Hello to all,
First off, I would like to thank Jason for creating this site as it is an excellent source for those of us experiencing the MEB/PEB process.
I am an active duty E-6 in the Marine Corps currently stationed in a remote location (Johnstown, Pa), so most of my medical issues have been handled by civilian doctors. Since being stationed here at Johnstown in October of 2005, I had a stress test done in June 2006 due to dizziness and lightheadedness (diagnosed with anxiety and put on meds), had right shoulder surgery in June of 2007 (reattached the labral to the bone and removed a cyst), had neck surgery in April 2008 (cervical fusion on discs C-5, C-6), had a stroke in May of 2008 (been on aspirin, meds for systematic hypertension, and meds for high cholesterol since the stroke), had a heart catheter done in August of 2008 to close the PFO/ASA in my heart, and been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (getting fitted for a respirator on 21 Jan) in December of 2008.
I have always been a very physical Marine who has kept myself in shape… so I thought. I’m even a martial arts instructor. I’ve attempted to go back to work because I assumed I could make a full recovery. My neurologist stated that I could get up to 98% of my ability back because of the part of the brain the stroke affected, but after several months of attempting to recover, I’ve realized that it is going to take a lot more time than I realized. I worked with an occupational therapist for several months, and they helped me make a dramatic improvement with my right side (mainly my right arm), but I still have many fine motor skill issues. When I first wake up in the morning, I may be able to write a couple of sentences struggling. As the day progresses you’d be lucky to get a sentence out of me, as more symptoms come on with fatigue and tiredness. I attempted to come back little by little, I was then reduced to half days by my neurologist because he could see that work was interfering with my recovery, and then I was reduced to an as tolerated status by my PCM.
I recently went to an appointment for my limited duty evaluation and the Navy Lt. recommended me to for the VA/DOD Pilot Program. I have to attend my first appointment with my case worker and the VA rep on Wednesday the 21st of January. My wish is to not continue service because it is affecting my recovery. I’m not sure what to expect, which is why I’m asking for advice from anyone who can give it. I’ve listed all of my medical conditions below. I appreciate any advice given.
John
- L Knee surgery in Apr 2000 (meniscus)
- L Knee surgery in Aug 2000 (ACL Reconstruction)
- Stress test done in June 2006 due to dizziness and lightheadedness (diagnosed
with anxiety and put on meds)
- R Shoulder surgery in June 2007 (labral repair and cyst removal)
- Neck surgery in Apr 2008 (cervical fusion on C-5, C-6)
- Stroke in May 2008 (acute stroke in the medial and cortical aspects of the
cerebellum on the
right hemisphere and a very small stroke in the left occipital lobe)
- Systematic hypertension (diagnosed following stroke… put on high blood
pressure meds)
- Hyperlipidemia (diagnosed with high cholesterol following stroke… put on meds)
- Heart catheter in Aug 2008 (device placed in heart to close PFO/ASA)
- Sleep apnea in Dec 2008 (scheduled to be fitted for respirator)
First off, I would like to thank Jason for creating this site as it is an excellent source for those of us experiencing the MEB/PEB process.
I am an active duty E-6 in the Marine Corps currently stationed in a remote location (Johnstown, Pa), so most of my medical issues have been handled by civilian doctors. Since being stationed here at Johnstown in October of 2005, I had a stress test done in June 2006 due to dizziness and lightheadedness (diagnosed with anxiety and put on meds), had right shoulder surgery in June of 2007 (reattached the labral to the bone and removed a cyst), had neck surgery in April 2008 (cervical fusion on discs C-5, C-6), had a stroke in May of 2008 (been on aspirin, meds for systematic hypertension, and meds for high cholesterol since the stroke), had a heart catheter done in August of 2008 to close the PFO/ASA in my heart, and been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (getting fitted for a respirator on 21 Jan) in December of 2008.
I have always been a very physical Marine who has kept myself in shape… so I thought. I’m even a martial arts instructor. I’ve attempted to go back to work because I assumed I could make a full recovery. My neurologist stated that I could get up to 98% of my ability back because of the part of the brain the stroke affected, but after several months of attempting to recover, I’ve realized that it is going to take a lot more time than I realized. I worked with an occupational therapist for several months, and they helped me make a dramatic improvement with my right side (mainly my right arm), but I still have many fine motor skill issues. When I first wake up in the morning, I may be able to write a couple of sentences struggling. As the day progresses you’d be lucky to get a sentence out of me, as more symptoms come on with fatigue and tiredness. I attempted to come back little by little, I was then reduced to half days by my neurologist because he could see that work was interfering with my recovery, and then I was reduced to an as tolerated status by my PCM.
I recently went to an appointment for my limited duty evaluation and the Navy Lt. recommended me to for the VA/DOD Pilot Program. I have to attend my first appointment with my case worker and the VA rep on Wednesday the 21st of January. My wish is to not continue service because it is affecting my recovery. I’m not sure what to expect, which is why I’m asking for advice from anyone who can give it. I’ve listed all of my medical conditions below. I appreciate any advice given.
John
- L Knee surgery in Apr 2000 (meniscus)
- L Knee surgery in Aug 2000 (ACL Reconstruction)
- Stress test done in June 2006 due to dizziness and lightheadedness (diagnosed
with anxiety and put on meds)
- R Shoulder surgery in June 2007 (labral repair and cyst removal)
- Neck surgery in Apr 2008 (cervical fusion on C-5, C-6)
- Stroke in May 2008 (acute stroke in the medial and cortical aspects of the
cerebellum on the
right hemisphere and a very small stroke in the left occipital lobe)
- Systematic hypertension (diagnosed following stroke… put on high blood
pressure meds)
- Hyperlipidemia (diagnosed with high cholesterol following stroke… put on meds)
- Heart catheter in Aug 2008 (device placed in heart to close PFO/ASA)
- Sleep apnea in Dec 2008 (scheduled to be fitted for respirator)