GO2 Health doctor Dr Kieran McCarthy transitioned from the military in 2014. He uses his first hand experience and medical expertise to help others navigate the challenges often encountered when leaving military service. 

Leaving the military

How you leave the military may affect how smoothly you transition. For people who weren’t ready to leave, especially if they have been medically discharged, it is perhaps unsurprising that transitioning feels challenging. Even if leaving was your choice, the differences between civilian and military life can still prove to be a challenge.

Challenges with leaving the military

The team at GO2 Health regularly sees former military personnel struggling with issues including:
 

• The loss of team connections – civilian life generally does not offer the deep level of responsibility for and trust in mates found in the military
• Boredom – people who have enjoyed positive experiences and exciting deployments may find that civilian careers don’t offer this level of excitement
• Lack of understanding – civilians generally don’t appreciate the day to day routines in the military or the complex experiences of deployment
• Motivation problems – without the discipline and routine of the military some people feel ‘lost’ and unsupported
• Health issues – military life can be physically and mentally tough and leaves some people with ongoing conditions or pain to manage

Tips for a smooth transition

Dr Kieran McCarthy offers these suggestions to people transitioning from the military: 

• Exercise
• Take ownership of your problems and their solutions
• Think about how connected you want to remain – some choose to engage with former military colleagues, others prefer a complete break from the military
• If you feel like a ‘victim’ seek help to reframe your thinking to a more useful perspective
• Accept where you are in life – especially if you are managing pain or other chronic conditions
• Find purpose – if you can’t work, find volunteer positions
• Create your own routine – stay busy, get out of the house, connect with the community and (again) get plenty of exercise
• Involve those close to you – managing ongoing physical and mental health conditions will be more successful if your family and close friends are involved

When you need more support

We encourage you to make the most of the great support offered by the DVA and other organisations. GO2 Health assists people transitioning by:

 

• Working with you to create a plan
• Providing regular support to help you ‘let go’ of your military career and move positively into your new life
• Offering multidisciplinary care in one location – including GPs, psychology, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, massage and nutrition support
• GO2 Health offers a Coordinated Veteran Care program specifically designed to help veterans with chronic health conditions. Cick here for more information 

If you think GO2 Health could benefit you, we encourage you to call us to make an appointment: (07) 3355 5540.

GO2Health’s Coordinated Veteran Care (CVC) program is our comprehensive care management program aimed at preventing chronic illness in veterans.

Most veterans we treat are aged 25 -55 and our CVC is designed as a holistic program of preventative medicine. We discuss your wellbeing goals with you, and from that create your ‘Green Folder’ – your comprehensive medical record.

In your Green Folder we record things like:

• Medications you take
• Results from any screening tests, like blood tests, skin checks, mental health assessments
• Results of any biomechanical checks, like those done by a physiotherapist or podiatrist
• Discussions we have about building a healthy lifestyle - including limiting drug and alcohol use, increasing exercise and practicing mindfulness
• Who makes up your support network, including family relationships
• Treatment plans developed for you by the allied health professionals at GO2 Health, ensuring they complement other treatment plans
• Anything else that gives us and you a complete overview of your health and wellbeing

Take control of your health with your Green Folder

Everyone in our CVC program takes home a copy of their Green Folder. This is your record of your goals, and care plans, which, in our experience, empowers our patients to take control of their healthcare needs.

The Green Folder is also a valuable resource if you attend multiple specialist appointments. We understand how frustrating repeating your medical history can be, so we encourage patients to share their Green Folder with specialists to give them an overview of your medical history and current treatment plans.

While we don’t expect you to share what’s in your Green Folder, we urge CVC participants to let their loved ones know what it is and where you keep it. If there is ever a medical emergency, paramedics and Emergency Department clinicians have quick access to vital information for their decision-making – including your current medications, allergies and medical conditions.

What the GO2 Health CVC program involves

Your first appointment will be a one-hour care planning discussion with a practice nurse and a 20-minute appointment with one of our GPs.

We’ll then invite you to a second appointment – the Green Folder appointment. This is when we document anything relevant to your health, including:

• Medications
• Allergies
• Past medical history
• Family medical history
• Any test results and immunization records
• Care and treatment plans
• Correspondence

Each month a practice nurse will contact you to find out how you are managing. We know that lifestyle changes can be very difficult, so our regular check-ins can give you the support you need when making these changes.

Every 90 days we also get you to come back in to GO2 Health. At this appointment we review and update your folder – ensuring it’s always up to date and accurate.

Join the GO2 Health CVC program

If you are a gold card holder, make an appointment to see one of our GPs. They will discuss your goals with you and determine your eligibility to participate.

If you are already a patient at GO2 Health and are eligible to participate, a nurse will contact you to recommend joining the program.

If you would like to make an appointment, contact our friendly reception staff on 3355 5540.

We hope you enjoy our first podcast interview with Dr Kieran McCarthy from Go2Health.

Here at Go2Health we have a real passion and commitment for the health and wellbeing of current and ex-service men and women, first line defenders and their families.

This has come from the military background and involvement in veteran health of both practice GPs - Dr Kieran McCarthy and Dr Ian Fraser. Kieran's time in the army as a military doctor included five deployments and time in General, Close and Special Operations. Go2Health’s other GP, Dr Ian Fraser, has spent 40 years working with veterans in Townsville.

Our experience means we know how to help people with complicated health issues stemming from their military service.

Kieran McCarthy says "I have experience working with some really complex patients – people that were really struggling. I am happy to see them now ‘kicking goals’, having made great use of our services in addition to the medical, allied health and external specialists available to them."

Most ex-military patients’ treatment is covered by the DVA.

Outcomes-focused team care

We don’t do treatment for the sake of treatment. It’s all outcome focused.

