact I set a few
criminals on
> the straight and narrow - they have not committed any more crimes
and
> have changed their ways.  IT IS POSSIBLE, given the right
circumstances.
>
> Well, I had to blow off some steam, thank for listening (reading?).
>

Hi Ryan,

            it is a sad fact, that those who put there lives on the line, might
lose them, or worse, and being disabled in America is anything but fun. I have
fought the system for over 23 years, and there is no way to win. They have it
set up that anything to try to help yourself, you are deemed "ok" now, even if
you aren't. Life is hard dealing with people, and most who find out that you
have endured a head injury, seem to look for ways to subtly put you down. I
really wish that sometimes I had never survived the car accident.
 
This message was brought to you by the T- man



----- Original Message ----
From: Ryan <RYAN504@...>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 3:10:26 PM
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Tomorrow


Tomorrow marks the 4th anniversary that I was shot in the head and lost
a 31 year career as a police officer. My therapist and psychiatrist
both say I will never work again. Fortunately, workers comp is still
paying and the State granted me disability retire, but I don't know if
I'll make it to the 5 year milestone. It's getting harder every day to
cope with everything. I try, and I'm stubborn so I won't give up
easily, but I have my doubts. I was just a couple years shy from
collecting a military reserve retirement, but the injury made me
inelegible for reenlistment. I've had a good life and done many things
very few can say they have accomplished. I know I was solely (along
with my partner) reswponsible for lowering the crime rate in a
Louisiana Parish (County), few can say that. I have lost count of how
many lives I've saved. I also know for a fact I set a few criminals on
the straight and narrow - they have not committed any more crimes and
have changed their ways. IT IS POSSIBLE, given the right circumstances.

Well, I had to blow off some steam, thank for listening (reading?).



__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tomorrow marks the 4th anniversary that I was shot in the head and lost
a 31 year career as a police officer.  My therapist and psychiatrist
both say I will never work again.  Fortunately, workers comp is still
paying and the State granted me disability retire, but I don't know if
I'll make it to the 5 year milestone.  It's getting harder every day to
cope with everything.  I try, and I'm stubborn so I won't give up
easily, but I have my doubts.  I was just a couple years shy from
collecting a military reserve retirement, but the injury made me
inelegible for reenlistment.  I've had a good life and done many things
very few can say they have accomplished.  I know I was solely (along
with my partner) reswponsible for lowering the crime rate in a
Louisiana Parish (County), few can say that.  I have lost count of how
many lives I've saved.  I also know for a fact I set a few criminals on
the straight and narrow - they have not committed any more crimes and
have changed their ways.  IT IS POSSIBLE, given the right circumstances.

Well, I had to blow off some steam, thank for listening (reading?).

When ever I was reckless I was the only one involved, for the thought of hurting
someone else just didn't sound good, it would have torn me apart. I have never
wanted wanted to hurt anyone, especially after almost dying myself, but I have
no care about my own self, at times


This message was brought to you by the T- man



----- Original Message ----
From: HELEN KEESEE <hcole26@...>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, October 6, 2008 5:01:02 AM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there


Tommy,

You sound a lot like me. It doesn't matter how bad things get I can at least
laugh at my self most of the time. I also understand about the recklessness. I
how been known to just not care and with 4 kids that scares me.

----- Original Message ----
From: tommy g. <tootommy20032000@ yahoo.com>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sunday, October 5, 2008 11:29:00 AM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there

I am very glad for you Helen. I am trying to do my own battle, and it goes back
23 or 24 years. Of course the car accident and coma kind of messed a few things
up. But I have doggedly stuck to my guns, because I firmly believe that when I
left the service I was already affected, so 13 month's later, I was being very
reckless in my driving. I just had lost any concept of my life or death. I just
didn't care, so I was doing things that were really reckless, but I tried to
make sure that I never hurt anyone else. I just couldn't see any point to my
life. Death was something that happens to us all, but when you see it almost
every shift, it does something to you. But there is hope, and my
Counselor/Psycholog ist, which I don't like saying that I go to one, so I came
up with a name which works better for me. She is my Psychological Consultant,
and she said that she liked the terminology, go figure lol

This message was brought to you by the T- man

----- Original Message ----
From: HELEN KEESEE <hcole26@yahoo. com>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sunday, October 5, 2008 5:14:05 AM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there

Tommy,

Thank you so much. I have been speaking to attorneys but so far none will take
the case because it spans back to far. I'm plugging away though and luckily my
department is backing me.

Helen

----- Original Message ----
From: tommy g. <tootommy20032000@ yahoo.com>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2008 1:14:08 PM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there

I am sorry that you have had to go through such terrible times, and all because
you have tried to help others. I hope that you will get a Lawyer, yeah it's not
great going to one, but it might help you deal with the people that are in your
way of getting help, plus that person might help you get some retraining for you
to live a productive life. Just a thought. I offer you the best wishes and hopes

This message was brought to you by the T- man

----- Original Message ----
From: hcole26 <hcole26@yahoo. com>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2008 6:41:29 AM
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there

My name is Helen and I'm an 18 year veteran police officer in Texas. I
developed ptsd over a decade ago after identifying victims from a
natural disaster and have fought this for 11 years. I am now in the
worst ptsd attack that I have had and just can't fight anymore. My mind
and body are screaming for me to take a rest and make a career change
once I get back on my feet. This will be the second time to work with
workman's comp. The first time was bad enough to make me just suck it
up and deal with the symptoms on my own. My department encouraged me to
file again and so far they have been more cooperative but I need all
the help I can get. Thank God I found this sight! The therapist I'm
seeing is stating that I will never be fit for duty again and will
never be able to work any job that is stressful because alot of damage
has been done to my body. Auto-immune problems.... etc

If you guys could give me the post for websites it would be much
appreciated.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tommy,

You sound a lot like me. It doesn't matter how bad things get I can at least
laugh at my self most of the time. I also understand about the recklessness. I
how been known to just not care and with 4 kids that scares me.



