Like reading from some unseen script, she knows next he’ll want to watch some TV war story from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Tank was straddling two worlds. His body was physically within the relative safety of being home. Nonetheless, he functions as if still surrounded by danger in the war zone. It was a challenge and a struggle that they never trained him for. For Tank, it would prove just too much.
“Ellie, I typically have a terrible time settling into being home. Why don’t we watch the tube together?” He fidgeted restlessly on the sofa.
“What about a little walk together, Love? That might help you more,” pleaded Ellie.
“I’d rather stay in tonight. People out there make a fuss over me.”
Some encountering him in uniform in the city have resurrected …show more content…
“Doc, how will this affect my service if they find I have this, Sleep Apnea?”
Ellie sits in silence, knowing the answer he will not accept easily.
“Sergeant Brooks, these days the VA, is overrun with compensation claims for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. While it is not considered a disability for general service it can affect combat service. If the Sleep Study confirms the diagnosis, you will be put on a CPAP machine at night to support your breathing. Naturally, it emits sounds and thus the machine cannot be used in the field.
Other treatments are available, including surgical intervention. However, let’s obtain the results of the study and then we can discuss all the options when you come back in a couple of days.”
“All right, Doc.”
Tank’s brow furrowed and his eyes darted about as if he was searching for a place to hide. His heart raced as he contemplated a life that would not be on the front line with Special Forces.
Arriving home from the Sleep Study he found Ellie in the kitchen making breakfast.
“I’m not hungry Ellie. I’m exhausted. I don’t know how they can expect anyone to sleep with all those wires attached. They even put a device over my nose to breathe through. It felt like I was in a prolonged
Tank was straddling two worlds. His body was physically within the relative safety of being home. Nonetheless, he functions as if still surrounded by danger in the war zone. It was a challenge and a struggle that they never trained him for. For Tank, it would prove just too much.
“Ellie, I typically have a terrible time settling into being home. Why don’t we watch the tube together?” He fidgeted restlessly on the sofa.
“What about a little walk together, Love? That might help you more,” pleaded Ellie.
“I’d rather stay in tonight. People out there make a fuss over me.”
Some encountering him in uniform in the city have resurrected …show more content…
“Doc, how will this affect my service if they find I have this, Sleep Apnea?”
Ellie sits in silence, knowing the answer he will not accept easily.
“Sergeant Brooks, these days the VA, is overrun with compensation claims for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. While it is not considered a disability for general service it can affect combat service. If the Sleep Study confirms the diagnosis, you will be put on a CPAP machine at night to support your breathing. Naturally, it emits sounds and thus the machine cannot be used in the field.
Other treatments are available, including surgical intervention. However, let’s obtain the results of the study and then we can discuss all the options when you come back in a couple of days.”
“All right, Doc.”
Tank’s brow furrowed and his eyes darted about as if he was searching for a place to hide. His heart raced as he contemplated a life that would not be on the front line with Special Forces.
Arriving home from the Sleep Study he found Ellie in the kitchen making breakfast.
“I’m not hungry Ellie. I’m exhausted. I don’t know how they can expect anyone to sleep with all those wires attached. They even put a device over my nose to breathe through. It felt like I was in a prolonged