We will work on whatever outcome you want to achieve. We have worked with others to:

• Get back to sport
• Get out of pain
• Pick up the kids again
• Return to work
• Manage arthritis symptoms
• Adjust to life after the military when transitioning either voluntarily or with a medical discharge
• Change career
• Manage PTSD, depression, anxiety or suicidal feelings
• Or any other goals you have

A team approach for your health

We use a holistic model of care because it works. This model comes from elite sport, where team care has been demonstrated to deliver results. What this means for you, is that at Go2Health you have access to:

• Military-friendly general practitioners (GPs)
• Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists
• Sports dieticians that can advise on nutrition for performance, weight management or general health
• Ssychologists experienced in military psychological issues
• Remedial massage therapists
• Acupuncturists
• Practice nurses responsible for each patient’s case management

For more information, please contact 3355 5540 and speak with our friendly team.

Did you know the team at GO2 Health are highly trained to offer you all the help you need when you are planning a baby, throughout your pregnancy, during the post natal period and beyond!

Did you know the team at GO2 Health are highly trained to offer you all the help you need when you are planning a baby, throughout your pregnancy, during the post natal period and beyond!

There’s a lot a information to cover, so let make it simple by listing for you the services you might be interested in during each phase…….

 

Kate Boucher Level 2 sports Physiotherapist, Dry Needling and ART, Rehabilitation
GO2 Doctor

Hugo Teixeira Psychologist specialising in trauma-related stress
GO2 Doctor

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is defined as an exposure to a traumatic physical or emotional event that causes re-experience of the occurrence, avoidance of triggers, development of negative thoughts and moods, and chronic hyper-arousal symptoms.

What is PTSD and Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS)?

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is defined as an exposure to a traumatic physical or emotional event that causes re-experience of the occurrence, avoidance of triggers, development of negative thoughts and moods, and chronic hyper-arousal symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and change in bowel habit. It can cause significant distress and embarrassment. Known as a ‘21 st century’ condition, dietary factors can play a major role. It is a diagnosis by exclusion, meaning no obvious pathology is usually found.

We now believe that psychosocial stressors play an important role in irritable bowel syndrome, and significant numbers of those with PTSD also suffer from IBS.

What to do If you have PTSD and Symptons of IBS?

If you have PTSD and the symptoms of IBS, come and talk with our doctors. If a causal link can be found, DVA may approve a claim for IBS and facilitate treatment. Managing any associated physical conditions is an important part of managing your mental health.

What is PTSD and Erectile Dysfunction?

PTSD and Erectile Dysfunction Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be a complex mix of plumbing problems, hormonal imbalance and psychosocial factors (including psychiatric medication). It is common amongst the psychologically damaged veteran cohort.

PTSD impairs sexual functioning across multiple domains: desire, arousal, orgasm, activity, and satisfaction. The most commonly reported problems are erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and overall sexual disinterest.

Testosterone levels are often below normal in this cohort; conversely the source of the ED may be just medication with a normal hormone profile. 

What to do If you have PTSD and Erectile Dysfuntion?

Treatment involves counselling, medication review, sometimes testosterone replacement but generally drugs such as Cialis or Viagra. ED can have devastating effects on self esteem and self worth, as well as relationships. Come and discuss your particular problem with our doctors. If a causal link can be found, DVA may approve a claim for ED and facilitate treatment.

What is GO2 Veterans?

At Go2 Health our doctors are experienced in dealing with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs - DVA and helping with claims. Go2 Health has a long history of supporting our ex-military both physically and emotionally.

Dr Kieran McCarthy is an ex Army doctor with five operational tours. As the practice principal and one of the owners of GO2 Health, he is passionate about providing quality medical care to our veterans and their families.

Dr Ian Fraser is a GP from Townsville with 40 years experience managing PTSD and DVA patients. He owned one of the biggest DVA friendly practices in Townsville. Having recently relocated to Brisbane, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, and is taking new patients.

In helping you with your DVA claims, our doctors understand the importance of referring to the DVA ‘Statement of Principles’, to ensure the claim has the highest chance of being linked to Service and approved – therefore facilitiating treatment. Having a good RSL Advocate can be a critical part of this process, and we have strong relationships with a number of Advocates across Brisbane.

Dr Kieran McCarthy (MBBS, FRACGP, MPH, FAWM)
GO2 Doctor

Dr Ian Fraser (MRCS, LRCP)
GO2 Doctor

If you’ve been following the recent fitness trends you’ve probably heard of Pilates. Pilates is a type of exercise that was originally developed to enhance the performance of ballet dancers. 

If you’ve been following the recent fitness trends you’ve probably heard of Pilates. Pilates is a type of exercise that was originally developed to enhance the performance of ballet dancers. It uses equipment and machines to strengthen and lengthen muscles, improve posture and increase flexibility. “The core is the powerhouse of the body” is the main principle behind Pilates. If you have a strong core, you enable the rest of you body to function in the most efficient way.

Did you know that Pilates can be used to treat a large variety of injuries?

Pilates is often associated with pregnancy, new mums, and back pain. However, it is really important that all stability muscles in your body are strong and working effectively to treat and prevent injury. Pilates focuses on posture and activation of stability muscles to provide a strong base for all movements. Whether you have hurt your shoulder or have had knee pain for years, Pilates can help to address the imbalances in your muscle system and get you moving in a more efficient way.

Pilates is a great way to increase strength and length in your muscles. If you traditionally enjoy more intense or heavy weights training and are plagued by niggling injuries or have reached a plateau, often your core is holding you back. It is also an excellent way to complement your physiotherapy, acupuncture or massage treatment as part of your rehab program.

Give GO2 Health a call now to secure your initial Pilates appointment at 20% off for the month of May. Health fund rebates apply.

Emily Field
GO2 Physiotherapist