Saturday, October 24, 2009
Stop Loss Compensation
There is now compensation if you were stop lossed and you can file online. Bryan was stop lossed before he went to Iraq and had he not been he would have never been hurt. While compensation does help it doesn't take away off the pain that we have been through since he got hurt. I wanted everyone to be aware of this and file for you compensation. Here is the link to the article.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Pure Insanity
Things have been going OK for the most part. I have been counting down the days until Bryan leaves for his TBI/PTSD treatment. I have high hopes that this is going to help. Monday night Bryan got home from his parents and he was being really sweet. He hung out with me on the couch for a while and when we were trying to fall asleep he grabbed my hand and held it till we dozed off.
Tuesday he yells at me to come into the garage and there is water leaking into the ceiling and down into the dry wall. I got on the phone to the builder and told him what was going on. He said that it was probably some shingles that were blown off with all the storms we have had going on and that would be a homeowners claim. He said he would send his roofer over but if it was raining they couldn't get up there. Of course it rained all week and I didn't see any shingles missing. Who knows what will happen with that and it just confirms Bryan's idea to get rid of this house because a new house shouldn't have this many problems.
Saturday Bryan went out in the yard to cut down the stump of a tree that fell a couple of months ago. Apparently it wouldn't oil properly and he got pissed. He started chucking stuff out of the garage and making a large pile to burn. He was putting things in the pile that were useful and didn't need to be burned. We had some doors that we were going to use in the basement, he threw those into the pile. Then he threw the seeder that I used just a couple of weeks ago and some nice wood trim. I asked him to not burn the seeder and I needed to use it again and it wasn't broken. He lit it all with gasoline and set it fire. There were 3 really loud pops and I have no idea what was burning to cause those sounds.
We decided to go and see a movie and that was a nice break and he spent the rest of the evening packing. I stayed up late last night as I think I had too much caffeine at the movies. I slept horrible but I was up by 7:00 to take Bryan to the airport. He kissed me and said he would miss me. I came back home and took a nap and then headed to meet from friends for lunch. I ran a few errands and then got a call from Bryan saying that they rental car place wouldn't let him take the car without a credit card. They wouldn't let me give it over the phone so I told him to use our other account and just pay in full and I would transfer money. Soldiers Angels is reimbursing us for the rental once he gets back. He said they didn't have the car he reserved and he had to get the next size up. Then he said the GPS didn't have the address for the hotel in it so he needed to find it and call me back. An hour later he calls and says he tee boned a girl while looking for the street and wrecked the rental. Seriously?? Everyone is OK but he needed to get the police there and everything. I am so stressed out and worried. This was supposed to be a step in the right direction and BAM he is hit with more problems.
He finally got to his room and he sounded really down. He said he was sick of this shit and I don't blame him. I tried my best to be supportive and cheer him up. I hope he can relax tonight and get ready for his meeting with the doctor in the morning. I seriously think we have horrible luck. We both need something to go right for once.
Tuesday he yells at me to come into the garage and there is water leaking into the ceiling and down into the dry wall. I got on the phone to the builder and told him what was going on. He said that it was probably some shingles that were blown off with all the storms we have had going on and that would be a homeowners claim. He said he would send his roofer over but if it was raining they couldn't get up there. Of course it rained all week and I didn't see any shingles missing. Who knows what will happen with that and it just confirms Bryan's idea to get rid of this house because a new house shouldn't have this many problems.
Saturday Bryan went out in the yard to cut down the stump of a tree that fell a couple of months ago. Apparently it wouldn't oil properly and he got pissed. He started chucking stuff out of the garage and making a large pile to burn. He was putting things in the pile that were useful and didn't need to be burned. We had some doors that we were going to use in the basement, he threw those into the pile. Then he threw the seeder that I used just a couple of weeks ago and some nice wood trim. I asked him to not burn the seeder and I needed to use it again and it wasn't broken. He lit it all with gasoline and set it fire. There were 3 really loud pops and I have no idea what was burning to cause those sounds.
We decided to go and see a movie and that was a nice break and he spent the rest of the evening packing. I stayed up late last night as I think I had too much caffeine at the movies. I slept horrible but I was up by 7:00 to take Bryan to the airport. He kissed me and said he would miss me. I came back home and took a nap and then headed to meet from friends for lunch. I ran a few errands and then got a call from Bryan saying that they rental car place wouldn't let him take the car without a credit card. They wouldn't let me give it over the phone so I told him to use our other account and just pay in full and I would transfer money. Soldiers Angels is reimbursing us for the rental once he gets back. He said they didn't have the car he reserved and he had to get the next size up. Then he said the GPS didn't have the address for the hotel in it so he needed to find it and call me back. An hour later he calls and says he tee boned a girl while looking for the street and wrecked the rental. Seriously?? Everyone is OK but he needed to get the police there and everything. I am so stressed out and worried. This was supposed to be a step in the right direction and BAM he is hit with more problems.
