First, thanks for providing this source of information for all of us that are going through the PDES process.
I am active duty Coast Guard currently @ 19 years and 10 months. I hurt my back 3 years ago, went through pain meds, physical therapy, shots, and finally surgery. I had a fusion of L4-S1. Spent 6 months in the brace. Surgery didn't relieve the pain. Had a laminectomy. 6 more months in the brace, still didn't help. Went through another course of PT and shots. Still hurt. Have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, GAF consistently in the 30's. My range of motion has been 17 degrees forward flexion and I can't remember the other ranges. I had an EMG done at the VA and have nerve damage in both legs. My pelvis feels like it's on fire and my right leg hurts so much that I have to use a cane. I signed my MEB findings a couple of months ago which were chronic pain and depression. My Command doesn't seem to have any info saying that the IPEB people will contact me directly.
I have lost my family over this (the back pain and effects of the narcotics) and have went through a really bad bout of suicidal idealizations. I still get quite upset everyday. My psych says that I can't be on narcotics anymore, so I hurt even more now. Sometimes I can't see any light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know what to do. I sit in this house all day every day alone and if I didn't really like to eat, I would never leave.
I am active duty Coast Guard currently @ 19 years and 10 months. I hurt my back 3 years ago, went through pain meds, physical therapy, shots, and finally surgery. I had a fusion of L4-S1. Spent 6 months in the brace. Surgery didn't relieve the pain. Had a laminectomy. 6 more months in the brace, still didn't help. Went through another course of PT and shots. Still hurt. Have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, GAF consistently in the 30's. My range of motion has been 17 degrees forward flexion and I can't remember the other ranges. I had an EMG done at the VA and have nerve damage in both legs. My pelvis feels like it's on fire and my right leg hurts so much that I have to use a cane. I signed my MEB findings a couple of months ago which were chronic pain and depression. My Command doesn't seem to have any info saying that the IPEB people will contact me directly.
I have lost my family over this (the back pain and effects of the narcotics) and have went through a really bad bout of suicidal idealizations. I still get quite upset everyday. My psych says that I can't be on narcotics anymore, so I hurt even more now. Sometimes I can't see any light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know what to do. I sit in this house all day every day alone and if I didn't really like to eat, I would never leave.