I have been struggling with PTSD for over 33 years. Deployment during the Gulf War for Operation Desert Storm and return deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom, left broken inside, and I turned to pain pills not only for pain due to injuries but to escape the horrors of war bouncing around in my head. After years of therapy, medicines and every other thing suggested, nothing seemed to work. An almost successful suicide attempt on 29 APR 2018 helped me get clean, but the PTSD symptoms didn’t go away. There was the constant looking over my shoulder for the threat. My fight or flight response was always in overdrive, Garbage on the side of the road was always a possible IED. When I had lost all hope of getting better, a treatment was suggested, something called the Stellate Ganglion Block.(SGB)
After more than meeting the requirements, this morning I received the SGB. The effect was almost instantaneous. It was like the elephant that had been sitting on my chest all these years just vanished. The fire that had been burning inside of me was extinguished. I had a sense of calm come over me that I haven’t felt in over 33 years. When when I got off the exam table, sat in the wheel chair and reached to shake the doctors hand who had done the procedure, I wept uncontrollably. Over 33 years of pain was released in those tears. Though the memories are still in my head, they are no longer in control. I know this is not a “magic pill”, and I still have a long way to go, but I now feel I can process what has happened with my mental health team without the thoughts dominating me and hijacking my healing.
For those of you who are suffering from PTSD (PTSD isn’t just for combat trauma), I highly recommend you look into this treatment and discuss it with your health care professionals. If you are a Veteran, talk to the VA about this. This treatment option could be first step to regaining control of your life.
So happy you found a solution. That peace and calm must feel amazing after years of suffering.
I’m not familiar with that procedure. Is it a one and done type of thing? Does it stop working after a period of time? Can you repeat if needed? Apologies for all the questions and no need to answer if it’s uncomfortable to discuss. I’m just happy for you.
Thank you for your service!!
This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing with us!! I am so very happy for you. That release off your chest and a new perspective. What a gift. I am so glad you kept looking for healing.
OMG - i am tearing up reading this friend. So grateful that you are feeling some relief after all these years. Grateful that this will help you in further dealing with your PTSD. Thank you so much for sharing and wishing you a wonderful journey ahead. Very impressive counter you have
The effect of the procedure varies. For some, it works great. Others not so well. A guy that was after me was discussing with the doctor that this would be his 6th one. He said some lasted 3 months and some didn’t work at all. I may have to have more injections as time goes on. But the discomfort of the needle being shoved into my neck is dwarfed by the relief I got. Now that it has been 24 hours since the injection, i still feel great. I slept wonderful last night. When I woke up, the wave of peace and calm I still feel is beyond description.
Thank you for responding. That info is very insightful.
A restful night sleep and that feeling of calm makes it all worth it. Sending positive loving vibes your way for a long lasting effect of the procedure.
