While serving in Afghanistan, Kyle was injured in a firefight. He experienced memory loss, chronic headaches, and anger. Searching for support, he went to VA. There, Kyle learned coping strategies to help manage TBI symptoms and found camaraderie in sharing his story with other Veterans. He has gone back to school and improved his life.
View Video TranscriptKyle:
Hi, my name's Kyle. I've been in the Army since 2008 as a Civil Affairs Sergeant now, and I've served in Africa and Afghanistan in Kandahar.
I joined the military because three generations before me had joined, so I really wanted to serve. I had gone to college first, so I felt that in a time of war, it was important for me to serve the country and to give back.
I deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. My TBI resulted from a firefight in June of 2011 where I was in the kill zone of where a grenade went off. We had a house that was on the perimeter. I was going along with my team and we were paying off all the locals for taking over their houses and bulldozing their fields.
We knew we were going to get hit. We were listening to their radios. They had RPG, they had small arms. They took out a truck that was next to our position.
We had guys that were knocked out, guys with shrapnel wounds and we had all the TBI issues right away. But it’s tough to tell if it’s having an affect on you when you’re there because you’re in that operational environment.
So, for me, I didn’t really notice anything until I really came home.
We came home right before Christmas, and so I had to do all that Christmas shopping right before Christmas, so I’m in a crowded mall and something that seemed so innocent, being in a crowded mall, was, that was a tough circumstance to be under.
I scanned every room I would go into. I sat with my back against a wall. I never, never let anyone come up from behind on me, anything like that.
And it was hard. I think you get a little bitter, knowing that you had seen things that 99.9% of the population hadn’t seen, and knowing that it was hard to find other people, other than the guys that you were with. So for me, it was 31 other guys that I knew that could relate, but a lot of us were having a hard time adjusting. We were trained well for war, but we weren’t really trained to come home.
Some of the symptoms of TBI, you do get irritable, you get frustrated. Your memory is not what it used to be. That’s one of the biggest one I see. Chronic migraine headaches. And for me, they were headaches that I never had experienced before in my life. Debilitating headaches.
A lot of sensitivity to light. To this day, I still, I have to make sure I have sunglasses with me because the sensitivity to light will really affect me. You know, flashes from cameras, things like that. I usually have to remove myself.
I went to the Bedford VA in Massachusetts and they have an OIF/OEF team. So, they’ve seen a lot of Veterans come through. Not only did they know… they could get you enrolled in the VA system, but they could also tell you a little bit about some of the services that were offered by the state and offered at that particular VA. So it was really helpful, it was really helpful to have someone kind of hold your hand through that, because you’re so overwhelmed at that point.
After seeing the OIF/OEF team, I went, saw a primary care physician. From going and seeing the primary care doctor, they made some referrals so that I could see occupational therapy and I guess for lack of a better term would be a therapist. And you talk about some of the issues that you’re having.
Part of the new normal that I was dealing with was not having the memory that I was accustomed to, and I was, it was easy for me to get frustrated. I never made lists ever in my life. I had to make lists. I would go shopping and I didn’t know what I was there for. When you go to the grocery store, Why the hell am I here? And that was hard. It was really hard. So, at the VA, I was able to get occupational treatment.
They help you with coping strategies. Some of it was taking notes, some of it’s taking a deep breath and it is a change, and you have to be a little bit more conscious about your own health. You have to make sure you get eight hours of sleep, and that you’re taking care of yourself.
I’ve been back more than a year and a half now. I can go into rooms, I can, sometimes I can sit with my back to the door if it comes down to it. I don’t scan every room. I don’t get as irritated with the general public as much. I can handle questions, about my service, about what it was like over there. And I’ve definitely noticed it’s a lot easier now to handle that, and you have your bad days, but I know how to cope a lot better nowadays because of the treatment that I sought and that I received from the VA.
There’s a lot of reasons why I like joining Veteran organizations. One is the camaraderie. You get to meet other Veterans that have served in other wars. You get to hear their stories, you get to pass on their stories, and I think that’s very important.
We owe it to our brothers and sisters that didn’t come home to make sure that we take care of ourselves. And not only do we want to take care of them, but I don’t want the enemy to win. And if you don’t take care of yourself, in a weird way the enemy wins a little bit.
No matter what you may be experiencing, there is support for getting your life on a better track. Many, many Veterans have found the strength to reach out and make the connection.
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If you are experiencing confusion, try to slow down and focus on the task at hand. Take regular breaks to avoid feeling tired and overwhelmed. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can make confusion worse. Talk to your health care provider to determine whether a medical condition such as TBI might be contributing to the problem. You can also talk to a pharmacist about the possible effects of medications you're taking. Learn more steps you can take on our Confusion page.
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If you are experiencing dizziness, lie down for a few minutes with your head slightly elevated. Lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, getting enough rest, and avoiding alcohol or drugs can help. Medications and medical conditions such as heart disease or ear issues can also cause dizziness; consult a medical provider if you get dizzy on a regular basis. If you suddenly lose function in part of your body (e.g., arm weakness, face drooping, difficulty speaking) along with experiencing vertigo, this can indicate a serious problem, such as a stroke. Call 911 and seek medical help immediately. Learn more steps you can take on our Dizziness page.
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A flashback can be distressing for you and those around you. Try grounding yourself by focusing on details of your surroundings or neutral physical sensations, such as the feeling of your feet on the floor. Call someone you trust and tell them what is happening. Your family, friends, or health care provider may be able to provide support and help you deal with your flashbacks. Learn more steps you can take on our Flashbacks page.
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Noise or Light Irritation
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Learn what triggers episodes of noise or light irritation. Try making adjustments to computer and TV screens, and ensure you get the right amount of sleep. If you're taking medication and want to know if it could be affecting your sensitivity to noise or light, talk to your doctor. Certain drugs or medications may cause vision or hearing problems. Never stop taking a prescription without first consulting a medical professional. Learn more steps you can take on our Noise or Light Irritation page.
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Nightmares
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To manage upsetting feelings after a nightmare, focus on what's real by touching and describing objects around you. If you're unable to sleep within 15 minutes, leave your bed briefly to wash your hands or drink water while avoiding any strenuous activity. Also, talk to your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions. Learn more steps you can take on our Nightmares page.
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High-Risk Activities
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What can I do about drinking or drug use?
There are many options for Veterans who want to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol or using drugs. One option is counseling, either one-on-one or in a group. Another involves medication to help reduce use. A third option is mutual-help groups. You can work with your doctor or counselor and try different types of treatment to find the one that's best for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Alcohol or Drug Misuse page.
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Gambling
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If I’m experiencing a gambling problem, what can I do about it right away?
The first step in addressing your challenges is to acknowledge that gambling has become a problem in your life and recognize that it is possible to make a change. Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing to manage stress and urges to gamble. Spend time with supportive people who do not gamble, and talk with your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions that are right for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Gambling page.
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Reckless Behavior
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What can I do if I’ve noticed myself engaging in reckless behavior?
There are ways to prevent yourself from engaging in risky behavior. Plan to avoid situations that might lead to recklessness. For example, leave early or late to avoid rush-hour traffic, or arrange a ride home if you'll be drinking. Talking with your family members, close friends, or a health care provider may help you find support and resources to address your challenges. Learn more steps you can take on our Reckless Behavior page.
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