Yesterday Jake told me that he feels like, "this is the place where I could get better." It felt so good hearing that sentence. Since moving here, we've had a really great experience with the local VA. The doctors and nurses have gone out of their way to help us. They've set Jake up with a therapist outside of the VA who specializes in PTSD, they have given us information on local peer groups and have even offered to give Jake's phone number to another vet who is looking for a bass player to jam with. In other cities, it always felt like he was just some random patient but here they really try to help.
I think I mentioned back in February that we were applying for a new VA program for family caregivers for vets injured post 9/11. Jake qualified for the program, I took a bunch of online training modules, we had our initial home visit and now here we are. The program pays me a monthly stipend which, for now, enables me to stay home with Jake. I'd like to find a part time job but only if it's the right one. I still need to be able to go to Jake's appointments with him due to his poor memory. The program also gives me basic health insurance, which is such a relief. Now I feel like between this program and living near my family, in addition to Jake having a support system, so do I, which is important for both of us. PTSD is hard, every single day, and it's imperative that we both have people we can lean on for support and encouragement, even if they don't realize they're providing it.
Sometimes I get emotional when I talk about or think about PTSD and our life with it. When I say PTSD is hard, I'm not joking. It can be draining, frustrating, confusing and heartbreaking. Sometimes I feel helpless because I can't help Jake with his headaches or some of his other problems. Seeing someone you love in pain and struggling and not being able to immediately fix it is really frustrating. All I can do is be there for him and support him and I find so much hope and relief in finally having a VA center that is going out of their way to help him too.
Jake's so lucky to have someone as amazing as you in his life. I'm glad you're getting so much support.
ReplyDeletejordan! i want to cry, that is such an awesome thing to hear! oh i am sooo happy for the both of you! i can't even imagine what it is like for the two of you but i have read a lot about it, heard some really great stories but heart break ing ones on npr about it and it sounds really really really tough. it is no joke at all. i am so happy that you guys qualified for the program and that you guys are now getting the help that is needed to move forward and have a happier life. that is so important. that makes me feel so happy knowing that we are helping amazing people like you guys. yay for jake and happy happy healing <3
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo,
cb
so glad to read this! Really happy for your both.
ReplyDeleteThis is great news. Best wishes to you both!
ReplyDeleteso good to hear. love you guys!
ReplyDeleteHe is so lucky to have you. :) I am really glad to hear that things are getting better for ya'll two! I can only imagine how hard it is on both of you. Keep up the good work and I Hope everyday just gets better and better!! Been missing ya in bloggyland, but glad I got to check in. I've been quite the slacker, which is ok, I guess ;)
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