A caregiver’s account of supporting his wife’s recovery from invisible wounds

PO3 Deidre Blascyk My story - I got back in 1971... was diagnosed with PTSD in 1999... & didn't even tell my wife until 2003. Over the years I've come to understand why cetain things in my life happened. Now... it's still there... but manageable. I can only imagine what my wives went through & like me... not know why.

Master Sgt. Lisa Goad's story;
"In 2008, three years before Lisa and Justin met, Lisa was a victim of sexual assault. The assault resulted in wounds both seen and unseen, a hip injury as well as invisible wounds that she would battle in the years that followed. In 2011, Lisa changed duty locations from Guam to New Mexico, where she initially met Justin as her fellow security forces wingman, though eventually she came to know him as her husband and the father of her children. In 2013, Lisa received her first hip surgery to begin healing the physical limitations that she was experiencing. Although she was able to walk, her limitations included certain activities that posed risk for causing further injuries such as running or biking. Lisa received several surgeries to mend her physical wounds but the invisible ones persisted. For Lisa, the assault’s consequences manifested as anxiety, irritability, an inability to leave the home, and a fear of driving. Justin said that neither he nor Lisa recognized these as signs and symptoms of her PTSD – both were naïve to the extent PTSD could affect someone. Justin’s inability to support his wife turned to a sense of frustration in their relationship.

After years of uncertainty, Lisa was diagnosed with PTSD and attended an Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) CARE event in 2016 with the full support of her commanders. She attended two events and then urged Justin to go with her to the third one. Justin followed her lead and took part in an event at Joint-Base San Antonio where he met other caregivers who shared their experiences supporting their warriors."

I appreciate it. Thank you so much for sharing.