PTSD / TBI / Epilepsy

Two videos originally made for my neurologist. See info on videos for explanation. WARNING: SEIZURE VOICE SOUNDS -Value of Service Dogs:

12 22 18 2 (WARNING - SEIZURE VOICE SOUNDS)

12 22 18 3 ( Part 2) (WARNING SEIZURE VOICE SOUNDS)

Coco is a rescue dog whose orig owner died very suddenly of a stroke. Within days she and her sibling were given away. I had to train "out of her": a fear of being abandoned, of ambulances, of linoleum floors and illness. She not only overcame those, but now is like a nurse to me

I post these videos not only for the value of Service Dogs, but because these types of seizures have been diagnosed as epilepsy, but my neurologist is also testing me for long-term PTSD damage. Whichever, the dog gets me through each time this happens.

In addition to her situation when given up to a kennel in the south (high-kill), I then had her trucked up to RI (13 hour trip)and picked her up from there. The southern kennel works with a town dog officer in RI to get abandoned dogs to good homes (for a price of course)

She wasn't as cheap as some adopted dogs are, and I did take somewhat of a risk. But she has gone from not knowing what a leash is to being able to carry hers. Almost 8 years now, this dog has repeatedly saved my life.

Video:

LifeStation Medical Alert Service Button

Re: PTSD - 27 years ago I had a car accident. I was then diagnosed w/ (and still have) severe PTSD (nightmares, flashbacks, etc.) At the same time I was blacking out sporadically (even just after accident when still trying to drive). Those blackouts progressed into epilepsy.

In addition, over my life I have had 15 near-death experiences, many of which involved serious head hits. People say to me "you look fine". :) @DeptVetAffairs and @VeteransHealth hopefully are examining our Vets having also all of these elements: TBI/PTSD/Epilepsy