Page 1015 - Total War on PTSD

I have numerous diagnoses to include 4th nerve palsy, partial 7th nerve palsy, along with PTSD from MST, severe migraines (caused by a neurological condition called Chiari Malformation). Since early 2007 I have been plagued with some of the worst headaches a person can imagine. They are more of a pressure type headache than out- right pain...the pressure inside my head creates the pain. After being hospitalized in February 2017 for dizziness, nausea, and vomiting I had a CT and MRI done which showed the Chiari Malformation. The VA kept denying I had this condition saying I had Cerebellar Tonsillar Ectopia, the VA discharged me from neurology services and sent me home. Once I got home, I started passing out and kept having dizzy spells so intense that I would vomit. I was tested for vestibular issues by a hearing balance center and they noted the balance issue was a cerebellum issue not my vestibular system or inner ear.
Things that were aggrevated by the military include my cardiac (sinus node reentrant tachycardia and inappropriate sinus tachycardia). I have received care from the following types of doctors — Neurosurgeon, Neuro-Ophthalmologist, Cardiologist, headache Neurologist, sports medicine concussion doctor, an internal medicine doctor who specializes in Dysautonomia, and a corrective lens specialist. I have also been evaluated by an independent medical doctor to document all my symptoms, and a Neuropsychologist. My specialists are all in the same network (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or UPMC for short) which is approximately 450 miles one way from our home in New York. The loyalty of friends and family ensuring I maintain my appointment schedule is critical for me, also notes in my calendar and phone.
My Service Dog Bobbi Ann, a Boxer and Golden Border Collie Mix, was trained by Patriot Assistance Dogs in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Her training consisted of Basic Obedience, Canine a Good Citizen Test, Public Access Test and PTSD Training. She has been cross-trained for mobility assistance (counter balance/light bracing), and she has taught herself to know when I am having a cardiac episode and alerts on that as well.
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