Hello Vanbrobl
As I was reading what you wrote it all hits so close to home with my situation except I did not get the filters. After getting the 2nd set of PE and DVTs and hospitalized again, I knew in my heart I could no longer be an effective leader and Soldier for the Army. It pained me to have to accept this. Because my episode happend at work with the clots, I could not hide my illnesses anymore. My Chain of Command ordered me to a Fit for duty exam that got me sent to the Medical Board the following 2 weeks after my release from Hospital. If this has not been recommended for you then you must make a decision for your own self to take the necessary action to make this happen. Remember being on life long blood thinners makes you medically Non Deployable. It will give you a Permanent 3 in your PULHES for a profile. Having a permanent 3 on your medical profile will get you sent before a MEB.
I did not want this because I was too worried about being forced to retire, my pay and taking care of my family even with 23 years Active Duty at that time. I wish I would have went on blood thinners the first time I got the clots because it probably would have helped me but I was too worried about Soldering than my health. I am shocked no one has recommended you for a further medical evaluation to send you before a Board with everything you’ve been through. But if you are like me, I hid as much as I could even with my legs getting so huge in my uniform, not being able to wear my boots, making up excuses to not do Physical training. The ppl in my unit just thought I was gaining weight in my legs....
Your health is very important and you must make a decision that you probably don’t want to and you know what that is!!!
It’s been 1 year since I retired and my legs have not gotten better to work. I suffer now from Post thrombotic syndrome in both legs. I will never be able to work again like this. You must make the decision that is going to benefit you and your family.