All,
I have read this site for hours a day for about 2 years. This is my first time posting because I have never had anything to contribute because I have not been through this process and have no experience with these matters. Now it's my time to post.
I have been active duty Navy 4 years today. I was always healthy (190 lbs) 'til a deployment to Iraq in 2008. During my deployment I was given an Anthrax vaccine.(Only the first of the series.) The next day I was very ill and was unable to keep food or water down in my system. I was assisted by a First Class Petty Officer to the BAS for treatment. I was given saline/benadryl solution through an IV to rehydrate and stop the vomiting. I went to bed shortly after and had no problems for a few days. Two days later, I was sitting indoors and started having nose bleeds with thick blood coming out. another two days later I started having really bad tooth pain. I ended up having an infection in my mouth that had to be lanced open and drained out. I was in so much pain. My primary care provider had decided that it was best to not receive the remaining shots of the anthrax series due to the fact that I was having heath problems after the initial vaccination. (Lt. O'Daniel USN) I soon returned to the states.
I had returned to America in April 2008. I had started having back pain quite frequently and frequent bowel movements and had started losing weight. In August 2008 I woke one day and my left eye was very red and photosensitive. I was diagnosed with iritis. I was givien steroid drops for my eyes to use for over a month. Because of the determination of iritis and having back pain I was referred to the rheumatology clinic for an evaluation. A blood test determined that I was HLA-B27 positive. I was there diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis and referred to the GI clinic for the IBD symptoms. The GI clinic ended up diagnosing me with crohn's disease. My father had this illness as well but I had never shown any signs of it.
I was put on steroids and an injectable immunosuppresant called humira. The steroids messed me up for a while but the humira was a life saver. I followed up for about 8 months with all of my appointments and was determined to be in remission. I had another c-scope done and there were no more ulcers and inflammation had gone down. I was cleared to go to Japan. I deployed to Japan for 10 months in August 2009 at 150 lbs. I MANAGED through my symptoms and didn't say much because I wanted to stay active duty.
I returned back to the US once again in late May 2010. My health was doing better. (I'm 183 lbs.) I still suffer much back pain and stiffness. And I still get the crohn's symptoms. (a lot of loose stool).
My primary care manage has decided that it was time to initiate a MEB. I knew this day was coming for a long time but was able to avoid it for over 2 years. I just wanted to support my family. I know that the board will not come back with a fit for duty finding. I know I will be medically separated for my illnesses.
I believe the Rhuematologist is writing his statement to refer to the board now. I have already been notified that in the near future I will be going LIMDU status and having my MEB.
My question is how do I win this process? I feel I am David and the Navy is Goliath. I have been gathering pictures and news articles dealing with anthrax and HLA-B27. However, I still feel I cannot prove anything. What do I do? All I want is to keep my Tricare and commissary rights. (And of course my medicines associated with my illnesses) If I get less than 30% I'll fight tooth and nail, if I receive it I'll process out quietly.
Jason and Mike Parker I know you might have some insight on this.
I have read this site for hours a day for about 2 years. This is my first time posting because I have never had anything to contribute because I have not been through this process and have no experience with these matters. Now it's my time to post.
I have been active duty Navy 4 years today. I was always healthy (190 lbs) 'til a deployment to Iraq in 2008. During my deployment I was given an Anthrax vaccine.(Only the first of the series.) The next day I was very ill and was unable to keep food or water down in my system. I was assisted by a First Class Petty Officer to the BAS for treatment. I was given saline/benadryl solution through an IV to rehydrate and stop the vomiting. I went to bed shortly after and had no problems for a few days. Two days later, I was sitting indoors and started having nose bleeds with thick blood coming out. another two days later I started having really bad tooth pain. I ended up having an infection in my mouth that had to be lanced open and drained out. I was in so much pain. My primary care provider had decided that it was best to not receive the remaining shots of the anthrax series due to the fact that I was having heath problems after the initial vaccination. (Lt. O'Daniel USN) I soon returned to the states.
I had returned to America in April 2008. I had started having back pain quite frequently and frequent bowel movements and had started losing weight. In August 2008 I woke one day and my left eye was very red and photosensitive. I was diagnosed with iritis. I was givien steroid drops for my eyes to use for over a month. Because of the determination of iritis and having back pain I was referred to the rheumatology clinic for an evaluation. A blood test determined that I was HLA-B27 positive. I was there diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis and referred to the GI clinic for the IBD symptoms. The GI clinic ended up diagnosing me with crohn's disease. My father had this illness as well but I had never shown any signs of it.
I was put on steroids and an injectable immunosuppresant called humira. The steroids messed me up for a while but the humira was a life saver. I followed up for about 8 months with all of my appointments and was determined to be in remission. I had another c-scope done and there were no more ulcers and inflammation had gone down. I was cleared to go to Japan. I deployed to Japan for 10 months in August 2009 at 150 lbs. I MANAGED through my symptoms and didn't say much because I wanted to stay active duty.
I returned back to the US once again in late May 2010. My health was doing better. (I'm 183 lbs.) I still suffer much back pain and stiffness. And I still get the crohn's symptoms. (a lot of loose stool).
My primary care manage has decided that it was time to initiate a MEB. I knew this day was coming for a long time but was able to avoid it for over 2 years. I just wanted to support my family. I know that the board will not come back with a fit for duty finding. I know I will be medically separated for my illnesses.
I believe the Rhuematologist is writing his statement to refer to the board now. I have already been notified that in the near future I will be going LIMDU status and having my MEB.
My question is how do I win this process? I feel I am David and the Navy is Goliath. I have been gathering pictures and news articles dealing with anthrax and HLA-B27. However, I still feel I cannot prove anything. What do I do? All I want is to keep my Tricare and commissary rights. (And of course my medicines associated with my illnesses) If I get less than 30% I'll fight tooth and nail, if I receive it I'll process out quietly.
Jason and Mike Parker I know you might have some insight on this.