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:

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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!

Welcome! Hope everything goes good for you brother.

Thanks xsnoder, glad to be here, just got off the phone with MME in Santa Fe and they told me all they need is a signed letter by the psychiatrist confirming my diagnosis and the diagnosis itself, so I will be waiting with crossed fingers

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Originally Posted by TheProdigy

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!

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Good Luck ...troop...:thumbsup:...welcome back

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Originally Posted by TheProdigy

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.

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Welcome to the board Jonathan. Thank you for the service you have given and I want to let you know that am very glad to know someone who has risked everything for us back home. Going to war at such an early age would have to have had a profound effect on you, and now that you are home it is definitely time to heal. I have no way to understand those things you experienced over there, but I am glad to hear that you have found some relief with Cannabis. :jointsmile:

Use all the resources available to you now to find your peace and to find your honored place in our society. I personally believe that you should never have to pay taxes ever again because of your service. To honor the military, I have bought many drinks and meals for active duty service men and women around here. If I were an employer, I would give you preference now over anyone who had not served. Use all the benefits you have now... they were well earned. Go to school, start a business, do something that builds on your accomplishment... or, just chill for a while ... you deserve it.

I still feel pride and awe several times a week when I see the Stealth Bomber fly over on its test and training flights. I know that the people supporting the big Air Base here in Missouri are all around me. These are amazingly dedicated people and I see them in my classes as well as all over town. There are many like me out here who know what being free, and being military means. Be proud... and know that we are proud of you. :thumbsup:

Emmie

Thanks for all your support emilya and dutch pimp, a bit of bad news, my psychiatrist just called and cancelled my appointment on Friday, so I'm going to have to find another one in the Los Alamos/Santa Fe/Rio Arriba counties. I will not give up!

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Originally Posted by TheProdigy

Thanks for all your support emilya and dutch pimp, a bit of bad news, my psychiatrist just called and cancelled my appointment on Friday, so I'm going to have to find another one in the Los Alamos/Santa Fe/Rio Arriba counties. I will not give up!

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Hi jon I think Medical Marijuana Evaluations wants you to use there service and what that is a doctors recommendation That is fine if what they are charging you is not too much If you have your medical records from the v.a. that states you have a diagnosis of PTSD. then all you need is a psychiatrist to signoff on it.like I was telling you len is the owner of New Mexicann a producer in santa fe and he knows a psychiatrist. in santa fe that will signoff for PTSD They will help you with payment for that doctor if you can not afford to pay. here is the number give them a call and ask for len or just tell them what you need. 505-982-2621 let me know how it goes for you.
Alfonso
I put this here because I could not send to the email address you gave me .

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Originally Posted by TheProdigy

Thanks for all your support emilya and dutch pimp, a bit of bad news, my psychiatrist just called and cancelled my appointment on Friday, so I'm going to have to find another one in the Los Alamos/Santa Fe/Rio Arriba counties. I will not give up!

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hey i understand that you cannot leave the county of Los Alamos but if you can get to Albq. ether on Tuesdays or Thursday I know a cool r. she charges $150 and will write you a :smokin:.

but i saw that if you call Len from New Mexican he can get you all set up so if that falls through for any reason you let me know I also have a Dr. in Santa Fe but i got to verify how his appointment process goes.:thumbsup:

Hello Casper and Alfonso, good morning. I have contacted New Mexicann and left a message, will be waiting for a reply anxiously. Thank you for your help and reeferrals (Haha) every bit of information is helping me, last night was pretty bad for me, so I'm hopeful that I can really get the ball rolling for me ASAP.

Just scheduled an appointment with Dr. Altenberg out of Santa Fe, going in to see him this Saturday, hopefully he will diagnose me quickly, and give me a written letter that I do indeed have PTSD, my symptoms are pretty obvious so I wouldn't think it would take that long to diagnose me.

Crossed fingers.

good deal hope it goes well for you

Jonathon and Alphonso Thank You to both of you and welcome home!!! I served 90 - 95 aboard the USS America both in the Gulf and Somalia. Ignore anyone that can't appreciate your service. Without our service members todays America would not be what we know. Anyone that has never served does not understand the sacrifices that are made.

You have every reason to be proud of your service! I am proud of your service. You now bear the scars of war. Use all of your resources available. Don't give up. The VA is not the only way to get help. If you ever need any kind of help please ask. If I don't have an answer I have resources around me to help. Again thank you, welcome home, and God Bless!

Dewey

Thank you NMDewey and thanks for your service to OUR country.

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Originally Posted by NMDewey

The VA is not the only way to get help.

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:thumbsup:


Glad to hear it is going good Prodigy, Hope the path helps you find "some" peace of mind brother. God bless!

A book My cousin wrote, Might come in handy.
Amazon.com: Once a Warrior--Always a Warrior: Navigating the Transition from Combat to Home--Including Combat Stress, PTSD, and mTBI (9780762754427): Charles W. Hoge M.D.: Books

May I say THANK YOU! for keep our country free. For going over there and having to deal with upspeakable things and make it back in one piece physically. Now, it is time for you to try and heal mentally. The things you experienced that haunt you, with help, will hopefully fade in time but I am sad to say you will never forget completely.

Don't listen to any "hater" postings because damn if they don't sit around eating a bowl of popcorn :eat: enjoying the freedom you and so many, many others have sacrificed to give us, yet can make snide comments as they pick that corn out of their teeth.

