Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

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mujicaptsd 05/11/2022

I couldn't afford to retire back in the States last year, and I reached age 62 qualifying for Social Security despite Chronic Kidney Disease from when a psychiatrist prescribed too much Seroquel for my PTSD nightmares from combat PTSD growing up as a missionary kid in a war zone. So I'm in Mexico to retire, like a few hundred thousand other US citizens are doing nowadays.

We live on tourist visas that must be renewed every 6 months, which is why I live near the border--the southern border with Guatemala, not the US border that's more unsafe. I renewed my visa ok 6 months ago in November, but I had a Guatemalan friend travel with me. Now I'm going alone May 13-16 to renew my visa.

Last month my CKD caused me to be bedridden and unable to walk for a week. I got going in a wheelchair I bought, and then by last week I was back walking on a cane. But if I have another CKD episode that affects my feet again because my kidneys don't provide enough oxygen to my extremities--i.e., my feet--on this trip alone what do I do?

I'm scared. Support welcome.

arfie 05/11/2022

yea, that northern border is a DMZ during the best of times. since the start of biden's antics, that demilitarized zone is so intense that only the toughest and most highly trained of the missionary teams are still holding their missions to that region. crossing the ukrane/russia border might be safer.

steadying support and prayers for serenity and safety while you brave the calmer conflicts on the southern border, muji. immigration offices can be brutal for all.

SunCloudJD 05/11/2022

Big hug Muji.... I hope everything goes well.... Would it be worth bringing someone with you for the couple of days in case you need any help?
You are in my prayers.... xo

Leo 05/11/2022

Puma hugs and puma power ---- and what you do is, you remember you can ask for help, maybe someone (health aide?) to go with, or similar?

And take it one step at a time, literally and metaphorically. What-if every step ---- who could you call, what help is available (e.g., airports sometimes have concierge staff you can hire for a few hours!), etc.

We're here. Holding you in safety.

mujicaptsd 05/12/2022

Thanks, everybody. My fears notwithstanding, my feet are ok for walking today. As long as I don't trip over something, they'll likely be that way tomorrow, too. I'm all packed and ready to go, I've got my Guatemalan money exchanged, I've got my passport ready for stamping. It ought to be an easy pre-trip day now today. Fingers crossed.

AngelaJo 05/12/2022

Good luck Muji will keep you in my prayers!

lilmissy7 05/12/2022

((((Mujica)))))
Good luck with everything I hope it all goes well
Big hug <3

mujicaptsd 05/13/2022

Hopefully after this maiden voyage I'll get used to taking this trip twice a year as a mere bureaucratic exercise. But this is my maiden voyage alone. My friend Mauricio went with me in November but he has yet to repay me the USD$263 loan I floated him so he could afford it. I can't float him another loan every time. It's all me this time. Fingers crossed.

mujicaptsd 05/13/2022

I'm just now waiting to board my flight to Guatemala for the weekend so I can re-enter Mexico on Monday and have another 6 month tourist visa to live on in retirement.

Getting checked in took forever, as it always does, as authorities had to double check to see that my identity was different from my parents. I hadn't even spoken to them in 8 years when they got arrested and deported from Peru for money laundering drug money there through their church.

But I've been double checked at airports ever since, even though I turned down their "gift" of USD$70k of their drug money that they offered me. I hope some day it counts for something that I was honest and turned it down and that it pays to be innocent somewhere.

SunCloudJD 05/13/2022

Safe trip Muji..... You are in my prayers.... xo

mujicaptsd 05/14/2022

Thanks, I made it to Guatemala. The hotel folks here were nice--seeing me enter on a cane they changed my room to the bottom floor so I wouldn't have to climb stairs. I don't think I'll do this visa renewal trip alone next time in 6 months. I think it's worth it to get someone to come along for safety's sake. For now, though, things look good. Fingers crossed.

mujicaptsd 05/15/2022

Yeah, the hotel staff really did me a solid when they relocated me on the ground floor. I booked this place again for when I have to renew my visa in 6 months and requested this room again. Next time I think I'll bring my friend along in case anything happens to my feet walking. I've been ok but scared about that all weekend.

Beryl367 05/15/2022

Glad it's going well so far, thoughts and prayers for your safety the rest of the way.

mujicaptsd 05/16/2022

Thanks, Beryl. This afternoon I fly back from Guatemala to the state capital of Chiapas, the city of Tuxtla, and at airport immigration there I find out if this trip scheme gets me my next 6 month tourist visa. Fingers crossed.

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