EdwardMH
Registered
Cutting and pasting a couple posts of mine from other threads as they seem better suited here.
I am Edward Henry a 100% Permanent and Total Service Connected but not Combat Related Disabled Veteran.
I can swim just enough to not drown and takes 3 times the effort of decent swimmers to swim forward LOL I am strongly considering taking scuba lessons for exercise and PTSD/Stress relief at DiVentures in Springfield, Mo. (Is this a good idea? I am a slow learner due to my PTSD but once a concept locks into my mind I tend to remember it (Just takes longer than some folks). They told me about Dive Pirates for Veterans with mobility issues but they are for amputees and wheelchair bound Veterans and I am neither, (all the organizations that help Veterans I have found so far are for Combat Veterans only are there any that you know of that can help me get started with gear or class fees)? I have balance issues but can get around with out much aid though I do have a Service Dog for my PTSD and balance issues. (does the reason for the PTSD have bearing on learning to dive)? I am just trying to find something fun to do instead of sitting around the house on the computer all the time. My PTSD causes me to loose interest in many things so looking for new ones in the hopes a few stay interesting, so far only Metal detecting and Astronomy have kept my interest.
another cut and paste
Ok, official status update.....
the VA Doctors here refuse to sign off on the medical release form NOT for medical reasons but LIABILITY. One Dr. Told me the only reason for the medical release form is so the instructor and student do not have to take responsibility if something goes wrong and they can sue the Dr. She told me I should just sign a notarized statement that says I take full responsibility for any mishaps and stop looking for someone else to blame.... I was shocked and worried because that still does not tell me MEDICALLY if I am fit physically or mentally to learn Scuba. And this was just for the Try Scuba class not the full heading to open Water class. Trying to find a local Civilian Doctor that understand PTSD to let them go over my medical records for a decision. Oh the same day the VA Dr. Told me that she would not fill out the release form she told me I could stay off my medications (Was taken off medications to see if it was the cause of my glucose level being high. (I am also by my own testing borderline diabetic and High blood pressure but on no medication for either. The ONLY medication I am taking is Omeprazole to control stomach acid. So no medications to be an issue at this time. (Service Dog helps a lot).
Any suggestions where to start? Am I wasting my time? Any advice or opinions welcomed.
thank you,
Edward (AstroEd/FiddlerEd/soon be ScubaEd or DiverEd?) Henry
I am Edward Henry a 100% Permanent and Total Service Connected but not Combat Related Disabled Veteran.
I can swim just enough to not drown and takes 3 times the effort of decent swimmers to swim forward LOL I am strongly considering taking scuba lessons for exercise and PTSD/Stress relief at DiVentures in Springfield, Mo. (Is this a good idea? I am a slow learner due to my PTSD but once a concept locks into my mind I tend to remember it (Just takes longer than some folks). They told me about Dive Pirates for Veterans with mobility issues but they are for amputees and wheelchair bound Veterans and I am neither, (all the organizations that help Veterans I have found so far are for Combat Veterans only are there any that you know of that can help me get started with gear or class fees)? I have balance issues but can get around with out much aid though I do have a Service Dog for my PTSD and balance issues. (does the reason for the PTSD have bearing on learning to dive)? I am just trying to find something fun to do instead of sitting around the house on the computer all the time. My PTSD causes me to loose interest in many things so looking for new ones in the hopes a few stay interesting, so far only Metal detecting and Astronomy have kept my interest.
another cut and paste
Ok, official status update.....
the VA Doctors here refuse to sign off on the medical release form NOT for medical reasons but LIABILITY. One Dr. Told me the only reason for the medical release form is so the instructor and student do not have to take responsibility if something goes wrong and they can sue the Dr. She told me I should just sign a notarized statement that says I take full responsibility for any mishaps and stop looking for someone else to blame.... I was shocked and worried because that still does not tell me MEDICALLY if I am fit physically or mentally to learn Scuba. And this was just for the Try Scuba class not the full heading to open Water class. Trying to find a local Civilian Doctor that understand PTSD to let them go over my medical records for a decision. Oh the same day the VA Dr. Told me that she would not fill out the release form she told me I could stay off my medications (Was taken off medications to see if it was the cause of my glucose level being high. (I am also by my own testing borderline diabetic and High blood pressure but on no medication for either. The ONLY medication I am taking is Omeprazole to control stomach acid. So no medications to be an issue at this time. (Service Dog helps a lot).
Any suggestions where to start? Am I wasting my time? Any advice or opinions welcomed.
thank you,
Edward (AstroEd/FiddlerEd/soon be ScubaEd or DiverEd?) Henry