Veterans, laborers, roughnecks, and everybody in between; we need to take care of ourselves for our friends and families. Pursue physical and mental healing and never accept a band-aid as a permanent solution.
I served an honorable enlistment in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry mortarman. We, as Marine Grunts, have rocked our bodies and minds with explosions, tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. Such is the proud life of a Grunt. After exiting the Marines in search of new opportunity, my body and mind began to break down.
My interest in TBI increased as unexplained symptoms destroyed my quality of life; 48 hour migraines, clinical anxiety, depression, and chronic pain being the major aggressors. The VA had no issue ordering a brain scan, and when completed, we found a benign mass on my pineal gland. The doctor assured me this type of mass and its location is asymptomatic aside from possible changes in melatonin production but, with only light research, I found that statement to not hold truth.
After many appointments that failed to uncover any anomalies in any part of my body, I knew that this mass was the culprit. It had to be. The VA seemed to think overwise and were reluctant to pursue further investigation other than checking on the size year after year. Being a veteran that has been awarded disability benefits in the past, I decided that I would begin the process of adding this to my list. The VA denied everything I had claimed in relation to my brain. All the while, I could barely leave my house, I couldn’t drown my sorrows with alcohol, and I couldn’t forget it all with exercise.
Without the help of the medical system, I knew that I could not continue on the path I was traveling so I began a full frontal assault. I gave my body every vital nutrient it needed through supplementation and diet. I removed or altered every product that contains toxic chemicals. I prioritized natural increases to my testosterone levels. I did everything that I could and found success over time.
A primary tool that I have utilized regularly has been CBD oil. I give credit to CBD for keeping me off the vast list of pharmaceuticals that have been offered and prescribed to me. I knew I didn’t want to take drugs for the rest of my life for ailments that I believed could be cured. CBD has helped to ease the physical and mental tension I experience on a daily basis. Active migraines have had their edges dulled, anxiety does not present its physical attributes quite to the same extent, and my sleep has become a force to be reckoned with.
I didn’t quit on the VA for proper care, however. My story continues to this day with appointments for my brain and continued research into my symptoms. This entire situation has resulted in a newly found understanding of true health and what I am capable of. It truly has been a blessing.
I live to fight another day; for my friends, my family, and myself. Such is the proud life of a Grunt.