He finally got to his room and he sounded really down. He said he was sick of this shit and I don't blame him. I tried my best to be supportive and cheer him up. I hope he can relax tonight and get ready for his meeting with the doctor in the morning. I seriously think we have horrible luck. We both need something to go right for once.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Permanent and Total
The Federal Recovery Coordination Program has pulled through once again. I asked when a permanent and total disability rating comes through as our property taxes are due this month and would like to file for the property tax relief that the state of Tennessee offers. She made some phone calls put some pressure on a few people and like a magic wand was waved the permanent and total rating is coming in the mail. They said they were waiting on his hearing test and to get another scar measured that they missed to add to his rating to make it permanent and total. This poses a problem as they are scheduled while Bryan is going to be at his TBI treatment. It got pushed through that is all that matters. He is a 100% so these other claims would just put him over so there was no reason for delay.
What this rating also means is that I can get Champ VA health insurance and will use it in addition to Tricare. Also it aides me a lot for going back and getting my Masters Degree. This is just the motivation I needed. It will provide a monthly stipend for living expenses and books. This is a huge help as I won't be able to work while doing my internship. I was enrolled to get my Masters and Bryan got blown up two days before I was supposed to start. Also for our future kids college when they go they will get the stipend as well! The property tax relief is huge as well an the best thing of all, they can't reduce his rating. Whew what a relief. One battle down! YES!
I am going to look in to the online Masters of Social Work program at the University of Tennessee program this weekend and re-enroll in school. I am scared to go back but know I can do it. I am hoping to get into the accelerated program so I can finish in a year. I took the GRE already I just need to find my results. I might have to take it again. That test is very scary but for Social Work they just require you take it and there isn't a minimum score that you need, Thank God! I had the flu the first time I took it and it was hell. They tried to not let me bring tissues in because you aren't supposed to bring anything in with you to the test. They emptied some tissues out of the box before the test, made sure I hadn't written anything on them and let me bring it in to the test. I ate cough drops the entire time, in this hot room, with a fever, and I was not allowed to have something to drink. Not to mention the stress of the test and I suck at Math.
I am excited and I am ready to sign MSSW after my name. I want to help veterans and with this degree I can easily do this.
Bryan is out of town this weekend as he went to his parents. I stayed back as I have work and I am keeping a little boy while their parents go to the game on Saturday. It is a nice break honestly. We both needed it. He will be leaving next Sunday for the TBI treatment. We are both excited!
What this rating also means is that I can get Champ VA health insurance and will use it in addition to Tricare. Also it aides me a lot for going back and getting my Masters Degree. This is just the motivation I needed. It will provide a monthly stipend for living expenses and books. This is a huge help as I won't be able to work while doing my internship. I was enrolled to get my Masters and Bryan got blown up two days before I was supposed to start. Also for our future kids college when they go they will get the stipend as well! The property tax relief is huge as well an the best thing of all, they can't reduce his rating. Whew what a relief. One battle down! YES!
I am going to look in to the online Masters of Social Work program at the University of Tennessee program this weekend and re-enroll in school. I am scared to go back but know I can do it. I am hoping to get into the accelerated program so I can finish in a year. I took the GRE already I just need to find my results. I might have to take it again. That test is very scary but for Social Work they just require you take it and there isn't a minimum score that you need, Thank God! I had the flu the first time I took it and it was hell. They tried to not let me bring tissues in because you aren't supposed to bring anything in with you to the test. They emptied some tissues out of the box before the test, made sure I hadn't written anything on them and let me bring it in to the test. I ate cough drops the entire time, in this hot room, with a fever, and I was not allowed to have something to drink. Not to mention the stress of the test and I suck at Math.
I am excited and I am ready to sign MSSW after my name. I want to help veterans and with this degree I can easily do this.
Bryan is out of town this weekend as he went to his parents. I stayed back as I have work and I am keeping a little boy while their parents go to the game on Saturday. It is a nice break honestly. We both needed it. He will be leaving next Sunday for the TBI treatment. We are both excited!
Monday, October 5, 2009
TBI/PTSD Treatment
Things have gotten better around here finally. Bryan spoke with these doctors in New Orleans that do hyperbaric treatment for TBI and PTSD. He was very excited when he heard about how these oxygen treatments can repair and improve brain function and reduce side effects. A couple we met in NY told us about this treatment and the retired Marine completed it and had great results. The doctor called Sunday night and spoke with Bryan for about an hour and a half about his diagnosis and symptoms. We just got the call that he has been approved for the treatment. He is very excited and this is the first time he has done research by himself. He got on the website and read what the treatments have done to help others. He seemed excited about it and I am happy that he has the opportunity.
He will leave on Thursday to visit his parents and then head to New Orleans from there. It looks like he will be there for about 45 days. This is the first time we have been apart from each other for any length of time since he was injured. Honestly, though, for both of us it will be a nice break. His job is working on his short term disability packet and I am hoping when he gets back he will have renewed energy to do his job. I am excited and I hope he has the best results that he can!
