Message from Matt:

Having been both US Military Special Operations and Law Enforcement, I have dealt with PTSD for about 30 years, although I wouldn't recognize it or admit it. I always tried to manage my feelings on my own, trying to hide the way I was feeling, adopting self-coping mechanisms, closing myself off from family and friends, and hoping no one saw how I felt.

Eventually, my nightmares got worse, what little sleep I was getting got worse, my fuse was extremely short, I didn’t like talking to people, and I wanted to be alone.

After some conversations with my wife, I started therapy and was doing well. From there I was referred to a psychiatrist who put me on several strong medications that caused me to not be able to function. Even my wife indicated that I wasn't interactive. Needless to say, I stopped the medicine very quickly.

I started doing some research and came across Dr. James Lynch at Ganglion Block in Annapolis, MD. Luckily, Dr. Lynch was a doc that worked with us at the 24th STSQ at JSOC.

Dr. Lynch has perfected a procedure called the Stellate Ganglion Block (SBG). The SGB is a shot of anesthetic that is injected into the Ganglion bundle of nerves in the neck that in essence performs a reset of the “fight or flight "system. Depending on the severity of PTSD, it could be shots on one side of the neck for less severe or both sides for more severe cases.

I needed shots on both sides. The only side effects are a hoarse voice and a little difficulty with swallowing for a few hours.

The shots are not a cure. You must remain in therapy to help continue the healing process. What the shots do accomplish is a reduction of symptoms. Sleep more, longer fuse, less nightmares, etc. The benefits of the shots vary in length for each person. Mine lasted about 7 months before I needed to go back in for another round.

What I can tell you is this is fantastic. It helps reduce the symptoms that allow you to focus on therapy. Ask my wife. She has been the witness to my testimony.

A note from his wife, Buffy:

Watching Matt struggle with PTSD was challenging, there were moments when he just couldn't deal with what was impacting him and would reply with a response indicating his frustration, "it's just the way it is", and his shortness was "just the way he is". It took many conversations and reflections moments for Matt to realize that PTSD doesn't JUST happen to other people, but it was impacting him. Taking those initial steps to get help were instrumental. When Matt and I went to visit Dr. Lynch to begin the SGB treatment, I knew this would be a life changing moment for Matt.

The night after his first treatment, Matt slept for 13 hours, this was the man that rarely slept. SGB has made a difference in my husband. Matt continues with his therapy sessions and has since 2022 had a 2nd SGB treatment.