----- Original Message ----
From: tommy g. <tootommy20032000@...>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, October 5, 2008 11:29:00 AM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there


I am very glad for you Helen. I am trying to do my own battle, and it goes back
23 or 24 years. Of course the car accident and coma kind of messed a few things
up. But I have doggedly stuck to my guns, because I firmly believe that when I
left the service I was already affected, so 13 month's later, I was being very
reckless in my driving. I just had lost any concept of my life or death. I just
didn't care, so I was doing things that were really reckless, but I tried to
make sure that I never hurt anyone else. I just couldn't see any point to my
life. Death was something that happens to us all, but when you see it almost
every shift, it does something to you. But there is hope, and my
Counselor/Psycholog ist, which I don't like saying that I go to one, so I came
up with a name which works better for me. She is my Psychological Consultant,
and she said that she liked the terminology, go figure lol

This message was brought to you by the T- man

----- Original Message ----
From: HELEN KEESEE <hcole26@yahoo. com>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sunday, October 5, 2008 5:14:05 AM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there

Tommy,

Thank you so much. I have been speaking to attorneys but so far none will take
the case because it spans back to far. I'm plugging away though and luckily my
department is backing me.

Helen

----- Original Message ----
From: tommy g. <tootommy20032000@ yahoo.com>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2008 1:14:08 PM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there

I am sorry that you have had to go through such terrible times, and all because
you have tried to help others. I hope that you will get a Lawyer, yeah it's not
great going to one, but it might help you deal with the people that are in your
way of getting help, plus that person might help you get some retraining for you
to live a productive life. Just a thought. I offer you the best wishes and hopes

This message was brought to you by the T- man

----- Original Message ----
From: hcole26 <hcole26@yahoo. com>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2008 6:41:29 AM
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there

My name is Helen and I'm an 18 year veteran police officer in Texas. I
developed ptsd over a decade ago after identifying victims from a
natural disaster and have fought this for 11 years. I am now in the
worst ptsd attack that I have had and just can't fight anymore. My mind
and body are screaming for me to take a rest and make a career change
once I get back on my feet. This will be the second time to work with
workman's comp. The first time was bad enough to make me just suck it
up and deal with the symptoms on my own. My department encouraged me to
file again and so far they have been more cooperative but I need all
the help I can get. Thank God I found this sight! The therapist I'm
seeing is stating that I will never be fit for duty again and will
never be able to work any job that is stressful because alot of damage
has been done to my body. Auto-immune problems.... etc

If you guys could give me the post for websites it would be much
appreciated.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I would like to talk with you in more detail about your issues dealing with your
auto-immune disorders.  Please write to me in private if you would.  Thank you,

Rex
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "hcole26" <hcole26@...>

Date: Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:41:29
To: <emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there


My name is Helen and I'm an 18 year veteran police officer in Texas. I
developed ptsd over a decade ago after identifying victims from a
natural disaster and have fought this for 11 years. I am now in the
worst ptsd attack that I have had and just can't fight anymore. My mind
and body are screaming for me to take a rest and make a career change
once I get back on my feet. This will be the second time to work with
workman's comp. The first time was bad enough to make me just suck it
up and deal with the symptoms on my own. My department encouraged me to
file again and so far they have been more cooperative but I need all
the help I can get. Thank God I found this sight! The therapist I'm
seeing is stating that I will never be fit for duty again and will
never be able to work any job that is stressful because alot of damage
has been done to my body. Auto-immune problems....etc

If you guys could give me the post for websites it would be much
appreciated.




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

A big thanks for allowing me to  join yr group. I hope I am sending
this  email to the appropriate place as I m new. Some correction if
necessary pls? I m currently doing my 29th tour of duty in the  Psych
Hospital. But no shame  I just want  a 'normal ' life. Thx to all who
greeted me when I signed up sorry for the delay  but  I have just buried
my some brother (Sole surviving one) and my mother. which is doubly
hard.  Thx again  and if can impart some of my knowledge I gladly will.


Yr Brother in life,
Casper (Paul.)

I am very glad for you Helen. I am trying to do my own battle, and it goes back
23 or 24 years. Of course the car accident and coma kind of messed a few things
up. But I have doggedly stuck to my guns, because I firmly believe that when I
left the service I was already affected, so 13 month's later, I was being very
reckless in my driving. I just had lost any concept of my life or death. I just
didn't care, so I was doing things that were really reckless, but I tried to
make sure that I never hurt anyone else. I just couldn't see any point to my
life. Death was something that happens to us all, but when you see it almost
every shift, it does something to you. But there is hope, and my
Counselor/Psychologist, which I don't like saying that I go to one, so I came up
with a name which works better for me. She is my Psychological Consultant, and
she said that she liked the terminology, go figure lol


This message was brought to you by the T- man



----- Original Message ----
From: HELEN KEESEE <hcole26@...>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, October 5, 2008 5:14:05 AM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there


Tommy,

Thank you so much. I have been speaking to attorneys but so far none will take
the case because it spans back to far. I'm plugging away though and luckily my
department is backing me.