Those types of comments can make me lose it and go off on someone and probably be banned for life by the admin. So, I will sit back and hold my tongue and smoke to relieve the stress and not do something that would cause me to not be able to access my can.com buddies and community.

Wow, thank you all so much, glad to see my thread is still alive and kickin! I just saw a psychiatrist and got diagnosed again with PTSD, he also gave me a signed note saying that he evaluated me and determined that I have severe PTSD. I didn't mention the MMJ program to him, as MME advised I didn't. Now I believe all I need to do is pick up my diagnosis next week as well as my other medical records, and bring them into Dr. Stoller at MME and can finally get the card process rolling.

Unless I am mistaken, from what I gathered from Alfonso, I can just send everything in to the DOH now... No idea guys, any help would be appreciated, thanks!

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Originally Posted by TheProdigy

Wow, thank you all so much, glad to see my thread is still alive and kickin! I just saw a psychiatrist and got diagnosed again with PTSD, he also gave me a signed note saying that he evaluated me and determined that I have severe PTSD. I didn't mention the MMJ program to him, as MME advised I didn't. Now I believe all I need to do is pick up my diagnosis next week as well as my other medical records, and bring them into Dr. Stoller at MME and can finally get the card process rolling.

Unless I am mistaken, from what I gathered from Alfonso, I can just send everything in to the DOH now... No idea guys, any help would be appreciated, thanks!

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Well Prodigy since you went that route at this point all you have to do is take that note to MME and they should do the rest there they will sent in the paper work for you.

Great, thanks Alfonso. I contacted Mexicann and got the names of two Drs, but both were completely booked until March, and my sanitys at stake so I'm trying to get this done fast.

Yu be here and yu be here to stay pilgrem those of us who have been thrown into termoil be all wishin we haddent. My demons chase me every nigth as do yurs my friend. Hope we be gettin to know one other in due time but fur now the faces I see in my dreams be faces I can live without. Nothin but respect and friendship here my friend yu deserve yur salute.

BWD

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Originally Posted by TheProdigy

Great, thanks Alfonso. I contacted Mexicann and got the names of two Drs, but both were completely booked until March, and my sanitys at stake so I'm trying to get this done fast.

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I understand that is a long wait lots of people trying to get there lic. good luck with those guys.

Hey everyone, quick update with what's going on with me. I finally got all the paper work I need and have scheduled an appointment with Dr Stoller for next week. I guess now all I need to do is prove that medical marijuana would be beneficial to me when I go in and see him. He is going to be the one who recommends me to the NMDOH. I have a very good feeling about this guys

let him know that you have been self medicating and it dose help with your condition.

Welcome to the site and I wish you well with your problems. One thing you may want to do is Educate yourself on the info concerning ptsd and go to the physician armed with such info.

Courtesy of the great Granny Storm Crow!

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER/ PTSD

Israel to soothe soldiers with marijuana
NewsMine.org - Israel to soothe soldiers with marijuana

Study: Marijuana Eases Traumatic Memories
cannabisnews.com: Study: Marijuana Eases Traumatic Memories

Medical Marijuana: PTSD Medical Malpractice
Medical Marijuana: PTSD Medical Malpractice - Salem-News.Com

Cannabis for the Wounded - Another Walter Reed Scandal
http://www.libertypost.org/cgi-bin/r...179973&Disp=11

PTSD and Cannabis: A Clinician Ponders Mechanism of Action
CCRMG

Cannabis Eases Post Traumatic Stress
CCRMG

Endocannabinoids extinguish bad memories in the brain
IACM-Bulletin

Natural high helps banish bad memories
Natural high helps banish bad memories - 31 July 2002 - New Scientist

The use of a synthetic cannabinoid in the management of treatment-resistant nightmares in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The use of a synthetic cannabinoid in the manageme...[CNS Neurosci Ther. 2009] - PubMed Result

Redlocks, you're a real great person for posting all that information for the OP. Now he can go in armed with the facts. :thumbsup:
:)

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Originally Posted by TheProdigy

Hey everyone, quick update with what's going on with me. I finally got all the paper work I need and have scheduled an appointment with Dr Stoller for next week. I guess now all I need to do is prove that medical marijuana would be beneficial to me when I go in and see him. He is going to be the one who recommends me to the NMDOH. I have a very good feeling about this guys

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I would go through all the treatments that have not worked for you previously before i brought up the subject of MMJ,and then I would phrase it as a question,like "Do you think that medical marijuana might help me?".

Hello beautiful people, just an update on what's going on with my quest. Things are looking good, guys. I had my appointment today and the doc signed off on my application, said that I'm "in like Flint" and also stated that he doesn't think I will have any issues, and if I do, to contact him. So....yay?! I don't know, I'm mailing my application tomorrow, and then it's just a waiting game from there if I'm not mistaken. Thank you all so much for your help, I really appreciate it ladies and gentlemen!

Hey everyone, so... its been 30 days, still no word on my card. Should I be worried?

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Originally Posted by TheProdigy

Hey everyone, so... its been 30 days, still no word on my card. Should I be worried?

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Any day now they have a lots of apps going.

I sure hope so Alfonso... god I hate waiting for things in the mail, I get really anxious and start thinking "what if it got lost?" or "did I forget to do something?"