Cushing's Syndrome recovery/Adrenal Insufficency

[Akeba]

Hello. I was diagnosed with independent Cushing's Syndrome in Dec 2011, from a benign adrenal adenoma (tumor). It was full blown Cushing's with hypertension, weight gain, hair loss, acne, moon face, depression, muscle weakness, bone density, bruising, etc. I had a lapriscopic adrenalectomy (r) in January 2012. I was given a year to recover but so far my other adrenal gland remains in atrophy. I'm on steroids because I am not producing cortisol naturally. I go up for a MEB re-evaluation in Apr 2013.

Because of my condition I also developed mild sleep apnea which has to be re-evaluated in April 2013 as well.

The good news is my blood pressure is stabilized, acne is minimal, hair growth has returned, and I'm finally under 200lbs (196 actually). I still suffer from troubled sleep and now I have developed compulsive skin picking disorder.

The worst is not over. Since I've had my surgery I am currently suffering from steroid withdrawal. I'm tired all the time and barely have enough energy to get through the day. I'm afraid that after my year is up, I would be medically separated. I have 12 years of AD military service in the AF and I'm an E-6. It would pain me to say goodbye but I don't think I have the strength to continue; I've been through so much already.

Could someone please offer me advice on the different entitlements I could receive if I were to be medically separated? I'm really concerned about my adrenal insufficency if my steroid production doesn't improve. I will have to take medication and where an alert bracelet for the rest of my life.

 

[pebble]

It is difficult to predict with the information you provided, but separation does look likely since you need steroids. On the other hand, if yours doctors stress that they are still changing your medication, there is a chance that you could be kept on TDRL for another year. Your doctors will likely provide additional technical information so the PEB can make a decision. It sounds like you were temporarily rated 100% which got you the maximum TDRL pay of 75%. If separated now, you would likely be rated on "residuals". That is a bit tricky. For example, if you do fantastic and feel fine except for taking medication, you might only get 10% would prevent you from getting a military retirement. So, in some regards it might be good to accept a permanent retirement now in hopes of a higher rating. However, this condition requires a lot of technical information to rate properly.