Helen

----- Original Message ----
From: tommy g. <tootommy20032000@ yahoo.com>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2008 1:14:08 PM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there

I am sorry that you have had to go through such terrible times, and all because
you have tried to help others. I hope that you will get a Lawyer, yeah it's not
great going to one, but it might help you deal with the people that are in your
way of getting help, plus that person might help you get some retraining for you
to live a productive life. Just a thought. I offer you the best wishes and hopes

This message was brought to you by the T- man

----- Original Message ----
From: hcole26 <hcole26@yahoo. com>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2008 6:41:29 AM
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there

My name is Helen and I'm an 18 year veteran police officer in Texas. I
developed ptsd over a decade ago after identifying victims from a
natural disaster and have fought this for 11 years. I am now in the
worst ptsd attack that I have had and just can't fight anymore. My mind
and body are screaming for me to take a rest and make a career change
once I get back on my feet. This will be the second time to work with
workman's comp. The first time was bad enough to make me just suck it
up and deal with the symptoms on my own. My department encouraged me to
file again and so far they have been more cooperative but I need all
the help I can get. Thank God I found this sight! The therapist I'm
seeing is stating that I will never be fit for duty again and will
never be able to work any job that is stressful because alot of damage
has been done to my body. Auto-immune problems.... etc

If you guys could give me the post for websites it would be much
appreciated.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tommy,
 
Thank you so much. I have been speaking to attorneys but so far none will take
the case because it spans back to far. I'm plugging away though and luckily my
department is backing me.
 
Helen



----- Original Message ----
From: tommy g. <tootommy20032000@...>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2008 1:14:08 PM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there


I am sorry that you have had to go through such terrible times, and all because
you have tried to help others. I hope that you will get a Lawyer, yeah it's not
great going to one, but it might help you deal with the people that are in your
way of getting help, plus that person might help you get some retraining for you
to live a productive life. Just a thought. I offer you the best wishes and hopes

This message was brought to you by the T- man

----- Original Message ----
From: hcole26 <hcole26@yahoo. com>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2008 6:41:29 AM
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there

My name is Helen and I'm an 18 year veteran police officer in Texas. I
developed ptsd over a decade ago after identifying victims from a
natural disaster and have fought this for 11 years. I am now in the
worst ptsd attack that I have had and just can't fight anymore. My mind
and body are screaming for me to take a rest and make a career change
once I get back on my feet. This will be the second time to work with
workman's comp. The first time was bad enough to make me just suck it
up and deal with the symptoms on my own. My department encouraged me to
file again and so far they have been more cooperative but I need all
the help I can get. Thank God I found this sight! The therapist I'm
seeing is stating that I will never be fit for duty again and will
never be able to work any job that is stressful because alot of damage
has been done to my body. Auto-immune problems.... etc

If you guys could give me the post for websites it would be much
appreciated.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I am sorry that you have had to go through such terrible times, and all because
you have tried to help others. I hope that you will get a Lawyer, yeah it's not
great going to one, but it might help you deal with the people that are in your
way of getting help, plus that person might help you get some retraining for you
to live a productive life. Just a thought. I offer you the best wishes and hopes


This message was brought to you by the T- man



----- Original Message ----
From: hcole26 <hcole26@...>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2008 6:41:29 AM
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Hi there


My name is Helen and I'm an 18 year veteran police officer in Texas. I
developed ptsd over a decade ago after identifying victims from a
natural disaster and have fought this for 11 years. I am now in the
worst ptsd attack that I have had and just can't fight anymore. My mind
and body are screaming for me to take a rest and make a career change
once I get back on my feet. This will be the second time to work with
workman's comp. The first time was bad enough to make me just suck it
up and deal with the symptoms on my own. My department encouraged me to
file again and so far they have been more cooperative but I need all
the help I can get. Thank God I found this sight! The therapist I'm
seeing is stating that I will never be fit for duty again and will
never be able to work any job that is stressful because alot of damage
has been done to my body. Auto-immune problems.... etc

If you guys could give me the post for websites it would be much
appreciated.






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

My name is Helen and I'm an 18 year veteran police officer in Texas. I
developed ptsd over a decade ago after identifying victims from a
natural disaster and have fought this for 11 years. I am now in the
worst ptsd attack that I have had and just can't fight anymore. My mind
and body are screaming for me to take a rest and make a career change
once I get back on my feet. This will be the second time to work with
workman's comp. The first time was bad enough to make me just suck it
up and deal with the symptoms on my own. My department encouraged me to
file again and so far they have been more cooperative but I need all
the help I can get. Thank God I found this sight! The therapist I'm
seeing is stating that I will never be fit for duty again and will
never be able to work any job that is stressful because alot of damage
has been done to my body. Auto-immune problems....etc

If you guys could give me the post for websites it would be much
appreciated.

Reggie,

I realize this sounds bad and even depressing,  but we all will die from
something one day.  I just prefer to die quickly rather than popping fistsfull
of pills and or hormones and inhalers due to Sarcoidosis.  I wish I was twenty
years younger and no pills or inhalers, but I am 42 going on 82 and wish for it
all to end now or soon especially with about thirty various meds I am having to
take. .  I am tired of this so called life.

RAB in AZ
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: iiovelife <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>

Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:21:50
To: <emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] Inhalers increase cardiovascular risks:


Inhalers increase cardiovascular risks: study Wed Sep 24, 12:18 PM ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The use of a once-a-day inhaler for chronic
bronchitis or emphysema for longer than one month increases the risk
of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death by 58 percent, a new
study says.

An analysis of 17 clinical trials involving 4,783 patients with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) revealed the adverse
cardiovascular outcomes for those using inhaled anticholinergics as
opposed to a placebo or some other kind of treatment.

"A regulatory reassessment of the cardiovascular safety concerns with
this class of inhalers is urgently needed," said study co-author
Sonal Singh of Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North
Carolina.

The risk of death was most salient in five clinical trials of more
than six months duration, according to the study published in the
September 24 edition of the Journal of the American Medical
Association (JAMA).

Anticholinergics belong to a class of drugs that dilate respiratory
pathways to ease breathing and reduce bronchospasm, a sudden
tightening of the bronchial tubes.

The two most commonly prescribed anticholinergics are tiotropium
bromide, marketed as Spiriva by US pharmaceutical Pfizer, and
ipratropium bromide or Atrovent, produced and marketed by the German
firm Boehringer Ingelheim.

