Yes, a few years ago I got really sick and progressively gotten worse and after dozens of doctors, tests, and being sent all over the place they diagnosed me with CFS and Chronic Infectious Mononucleosis. They cannot get consistent test results showing muscular dystrophy so they are running with CFS for now and see if MD/MG surfaces over the next few years.
My doctors are very concerned I am going to get shafted on ratings. I can barely walk more than fifty feet, 4-5 pounds is all I can really carry prolonged, and my life is centered around my bed. I've been sitting in my barracks room for about a year rotting away, taking naps every few hours, and balancing my appointments. Even though my life is reduced significantly, having to have a very simplified and careful day to day life, I am not incapacitated or require hospitalization so that is where the shafting shall begin.
I am not too sure if I am able to give any one guidance getting through a board with CFS as my case is both ridiculous and the fact that Naval Hospital or my unit even know how to handle my situation at all.
It been a bit more than a year since the MEB disqualified me, but trying to get my package sent out has been the biggest pain. I need a referral from every doctor, so if a said doctor gets out, you have to go back to the clinic and re-do all their tests to get a different doctor to say yes.
A few things that will help out for your board:
-Make sure you get every doctor note from each visit (Start a new personal medjacket)
-When ever you are done seeing a specialist, ask them for a recommendation, even a simple letter head of what they think of your case, what you should be doing.
-You can talk to a lot of medical attorneys for free, so shop around now, and find one and fill him/her on your case. Don't wait until an appeal, I started with a lawyer as soon as my doctor started initiating my med board.
- Depression, be very careful with it as they can take away CFS because of that. Depression somehow toppled my blood tests, EMGs for chronic mono some how. Didn't know when you are sad you can create a virus /sarcasm..
I know if your a single Active Duty Marine your family is pretty much disregarded, unless you are married. My family was mortified when our Major decided to lift the limdu ban on taking leave and let me go home. For almost two years they were only getting tidbits of information from my illness and case so it came to become a very huge shock when they saw me. They ended up contacting a Congressman some time back and that really helped getting the board moving now.
Work with your MSC to help get the facts to your Chain of Command so they can assist you. I've been lucky, my command had me check out, cut out the bs so as soon as I get my rating and and EAS they can send me home-awaiting-orders.
CFS management tips: These helped me out, may not be a cure, but I am more positive and I feel more productive.
- Do what you can to keep yourself out of the exhausted zone.
- When I was still working, it was very difficult not to sleep from when I got out to when I go in the next day, as well as sleeping all weekend. Now that I am not, managing my sleeping is more critical. Take naps, fluctuate between short and lengthier ones through out the day. It's important you do not take naps at the same time everyday. Keep your body from adjusting to this as much as possible, even though it sounds like a bad thing.
Nap schedule that works well (Its hard to say "well" with CFS/CM because you are exhausted 24/7, but sounding and actiing as positive as you can will make you feel better.)
0500-0530 wake up, check in with Plt Sgt, socialize with Marines
0530-0730 appointment time or household duties (laundry, cleaning ect, more energy in the morning)
0730-0900 1st nap
1100-1200 2nd nap
1400-1630 3rd nap
1930-2030 4th nap if I plan/need to stay up a little later
Either 2000 or 2200 sleep
Every other day fluctuate naps by 30 minutes
-Maintain a good diet, Mediterranean Diet was very good. I use Leon Heart because my pumper is crapping out on me (Wide variety of food, easy to make in a barracks room, inexpensive, and low fat)
-Try to keep a decent social life is very important. As hard it is, being alone will make this much worse. Believe me I think my doctors were the most socialization I had through out the day and they aren't much for conversation
). Take it easy when you go out with them, I try to have a platoon dinner once a week or every two weeks. Plan accordingly, take longer naps before hand, watch the alcohol, and get your mind off of being sick.
At the end of the day it still sucks, but you have to deal with it, you do not really have a choice. No matter how much you do not want to believe it, even all my doctors feel bad that they feel like they failed me diagnosing me with CFS you, and only you can improve your quality of life. Regardless, if it sounds like a duck, walks like a duck, treat it as if it's a duck and at least you might feel a bit better.