Hello everyone, Iraqi war veteran seeking guidance/expectations

It's nice to be a part of this community, to introduce myself, my name is Jonathan. I served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY serving with the 101st Airborne Division. I have spent 13 months in Ramadi, Iraq with the best group of soldiers i have ever seen, the 1/506th Scouts.

While I am very proud of my military service, I have been suffering from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for the last 3 years. I am currently 22 years old, I joined at age 17, and landed in Iraq on September 3rd of 2006, which was my 18th birthday. From that day forward I spent 13 months under constant stress, combat, artillery shellings, IED's, and fatalities.

Being blessed, I made it through my stay in that desert, and came home. At first I didn't show any signs of PTSD, but as the years went by and I finished my stint in the military, I started having recurring nightmares, flashbacks to one certain event in particular, as well as feeling detached from everyone and not being able to show positive emotions such as happiness, gratitude and even love.

I was diagnosed Insomnia and Depression first, and put on heavy medication (Seroquel 400mg) and a number of antidepressants, too many to remember the names of them all. As well as Valium for anxiety. A few weeks later I got a second opinion and was diagnosed with PTSD, showing all 17 symptoms. This was back in 2008.

Somewhere in this time period I began self-medicating with marijuana, seeing great results in my sleep, sleep cycle, appetite, and overall mood. I was amazed, the VA and various doctors around the country have prescribed me every anti-depressant and anxiety medication under the sun, with no positive outcome. Then I smoke this little plant, and I feel like my normal self again, having a sense of humor, opening up and being able to discuss things with my family and friends, SLEEPING NORMALLY!

More recently, I have had various run-ins with the law, leading to jail time and probation, all because of my self medicating with pot. When I recently got out of my 10 day stay in Los Alamos County Jail, I was placed on an ankle monitor and given 3 more years of probation... Harsh, very harsh... My probation officer recommended that I get my MMJ card, saying "Then I wouldn't be able to do shit to you."

So, I'm going in on Friday to a psychiatrist to get a more up-to-date diagnosis to bring to the good folks at Medical Marijuana Evaluations in Santa Fe, I have filled out my forms for the DOH and they are printed and signed, I also filled out the cultivation and production form and a medical release form.

Sorry for the big wall of text, but I wanted to introduce myself to everyone here, and was also wondering if there were people out there who share in my struggle, and possibly get some help on what to expect next. Any info would be appreciated, and thank you, beautiful people.

Thanks as well to all other veterans, regardless of where or when you served, you are appreciated. Peace and love to you all.

First off I want to thank you for your service to our country I am a veteran from Vietnam era. If you got your medical records from the v.a. you can contact len at New Mexicann in Santa Fe. He knows a doctor that handle's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder recommendations. P.S. when you get that rec all you have to do is send it in to DOH and your done it will take about a month to get your cards.

Thank you for serving as well Alfonso and thank you for the information! Having scoured this board for info I have found many of your posts to be helpful. I am actually going to see a psychiatrist outside of the VA, seeing as how I live in Los Alamos and am currently under house arrest, its a big ordeal to get permission to leave the county. Do you think that would be a problem? I got a lot of my information from medicmarijuana.net, and they said all I need is an up to date diagnosis and they pretty much handle the rest from what I understand. Thanks again for the information brother!

No I don't think that is a problem as long as that psychiatrist is willing to sign your application. Then all you have to do is send in your forms.

P.S. you don't need to pay anyone one to do anything for you all you need is that dr. rec and send the forms in to DOH.

there's nothing to show off here, especially when you know people are peaceminded here, even if you think that taking part in mass killing for the money is something worth thanksgivin'

no offence :hippy:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by andrew19

there's nothing to show off here, especially when you know people are peaceminded here, even if you think that taking part in mass killing for the money is something worth thanksgivin'

no offence :hippy:

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Sorry you feel that way If you think that being proud of having served our country is a bad thing. what can I say and you are right about the killing that is not what I am proud of but when you are put in a situation where it is YOU or the other guy you do what you have to do. BTW did you ever serve?

Andrew,

I understand where you are coming from, what I was trying to convey was the pride in serving with a great group of people who changed my life and who I will never forget. Pulling the trigger on someone is never easy and I have tried and tried and tried to justify it, but I can't. However, if we are all peaceminded here perhaps you shouldn't insult others with snide remarks like that. I have a medical condition that will haunt me the rest of my life, and I believe that is the burden I have to carry for the path I chose.

On a lighter note, thanks again Alfonso, hopefully all will be revealed within the next few weeks, until then I will remain optimistic in my pursuit to better myself. I got your friend request and will be adding you most definitely. I believe all my questions have been answered, thank you for all your help!

Prodigy that was so that you could see my contact info now.

Ah, got it. I added you bud, feel free to contact me whenever I'm usually available, thanks again buddy!