"Patients with COPD who use these inhalers are at a high risk of
excess serious cardiovascular events due to their use," said Singh, a
co-author of the study with Yoon Lake of Britain's University of East
Anglia.

"In absolute terms, if these inhalers are used for one year, nearly
one in 40 patients using these inhalers may develop cardiac death
related to the drug, and nearly one in 174 patients may develop a
heart attack associated with these inhalers."

COPD is the fourth leading cause of chronic illness and death in the
United States, and is projected to rank fifth among worldwide health
problems in 2020, a Wake Forest University statement said.

Heart attack is the leading cause of death in people with COPD.

Pfizer's Spiriva, taken in one daily dose, is the most commonly
prescribed and widely-used long-acting treatment for COPD symptoms.
More than eight million patients have used it since it was approved
in 2002.

Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim fiercely contested the findings,
arguing the research was flawed and furnishing data of their own
showing Spiriva was safe.

In a statement the companies said Boehringer Ingelheim had conducted
30 rigorously controlled clinical trials demonstrating "there is no
increased risk of death (all-cause) or death due to cardiovascular
events in patients treated with Spiriva.

"Both companies considered it important to release these data to
ensure doctors have the most comprehensive, up-to-date safety
information on tiotropium in order to make the best treatment
decisions for their patients," the statement said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080924/ts_alt_afp/healthusmedicineinhale
rs




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Inhalers increase cardiovascular risks: study Wed Sep 24, 12:18 PM ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The use of a once-a-day inhaler for chronic
bronchitis or emphysema for longer than one month increases the risk
of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death by 58 percent, a new
study says.

An analysis of 17 clinical trials involving 4,783 patients with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) revealed the adverse
cardiovascular outcomes for those using inhaled anticholinergics as
opposed to a placebo or some other kind of treatment.

"A regulatory reassessment of the cardiovascular safety concerns with
this class of inhalers is urgently needed," said study co-author
Sonal Singh of Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North
Carolina.

The risk of death was most salient in five clinical trials of more
than six months duration, according to the study published in the
September 24 edition of the Journal of the American Medical
Association (JAMA).

Anticholinergics belong to a class of drugs that dilate respiratory
pathways to ease breathing and reduce bronchospasm, a sudden
tightening of the bronchial tubes.

The two most commonly prescribed anticholinergics are tiotropium
bromide, marketed as Spiriva by US pharmaceutical Pfizer, and
ipratropium bromide or Atrovent, produced and marketed by the German
firm Boehringer Ingelheim.

"Patients with COPD who use these inhalers are at a high risk of
excess serious cardiovascular events due to their use," said Singh, a
co-author of the study with Yoon Lake of Britain's University of East
Anglia.

"In absolute terms, if these inhalers are used for one year, nearly
one in 40 patients using these inhalers may develop cardiac death
related to the drug, and nearly one in 174 patients may develop a
heart attack associated with these inhalers."

COPD is the fourth leading cause of chronic illness and death in the
United States, and is projected to rank fifth among worldwide health
problems in 2020, a Wake Forest University statement said.

Heart attack is the leading cause of death in people with COPD.

Pfizer's Spiriva, taken in one daily dose, is the most commonly
prescribed and widely-used long-acting treatment for COPD symptoms.
More than eight million patients have used it since it was approved
in 2002.

Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim fiercely contested the findings,
arguing the research was flawed and furnishing data of their own
showing Spiriva was safe.

In a statement the companies said Boehringer Ingelheim had conducted
30 rigorously controlled clinical trials demonstrating "there is no
increased risk of death (all-cause) or death due to cardiovascular
events in patients treated with Spiriva.

"Both companies considered it important to release these data to
ensure doctors have the most comprehensive, up-to-date safety
information on tiotropium in order to make the best treatment
decisions for their patients," the statement said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080924/ts_alt_afp/healthusmedicineinhale
rs

On Fri, Sep 19, 2008 at 9:39 AM, tommy g. <tootommy20032000@...>wrote:

> Hi Paul,
>
>             granted almost everybody says that you never really get over
> it, but you learn to live with it.


Or, as we say around here, we create a "new normal."

Nick


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Paul,

            granted almost everybody says that you never really get over it, but
you learn to live with it. This could be so, and I've had a rather difficult
time with it. I was in the Navy, and only really watched people die for a year,
but it was intense, and that was back in '83- '84. Plus there have been other
things that have made it difficult. In the end though, are we not in charge of
our own destinies? Do we need to accept the fact that other people, even learned
Doctors, may say that this is just one of those things. Perhaps we can become
happier, and make peace with  our past. It might not go away, and the flashbacks
are a pain, but who says that we can't find a form of happiness in still doing
service to others, but maybe that might be by bringing happiness to others, and
so in doing this, you might bring happiness to yourself.
 
This message was brought to you by the T- man



----- Original Message ----
From: paul chalmers <casper2261@...>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 9:19:46 AM
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] New Member


Hi everyone I am Paul new to the group. I was a Policeman for 10
years in New South Wales, Australia Sydney to be exact. I have had
PTSD for 20 years now getting it at age 22, 2 years into the job. I
struggled and got re-traumatised dozens of times over and over. They
used to call me the Grim Reaper because of the amount of deceased
persons I investigated but not by choice just bad luck. Then I could
take no more and my Psychiatrist took me off duty permanately. I can't
work and as a result still feel like a malingerer. I feel so hopeless
(still) does life get any better? I have had 18 admissions to a Psych
Hospital with Vietnam Veterans and they still cant get it right after
over 40 years. So hold on for the ride brother's and sister's it will
be a good ride but maybe with this support things wont be so bad. I
hope to get to know some of you. It would be a pleasure no matter what
service you are from. Kind Regards Paul.