He will leave on Thursday to visit his parents and then head to New Orleans from there. It looks like he will be there for about 45 days. This is the first time we have been apart from each other for any length of time since he was injured. Honestly, though, for both of us it will be a nice break. His job is working on his short term disability packet and I am hoping when he gets back he will have renewed energy to do his job. I am excited and I hope he has the best results that he can!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Is Always a Roller Coaster Ride Around Here
Since last Thursday things have been out of wack around here. Bryan and I had an argument on Thursday night before Soldier Ride and he decided he wanted to file for divorce. I knew he was pushing me out as he is having some problems with working and being off the meds isn't helping him with everything else. I was so upset and he didn't want to go to Soldier Ride. I talked to a friend and counselor for a long time on Friday and after talking to her I felt that he was just trying to push me out. It's amazing how last week was going so well. We got the paperwork in the mail for CRSC about what the payment was going to be and it was a lot more than we thought. My mom was in town with my nephew till Wednesday and we had a great time. Then on Thursday we got the paperwork that Bryan's rating was NOT going to be reduced. He is still 100% and they had increased his TBI and PTSD rating and they are also adding two other claims to his rating. Our builder was fixing the sidewalks and other problems as well.
My parents had bought tickets to the concert with Trace Adkins for Friday night for the kick off to Soldier Ride. At 5:00 after talking to my friend I decided to go to Soldier Ride and give Bryan some space. It ended up being great to see my parents and some of the wives from the caregivers retreat. They welcomed and supported me and made me feel like I'm not doing this all alone. The caregivers sometimes live in the shadows of their warrior and it's nice to have some support too.
I finished the 29 mile bike ride in the pouring rain on Saturday. My shoes literally had puddles in them and I was soaked. It was a good outlet to get out the anger and frustration. I felt good afterwords. We went to dinner, the Grand Ole Opry, and then to the famous Tootsies. It was a blast! Kid rock and John Rich showed up for a couple of songs and we danced the night away. Sunday I was exhausted and headed back home that evening. When I got home it was evident that Bryan still wanted a divorce.
Monday Bryan had a doctors appointment with his surgeon and the counseling appointment. He did go to both and I was glad for that. The knee is still coming along and his counselor gave him a book called PTSD insanity. We had a long talk that night and I shared with him all the things that I love about him. It seemed to be good for him and I was hoping he would feel better the next day. Tuesday Bryan got up for PT and work. At 2:00 I got a call from his boss saying that he didn't want to breach Bryan's trust but he said he needed some personal time and left work. I panicked as I didn't know if he was ok. He did show up at home. He went to the downstairs bedroom and crawled in bed. He looked miserable and we had a long talk about everything he was feeling. He knew he was slower at his work than he would have been before he got blown up. He had failed me, etc. After a long talk I told him if he wanted to quit work I would support him and he could get some help for his TBI and PTSD. His boss got him personal time for the rest of the week and I took off as well. I am not sharing all that has happened but I knew I should just be with him this week. I dont know the answers right now but I hope that we can come up with something to help him. I know this has to get better at some point.
My parents had bought tickets to the concert with Trace Adkins for Friday night for the kick off to Soldier Ride. At 5:00 after talking to my friend I decided to go to Soldier Ride and give Bryan some space. It ended up being great to see my parents and some of the wives from the caregivers retreat. They welcomed and supported me and made me feel like I'm not doing this all alone. The caregivers sometimes live in the shadows of their warrior and it's nice to have some support too.
I finished the 29 mile bike ride in the pouring rain on Saturday. My shoes literally had puddles in them and I was soaked. It was a good outlet to get out the anger and frustration. I felt good afterwords. We went to dinner, the Grand Ole Opry, and then to the famous Tootsies. It was a blast! Kid rock and John Rich showed up for a couple of songs and we danced the night away. Sunday I was exhausted and headed back home that evening. When I got home it was evident that Bryan still wanted a divorce.
Monday Bryan had a doctors appointment with his surgeon and the counseling appointment. He did go to both and I was glad for that. The knee is still coming along and his counselor gave him a book called PTSD insanity. We had a long talk that night and I shared with him all the things that I love about him. It seemed to be good for him and I was hoping he would feel better the next day. Tuesday Bryan got up for PT and work. At 2:00 I got a call from his boss saying that he didn't want to breach Bryan's trust but he said he needed some personal time and left work. I panicked as I didn't know if he was ok. He did show up at home. He went to the downstairs bedroom and crawled in bed. He looked miserable and we had a long talk about everything he was feeling. He knew he was slower at his work than he would have been before he got blown up. He had failed me, etc. After a long talk I told him if he wanted to quit work I would support him and he could get some help for his TBI and PTSD. His boss got him personal time for the rest of the week and I took off as well. I am not sharing all that has happened but I knew I should just be with him this week. I dont know the answers right now but I hope that we can come up with something to help him. I know this has to get better at some point.
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