Chances of MEB?

[boilsmirk]

7 years in E-6 Army. Diagnosed with Lyme's many years ago (while in the Army) after experiencing alot of migraines. Got brain scan and there was some lesions on my brain. Took antibiotics and stopped having migraines. Yet I believe the lesions would still be there.

However, in the past year or so I've had a lot of panic attacks and alot of anxiety of little things than ever before. For example, I cannot stop worrying about the most minor or almost irrelevant stuff (social interactions, earthquakes, going to the the range and holding a weapon.)

Being in the Army never used to be this hard. Yet now being in just isn't the same. I have a mental health appointment coming soon. I know the doctor will suggest taking stuff like Xanax or Prozac or whatever else. However, I've had a family member nearly commit suicide from taking that stuff and I just have a personal or even religious belief when it comes to that.

Questions are: 1. What is my chance of MEB? I fear that they're going to make me fulfill the rest of my contract and that just seems to be too many more years of agony.

2. How do I deny these medications? What do I tell the doctor? Is personal belief because of family trauma reasonable enough?

Thanks

 

[freedomforcegal]

Taking antidepressant medications is not the end of your military career. I was on Prozac for many years before a med board was initiated due to a diagnosis change. I went from GAD and MDD to bipolar last year. That was what initiated my med board.

It is true that Prozac can make you more depressed. From the research I did on all the medications that is common for those who actually have bipolar than those suffering from depression.

I have never flat out denied medications but have waited to change medications until I did my research on them. Be open and honest with your psychiatrist about your feelings.

I wish you well.

 

[boilsmirk]

It is true that Prozac can make you more depressed. From the research I did on all the medications that is common for those who actually have bipolar than those suffering from depression.

I have never flat out denied medications but have waited to change medications until I did my research on them. Be open and honest with your psychiatrist about your feelings.

I wish you well.

I just have a personal belief against taking them. After what's happened in the family. Is it ok to say that to the doctor or will I get punished for saying no?

 

[freedomforcegal]

Punish is such a harsh term. It may look as if you are refusing treatment but talk to your doc and express your concerns. Communication is key. I wouldn't recommend you tAke the script and not take the meds because when nothing changes you might have more of a problem on your hands. Are you seeing a therapist and actively participating in that treatment through either CBT or DBT? My best advice, stay engaged and stay true to yourself and communicate with your providers.

 

[sparky_wulf]

I had quite a few diagnoses had medications before the initiated my MEB. I also have a love/hate relationships with meds... some gave me a lot of trouble - but others have been extremely beneficial. But I always considered it my choice to take them or not. I'm 100% compliant with my meds now.

 

[boilsmirk]

I had quite a few diagnoses had medications before the initiated my MEB. I also have a love/hate relationships with meds... some gave me a lot of trouble - but others have been extremely beneficial. But I always considered it my choice to take them or not. I'm 100% compliant with my meds now.

Why did the initial your MEB? Was this due to multiple medications or?

 

[chaplaincharlie]

I just have a personal belief against taking them. After what's happened in the family. Is it ok to say that to the doctor or will I get punished for saying no?

I'd say choice and consequences. If you chose to take an antidepressant AND there are complications you can always ask for a change.

 

[sparky_wulf]

Why did the initial your MEB? Was this due to multiple medications or?

Both. Mainly I said that it was either time to do it or leave me alone about it. If they waited any longer it would have made me miss an assignment cycle right before my next look for promotion... a career ender. For me the key was an honest and open dialogue between me and the providers. Once the Air Force finally put me in front of an Army doc he was amazed it had taken so long to recommend me.