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi everyone I am Paul  new to the group. I was a Policeman for 10
years in New South Wales, Australia Sydney to be exact. I have had
PTSD for 20 years now getting it at age 22, 2 years into the job. I
struggled and got re-traumatised dozens of times over and over. They
used to call me the Grim Reaper because of the amount of deceased
persons I investigated but not by choice just bad luck. Then I could
take no more and my Psychiatrist took me off duty permanately. I can't
work and as a result still feel like a malingerer. I feel so hopeless
(still) does life get any better? I have had 18 admissions to a Psych
Hospital with Vietnam Veterans and they still cant get it right after
over 40 years. So hold on for the ride brother's and sister's it will
be a good ride but maybe with this support things wont be so bad. I
hope to get to know some of you. It would be a pleasure no matter what
service you are from. Kind Regards Paul.

Hey Judy,
I am here in OKC.  I sent you my phone number.  I have already placed a call
into someone who can point us to some resources.  Asking you to be patient when
you are in a panic state is a difficult thing.
 
Sorry I've been absent from the group but I was dealing with some drama.
 
Please call me if you can this evening or anytime.
Regina

--- On Tue, 9/16/08, judy_trapp <judy_trapp@...> wrote:

From: judy_trapp <judy_trapp@...>
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] seriously desperate
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 8:46 PM

Does anyone out there know of a place or someone in Oklahoma City area
that I can talk to.  I have PTSD and I need to talk with someone face
to face.  I have no money to pay a therapist and besides, It will take
longer than 5o minutes.  I am loseing my war and it is becoming to hard
to keep trying.


------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

 
This message was brought to you by the T- man



----- Original Message ----
From: judy_trapp <judy_trapp@...>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 5:46:51 PM
Subject: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] seriously desperate


Does anyone out there know of a place or someone in Oklahoma City area
that I can talk to. I have PTSD and I need to talk with someone face
to face. I have no money to pay a therapist and besides, It will take
longer than 5o minutes. I am loseing my war and it is becoming to hard
to keep trying.






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Does anyone out there know of a place or someone in Oklahoma City area
that I can talk to.  I have PTSD and I need to talk with someone face
to face.  I have no money to pay a therapist and besides, It will take
longer than 5o minutes.  I am loseing my war and it is becoming to hard
to keep trying.

For more info check out http://petcare.mars.com/

With the train wreck in LA & Hurricane Ike hitting Texas...there will
be a lot of people needing somewhere to turn, please rememebr if you
know one to point them in this directions.

No offence taken hell it is often a point of comment how the states
'intervenes or as we in the civilized 3rd world see it interferes in every one
else's business yet your own government does not look after its own, rather than
give money and food aid to countries like Zimbabwe that uses the aid money to
but weapons or uses the food as a weapon in its own giving it to their party
faithful, use the money to help  the 911 people like Reggie! well that's my
personal opinion and way, when we see on our TV the attitude of your youth and
the state of your cities with crime drugs gangs etc your victims of floods, not
just those who get wet but the responders is sickening!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

andrew that was not aimed at you - we see on tv everyday how our
government claims to be feeding the starvin children in some far off
place - and how we send billions in aid to asia after the storms -
and yet here in america we leave our own to drown in floods, and die
in the streets...

--- In emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com, "Andrew Day"
<andrewday@...> wrote:
>
> I live in the new South Africa, i was a soldier for the old
goverment we are the part of the unwanted generation best forgotten
about but I have good mates your money to SA is going to pay for our
ex vice president' corruption court case or the Pressidents next trip
to the states, but thanks all the same
>
>
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: raburtongdyr@...
>   To: emsfirepoliceptsd
>   Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 1:26 PM
>   Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] I am tired and just about done
>
>
>   Andy,
>
>   I know how you feel, believe me when I say that. With regards to
SSDI put pressure on your attorney as well as SSA. Let them fully
know the severity of your financial hardship and if you have
dependents that rely on your fincial support. Exaggerate if and when
you must. Gather up past few years of journals if you have them and
submit them if you record your painful days or back date printed
calendars using mainly the pain scale of 0-10, 10 being the very
worst pain. Have friends write statements about how extremely
difficult your relationships have been and so on. Such a damn shame
that our back-as*ed government gives money and other items freely to
3rd world counteries and others yet our own government gives us
little to nothing for our troubles. I can't type anymore due to
numbness and hand pain. Best of luck and I hope I made sense.
>
>   Rezx
>   Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
>   -----Original Message-----
>   From: "Andrew Day" <andrewday@...>
>
>   Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 08:09:09
>   To: <emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com>
>   Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] I am tired and just about
done
>
>
>   Judy,
>   well I can understand some,I now been waiting 8 years for
workman's compensation fund to pay me out,added too the _______
>   [Amy would be very very upset with me if i used the adjective
that I would like to use to describe our government] but safe to say
I could make a sailor blush] have stopped helping out paying for my
medical treatments ( mainly physiotherapy to try help get use back of
my left arm and better use of leg) I was hoping that in time they
would pay to have the bullet removed out of my spine but that's not
going to happen.
>   besides the point understanding the point of balancing on a knife
edge between financial survival and destitution is an act i am good
at though i am lucky in that I had a private insurance policies in
place which pays me a monthly pension of about US$ 300 per month. Any
advice I can give to those in the 'game' is to not to trust in the
government to look after its people forgo a few treats and take out
other insurance to protect your self, though getting blood out of a
stone is easier than getting money out of those ____ to! I remember
them asking if I was disabled my answer was hell I am in a wheel
chair what do you think!
>   What kept me going in those/ these dark days is what my late Rav
( Rabbi ) told me, " first I used to complain that i had no shoes
until I met a man that had no feet"
>   Also well 'always look on the bright side of life' a song by
Monty python and co. Get back at life as we say in Afrikaans " Druik
dit 'n pit" Tomorrow might just be the same or maybe worse but it
might be a hell of a lot better, you just never know ( I am in no way
an optimist my mate calls me a grumpy old goat... but well you never
know
>   Andy
>
>
>
>
>   What happened to me happened 5 years ago. since that time I have
>   managed to survive by selling away all I owned, house,
furniture,etc.
>   When I no longer had a place to live what I could not sell I gave
>   away. I have battled workers comp for 5 years and have yet to
make it
>   to court. On the 30th of Sept I again have to undergo 5 hours of
>   psychological testing after waiting nearly a year and a half for
the
>   appt.(WC psychologists not mine). I have an appeal with SDI and
that
>   attorney says I will win but it will take 12 to 18 months to get
a
>   hearing. I have PTSD, my symptoms have not gone away, some days
are
>   better than others which means I am not absorbed in suicidal
thoughts
>   on good days. I hjave nothing, I am on the verge of living on the
>   street. How can this happen in this country? I have worked all my
>   life and paid into a system I thought was on my side. I have paid
>   taxes, I have been a voluenteer for about 20 years prior to my
PTSD, I
>   am a good person. So why is my life continuing to go down hill?
The
>   man who murdered the child in the case that put me over the edge
gets 3
>   meals a day, a roof, clothes, in fact I bet he is already out of
jail
>   so why can't I get help from a system I paid into, worked many
times
>   for free for and believed in? What more can I do because I am
very
>   close to just giving up. In there anyone out there that might
know?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>   ----------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>   No virus found in this incoming message.
>   Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
>   Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.15/1648 - Release Date:
2008/09/02 05:29 PM
>
>
>   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
>
>
>
>   No virus found in this incoming message.
>   Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
>   Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.15/1649 - Release Date:
2008/09/03 07:15 AM
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Thank you, you have been helpful



