They had been talking about where we are now and where we need to be. If we had to drive 3 hours just to see a doctor for TC imagine how far we would have to go for someone who specialized in brain injuries...just an audiologist for him (which he would need to see at least weekly) is 5 hours away - each way. They had talked about a compassionate reassignment where he would work with a guard unit in MA which would be ideal, he could get set up with the doctors that he could stick with for the years to come. No matter what we thought we had time. Doc would come home and go back to work while we figure everything out. Today a bomb was dropped that neither of us expected.
It is being recommended that Doc not return to work, like ever.
I guess the main reason is because he will need to be in some sort of treatment every day for the foreseeable future. He wont be able to work if he can't be here. So now we don't know what is going to happen or when. If this is for real could we be out of Yuma before the new year? I've never even heard or this before. His command will make the ultimate decision and we are blessed that his bosses are interested in doing what is best for Doc and our family. There is a chance we could be sent somewhere to a WTU (Warrior Transition Unit) which I firmly believe would crush Doc's spirits, maybe even kill his spirits.
I've felt like I've be punched in the gut all day. I was so emotional, I hate that I was 3000 miles away when Doc got this news. He is a proud man, this must have killed him. I am still pretty pissed, had he not been dismissed when his injuries started presenting how many of these issues could have been avoided? He was treated like shit from the moment he realized that something was really wrong. Now look at us.
He has his final meetings tomorrow, I am interested in hearing everything they have to say. I wish I could be there, it kills me that I'm not.
So nuts, could this all be over just as fast as it began? Army life that is, unfortunately the TBI is with us to stay.
Could they VTC or Skype you in to his meeting so you can hear first hand the wrap up of everything?
ReplyDeleteGood luck! My thoughts are with you!!!
My heart hurts for you. Wishing you could be there with him, wishing there was something I could do.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how shocking that must have been to hear, especially when you were expecting something else. I'll keep your family and the doctors in my prayers and hopefully everything works out.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what you are going through. I am so sorry. I am def saying prayers for you and your family and hope the news today will be a better plan on what to do next.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't necessarily listen to that. It seems like they are maybe just wanting to make it easier on them to put him out rather than care for him. They did NOTHING for Bryan's moderate TBI for 3 years. We sought it out on our own. They said give it two years and hopefully it will get better. It didn't.
ReplyDeleteMake the military do what is right to take care of him because you won't get it at the VA; compensation or medically wise. You would be much better to stay in. A mild TBI rates pretty low and therefore pays low from the VA. He could apply for unemployability and get paid at 100% but that isn't much either.
As you know Bryan works. Is it easy? No, but he fights all the pain and everything to make it there every day. He can do this. Don't let them push what he doesn't want.
Keeping you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWTUs are great, great things- especially here, Belvoir, and Richmond. It hurts to hear that some guys think it means something terrible, especially after they've been injured themselves and haven't gotten the help they need at the current post. Healing takes place in WTUs. I hope he gets some counseling to help with his negative feelings on it. Being a wounded warrior is not a death sentence for a fulfilling life. In fact, most of the WWs here have incredibly positive attitudes. I hope it works out for ya'll.
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