Okay…
For those who don’t know, I had a TBI/stroke in September 2014. Since that time I have learned what my triggers are, like loud noises, people being impatient, etc. It took a few months for me to understand why I was getting so upset so easily, but I got most of my issues handled, but it’s still a challenge daily for me.
Sssssoooooo… I just got back from a shrink appointment and let me tell you, he was not the brightest bulb in the pack. I tried to be inviting and compliant with his wishes, but after two minutes of him just talking AT me I knew it was going to be a fun time….ehem. Here we go.
(Using my best Droopy voice, and I am paraphrasing): OK, Mr. Frasier, let me start off with a letter from the VA about why you are having this appointment and why this is not a time for you to attempt to have your rating increased or decreased but rather an opportunity to see if you are eligible for a rating increase, which is not to say that either one of those things could happen, but rather to add more documentation for your record to see if you’re eligible for that said increase. Any questions?
Me: Ummm…ok. Let’s do it.
Droopy: Again, this is not just to get a rating increase but to add any pertinent information for your claim. Will you please tell me, in your own words, why do you think, with all the things that went to happened to you, makes you qualified for that rating increase and how do you feel about your time with the VA, ergo, do you think that come out with all pertinent information available, you should need, or want, this ratings increase?
Me: Um…Sir, if you could just ask me a direct question and give me time to contemplate my answer before you ask the next question, I would appreciate it. Could you ask that question again more directly, please?
Droopy: (ssiiiiigghhhh) Ok…(basically, and he said the same thing for a second time, so I won’t make you read the entire thing again, but if you want to experience the full effect, you can read the thing again.)
Me: Sir, I cannot handle too much information at one time because my brain will get overloaded and I will shut down. Could you please pick one question let me think about it and give you a direct answer, please?
Droopy: 😐 😑 OK…(it was at this point that he caught my drift and started asking me specific questions for the examination. Things were going really really well until he turned the page of the questionnaire…) OK, Mr. Frasier, let’s move on. Now a bit earlier I told you that this is not about a ratings increase but is about something you want on the record for your claim. Vis-à-vis, if you could whittle down your needs and, or wants, for your claim so we can give you the best I can for your claim,  I would make this process go much more smoothly. So, of the conditions you are suffering from, will you please give me a more clear picture of both your family life, your friendships, and, or other relationships in your sphere of influence, which you are finding challenges on a daily, or monthly, basis? And please include friendships, other relationships, and, or, any other process through which you find yourself dealing with other people, and or friendships, and how that makes you feel on a daily/monthly basis?
Me: 😐😠 Sir, (but spelled “cur”) I told you earlier that if you put too much information into my brain I will forget the first three things you asked me because I can only focus on one thing at a time. Imagine a funnel, like a car oil funnel filled with rice, and if you put too much information into my brain, or you have too many questions, I cannot process all that information at one time and I will shut down because I would rather shut down instead of get angry at you. So, PLEASE, one question at a time, because you are stressing me out. SIR.
Droopy: (scoots his chair away from his desk) OK, Mr. Frasier, why don’t we take a break. Because you are, apparently and obviously, very angry at me right now, and I don’t feel safe being in the same room with you.
Me: Wow. I need to leave because you’re upsetting me. Have a good day, sir. (and I left the office.)
(AS I AM WALKING DOWN THE HALL!!) Yes, Mr. Frasier, I think you have problems and it doesn’t look good that you are walking away from this process and (I had left the office at this point but I could still hear him talking AT me through two walls) and this will go on your record for leaving a medical appointment without (and that’s when I couldn’t hear him anymore.)
So, yeah, that was my day from 2 PM to 2:09 PM. 🤦♂️
Jacob Frasier 