----- Original Message ----
From: "raburtongdyr@..." <raburtongdyr@...>
To: emsfirepoliceptsd <emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 3, 2008 4:26:38 AM
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] I am tired and just about done


Andy,

I know how you feel, believe me when I say that. With regards to SSDI put
pressure on your attorney as well as SSA. Let them fully know the severity of
your financial hardship and if you have dependents that rely on your fincial
support. Exaggerate if and when you must. Gather up past few years of journals
if you have them and submit them if you record your painful days or back date
printed calendars using mainly the pain scale of 0-10, 10 being the very worst
pain. Have friends write statements about how extremely difficult your
relationships have been and so on. Such a damn shame that our back-as*ed
government gives money and other items freely to 3rd world counteries and others
yet our own government gives us little to nothing for our troubles. I can't type
anymore due to numbness and hand pain. Best of luck and I hope I made sense.

Rezx
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Andrew Day" <andrewday@telkomsa. net>

Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 08:09:09
To: <emsfirepoliceptsd@ yahoogroups. com>
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] I am tired and just about done


Judy,
well I can understand some,I now been waiting 8 years for workman's compensation
fund to pay me out,added too the _______
[Amy would be very very upset with me if i used the adjective that I would like
to use to describe our government] but safe to say I could make a sailor blush]
have stopped helping out paying for my medical treatments ( mainly physiotherapy
to try help get use back of my left arm and better use of leg) I was hoping that
in time they would pay to have the bullet removed out of my spine but that's not
going to happen.
besides the point understanding the point of balancing on a knife edge between
financial survival and destitution is an act i am good at though i am lucky in
that I had a private insurance policies in place which pays me a monthly pension
of about US$ 300 per month. Any advice I can give to those in the 'game' is to
not to trust in the government to look after its people forgo a few treats and
take out other insurance to protect your self, though getting blood out of a
stone is easier than getting money out of those ____ to! I remember them asking
if I was disabled my answer was hell I am in a wheel chair what do you think!
What kept me going in those/ these dark days is what my late Rav ( Rabbi ) told
me, " first I used to complain that i had no shoes until I met a man that had no
feet"
Also well 'always look on the bright side of life' a song by Monty python and
co. Get back at life as we say in Afrikaans " Druik dit 'n pit" Tomorrow might
just be the same or maybe worse but it might be a hell of a lot better, you just
never know ( I am in no way an optimist my mate calls me a grumpy old goat...
but well you never know
Andy




What happened to me happened 5 years ago. since that time I have
managed to survive by selling away all I owned, house, furniture,etc.
When I no longer had a place to live what I could not sell I gave
away. I have battled workers comp for 5 years and have yet to make it
to court. On the 30th of Sept I again have to undergo 5 hours of
psychological testing after waiting nearly a year and a half for the
appt.(WC psychologists not mine). I have an appeal with SDI and that
attorney says I will win but it will take 12 to 18 months to get a
hearing. I have PTSD, my symptoms have not gone away, some days are
better than others which means I am not absorbed in suicidal thoughts
on good days. I hjave nothing, I am on the verge of living on the
street. How can this happen in this country? I have worked all my
life and paid into a system I thought was on my side. I have paid
taxes, I have been a voluenteer for about 20 years prior to my PTSD, I
am a good person. So why is my life continuing to go down hill? The
man who murdered the child in the case that put me over the edge gets 3
meals a day, a roof, clothes, in fact I bet he is already out of jail
so why can't I get help from a system I paid into, worked many times
for free for and believed in? What more can I do because I am very
close to just giving up. In there anyone out there that might know?






