Jeannie,

Unfortunately what we wanted him to do, and what he did are two different things. I didn't start going to the PTSD clinics. He is doing better than a few months ago. He has a long way to go. We are loving him, and just being there for him. He is not longer on the excessively high doses of meds the VA had him on. It has been scaled way back. He is still on things, and from time to time has too much to drink. Nothing like it was. His wife and he are still separated, and both are involved in other relationships. the girl he is with, has actually been good for him, as far as I can tell. He has emotional issues with the fact that he doesn't have his kids all the time. It has been a hard year. I am looking for next year to be better, after he has gotten through the "firsts" of everything...IE first birthdays, first christmas, etc...

How does one get into holistic nursing? This is right up my alley, as I am becoming more and more disheartened with Western Medicine by the day.  I'd LOVE to get into this field, and living in San Diego I think there are probably many opportunities for this!  Anyone got any advice?

My favorite organization is the American Holistic Nurses Association. I am a member. They allow you to pay a little every month. In your welcome package you receive all sorts of information about training in many many different areas of holistic nursing. It was the best investment I have ever made.

Hi to Chinson,

I agree totally. That is essentailly what it means to be holistic.

I joined the American Holistic Nurses Association today!

Herbalnurse919,

A little background: I spent the last 3 years working with a wonderful Neuropsychiatrist in Eastern NC. I did in-office evaluations for the first 2 yrs and the last year worked with the same Psychiatrist as a Psychiatric Crisis Nurse in the local hospital ED. We did many evaluations with Vets from different eras (including several from WW II). With that said, I have some (hopefully helpful) info for you and your son.

The VA typically gives very poor treatment to its veterans. That is a fact and it is unfortunate. Group therapy is great and has helped many with PTSD. A lot of times the Docs at any VA center will over-medicate and usually with the wrong medications, not to the fault of their own. There is no one miracle medication. PTSD with a TBI can be some of the most difficult to treat, mostly due to the mood instability. Many times 1:1 therapy is a great start. Especially if the therapist is well trained in PTSD and TBI. I have seen EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) work wonders for PTSD in conjunction with Aromatherapy and Massage Therapy. For more info on EMDR you can check out www.emdr.com.

Don't ever give up hope. My heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family.

p.s. If I can help you with any resources, please don't hesitate to contact me at live.com">psychnurse85@live.com

Oops forgot to mention the NIH CAM site and information. Ck into it though currently doing some changes to the website and newsletter. Sue

Joyce,

That's awesome! So many organizations have not been open to this or supportive. We used to have a Mind Body Spirit Center assoc with a facility in town but they had to shut down after about 5 years because they weren't getting reimbursed by 3rd party payers. We need to ab;e to prove how effective these methods are in combination with versus sole treatment. To often patients have chosen sole treatment - which is their decision - but my perspective is - Did we provide them with the education and all of the options? I use some of these examples in my ethics course. Interesting discussions.

I like your approach - I think too many nurses don't understand and make judgment calls based on limited knowledge - we need to ensure that they have the information they need or show them how to get it.

The units were working on a low stimulation room/s for agitated psych patients - music, quiet safe activities and the like - some good work out there showing the efficacy.

Sue

Great idea! I'll watch out for it.

Sue

Just to give an update... I am launching a pilot study at my hospital to have a tranquility room for oncology staff and patient caregivers.

Sue, I love running water. I have a spa sound machine, and I sleep every day, or night, (depends on whether I am working or not), I use the waterfall setting. I don't sleep without it.

Thank you!