------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. com
Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.15/1648 - Release Date: 2008/09/02
05:29 PM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I live in the new South Africa, i was a soldier for the old goverment we are the
part of the unwanted generation best forgotten about but I have good mates your
money to SA is going to pay for our ex vice president' corruption court case or
the Pressidents next trip to the states, but thanks all the same



   ----- Original Message -----
   From: raburtongdyr@...
   To: emsfirepoliceptsd
   Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 1:26 PM
   Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] I am tired and just about done


   Andy,

   I know how you feel, believe me when I say that. With regards to SSDI put
pressure on your attorney as well as SSA. Let them fully know the severity of
your financial hardship and if you have dependents that rely on your fincial
support. Exaggerate if and when you must. Gather up past few years of journals
if you have them and submit them if you record your painful days or back date
printed calendars using mainly the pain scale of 0-10, 10 being the very worst
pain. Have friends write statements about how extremely difficult your
relationships have been and so on. Such a damn shame that our back-as*ed
government gives money and other items freely to 3rd world counteries and others
yet our own government gives us little to nothing for our troubles. I can't type
anymore due to numbness and hand pain. Best of luck and I hope I made sense.

   Rezx
   Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

   -----Original Message-----
   From: "Andrew Day" <andrewday@...>

   Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 08:09:09
   To: <emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com>
   Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] I am tired and just about done


   Judy,
   well I can understand some,I now been waiting 8 years for workman's
compensation fund to pay me out,added too the _______
   [Amy would be very very upset with me if i used the adjective that I would
like to use to describe our government] but safe to say I could make a sailor
blush] have stopped helping out paying for my medical treatments ( mainly
physiotherapy to try help get use back of my left arm and better use of leg) I
was hoping that in time they would pay to have the bullet removed out of my
spine but that's not going to happen.
   besides the point understanding the point of balancing on a knife edge between
financial survival and destitution is an act i am good at though i am lucky in
that I had a private insurance policies in place which pays me a monthly pension
of about US$ 300 per month. Any advice I can give to those in the 'game' is to
not to trust in the government to look after its people forgo a few treats and
take out other insurance to protect your self, though getting blood out of a
stone is easier than getting money out of those ____ to! I remember them asking
if I was disabled my answer was hell I am in a wheel chair what do you think!
   What kept me going in those/ these dark days is what my late Rav ( Rabbi )
told me, " first I used to complain that i had no shoes until I met a man that
had no feet"
   Also well 'always look on the bright side of life' a song by Monty python and
co. Get back at life as we say in Afrikaans " Druik dit 'n pit" Tomorrow might
just be the same or maybe worse but it might be a hell of a lot better, you just
never know ( I am in no way an optimist my mate calls me a grumpy old goat...
but well you never know
   Andy




   What happened to me happened 5 years ago. since that time I have
   managed to survive by selling away all I owned, house, furniture,etc.
   When I no longer had a place to live what I could not sell I gave
   away. I have battled workers comp for 5 years and have yet to make it
   to court. On the 30th of Sept I again have to undergo 5 hours of
   psychological testing after waiting nearly a year and a half for the
   appt.(WC psychologists not mine). I have an appeal with SDI and that
   attorney says I will win but it will take 12 to 18 months to get a
   hearing. I have PTSD, my symptoms have not gone away, some days are
   better than others which means I am not absorbed in suicidal thoughts
   on good days. I hjave nothing, I am on the verge of living on the
   street. How can this happen in this country? I have worked all my
   life and paid into a system I thought was on my side. I have paid
   taxes, I have been a voluenteer for about 20 years prior to my PTSD, I
   am a good person. So why is my life continuing to go down hill? The
   man who murdered the child in the case that put me over the edge gets 3
   meals a day, a roof, clothes, in fact I bet he is already out of jail
   so why can't I get help from a system I paid into, worked many times
   for free for and believed in? What more can I do because I am very
   close to just giving up. In there anyone out there that might know?






   ----------------------------------------------------------



   No virus found in this incoming message.
   Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
   Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.15/1648 - Release Date: 2008/09/02
05:29 PM


   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






------------------------------------------------------------------------------



   No virus found in this incoming message.
   Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
   Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.15/1649 - Release Date: 2008/09/03
07:15 AM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Andy,

I know how you feel, believe me when I say that.  With regards to SSDI put
pressure on your attorney as well as SSA.  Let them fully know the severity of
your financial hardship and if you have dependents that rely on your fincial
support.  Exaggerate if and when you must.  Gather up past few years of journals
if you have them and submit them if you record your painful days or back date
printed calendars using mainly the pain scale of 0-10, 10 being the very worst
pain.  Have friends write statements about how extremely difficult your
relationships have been and so on.  Such a damn shame that our back-as*ed
government gives money and other items freely to 3rd world counteries and others
yet our own government gives us little to nothing for our troubles.  I can't
type anymore due to numbness and hand pain.  Best of luck and I hope I made
sense.

Rezx
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Andrew Day" <andrewday@...>

Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 08:09:09
To: <emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [EMS Fire Police PTSD] I am tired and just about done


Judy,
well I can understand some,I now been waiting 8 years for workman's compensation
fund to pay me out,added too the _______
[Amy would be very very upset with me if i used the adjective that I would like
to use to describe our government] but safe to say I could make a sailor blush]
have stopped helping out paying for my medical treatments ( mainly physiotherapy
to try help get use back of my left arm and better use of leg) I was hoping that
in time they would pay to have the bullet removed out of my spine but that's not
going to happen.
besides the point understanding the point of balancing on a knife edge between
financial survival and destitution is an act i am good at though i am lucky in
that I had a private insurance policies in place which pays me a monthly pension
of about US$ 300 per month. Any advice I can give to those in the 'game' is to
not to trust in the government to look after its people forgo a few treats and
take out other insurance to protect your self, though getting blood out of a
stone is easier than getting money out of those ____ to! I remember them asking
if  I was disabled my answer was hell I am in a wheel chair what do you think!
What kept me going in those/ these dark days is what my late Rav ( Rabbi ) told
me, " first I used to complain that i had no shoes until I met a man that had no
feet"
Also well 'always look on the bright side of life' a song by Monty python and
co. Get back at life as we say in Afrikaans " Druik dit 'n pit" Tomorrow might
just be the same or maybe worse but it might be a hell of a lot better, you just
never know ( I am in no way an optimist my mate calls me a grumpy old goat...
but well you never know
Andy




   What happened to me happened 5 years ago. since that time I have
   managed to survive by selling away all I owned, house, furniture,etc.
   When I no longer had a place to live what I could not sell I gave
   away. I have battled workers comp for 5 years and have yet to make it
   to court. On the 30th of Sept I again have to undergo 5 hours of
   psychological testing after waiting nearly a year and a half for the
   appt.(WC psychologists not mine). I have an appeal with SDI and that
   attorney says I will win but it will take 12 to 18 months to get a
   hearing. I have PTSD, my symptoms have not gone away, some days are
   better than others which means I am not absorbed in suicidal thoughts
   on good days. I hjave nothing, I am on the verge of living on the
   street. How can this happen in this country? I have worked all my
   life and paid into a system I thought was on my side. I have paid
   taxes, I have been a voluenteer for about 20 years prior to my PTSD, I
   am a good person. So why is my life continuing to go down hill? The
   man who murdered the child in the case that put me over the edge gets 3
   meals a day, a roof, clothes, in fact I bet he is already out of jail
   so why can't I get help from a system I paid into, worked many times
   for free for and believed in? What more can I do because I am very
   close to just giving up. In there anyone out there that might know?






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05:29 PM


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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Judy,
well I can understand some,I now been waiting 8 years for workman's compensation
fund to pay me out,added too the _______
[Amy would be very very upset with me if i used the adjective that I would like
to use to describe our government] but safe to say I could make a sailor blush]
have stopped helping out paying for my medical treatments ( mainly physiotherapy
to try help get use back of my left arm and better use of leg) I was hoping that
in time they would pay to have the bullet removed out of my spine but that's not
going to happen.
besides the point understanding the point of balancing on a knife edge between
financial survival and destitution is an act i am good at though i am lucky in
that I had a private insurance policies in place which pays me a monthly pension
of about US$ 300 per month. Any advice I can give to those in the 'game' is to
not to trust in the government to look after its people forgo a few treats and
take out other insurance to protect your self, though getting blood out of a
stone is easier than getting money out of those ____ to! I remember them asking
if  I was disabled my answer was hell I am in a wheel chair what do you think!
What kept me going in those/ these dark days is what my late Rav ( Rabbi ) told
me, " first I used to complain that i had no shoes until I met a man that had no
feet"
Also well 'always look on the bright side of life' a song by Monty python and
co. Get back at life as we say in Afrikaans " Druik dit 'n pit" Tomorrow might
just be the same or maybe worse but it might be a hell of a lot better, you just
never know ( I am in no way an optimist my mate calls me a grumpy old goat...
but well you never know
Andy




   What happened to me happened 5 years ago. since that time I have
   managed to survive by selling away all I owned, house, furniture,etc.
   When I no longer had a place to live what I could not sell I gave
   away. I have battled workers comp for 5 years and have yet to make it
   to court. On the 30th of Sept I again have to undergo 5 hours of
   psychological testing after waiting nearly a year and a half for the
   appt.(WC psychologists not mine). I have an appeal with SDI and that
   attorney says I will win but it will take 12 to 18 months to get a
   hearing. I have PTSD, my symptoms have not gone away, some days are
   better than others which means I am not absorbed in suicidal thoughts
   on good days. I hjave nothing, I am on the verge of living on the
   street. How can this happen in this country? I have worked all my
   life and paid into a system I thought was on my side. I have paid
   taxes, I have been a voluenteer for about 20 years prior to my PTSD, I
   am a good person. So why is my life continuing to go down hill? The
   man who murdered the child in the case that put me over the edge gets 3
   meals a day, a roof, clothes, in fact I bet he is already out of jail
   so why can't I get help from a system I paid into, worked many times
   for free for and believed in? What more can I do because I am very
   close to just giving up. In there anyone out there that might know?






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   Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.15/1648 - Release Date: 2008/09/02
05:29 PM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

What happened to me happened 5 years ago.  since that time I have
managed to survive by selling away all I owned, house, furniture,etc.
When I no longer had a place to live what I could not sell I gave
away.  I have battled workers comp for 5 years and have yet to make it
to court.  On the 30th of Sept  I again have to undergo 5 hours of
psychological testing after waiting nearly a year and a half for the
appt.(WC psychologists not mine).  I have an appeal with SDI and that
attorney says I will win but it will take 12 to 18 months to get a
hearing.  I have PTSD, my symptoms have not gone away, some days are
better than others which means I am not absorbed in suicidal thoughts
on good days.  I hjave nothing, I am on the verge of living on the
street.  How can this happen in this country?  I have worked all my
life and paid into a system I thought was on my side.  I have paid
taxes, I have been a voluenteer for about 20 years prior to my PTSD, I
am a good person.  So why is my life continuing to go down hill?  The
man who murdered the child in the case that put me over the edge gets 3
meals a day, a roof, clothes, in fact I bet he is already out of jail
so why can't I get help from a system I paid into, worked many times
for free for and believed in?  What more can I do because I am very
close to just giving up.  In there anyone out there that might know?

On Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 11:17 AM, iiovelife <no_reply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

> for many of us THIS IS our peer support system...especially for those
> who have left the job...because as close as everyone is when your
> there...is as far apart as you are when you leave...especially for
> medical reasons


I understand... but a large part of why I'm on our regional CISM team is
because I moved away from where I was a medic and lost touch with people who
could appreciate what I deal with.

I wonder how many people are in a similar situation and how they could be
helped, in addition to on-line groups.

Nick


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