Being new to this website, I hope I can get some answers to the MEB process and lifetime coumadin. Recently I was placed on coumadin for life, but no doctor has uttered MEB to me, as of yet.
I am a O-4 in the Air Force. Back in 2006, I had masco-facial surgery, paid for by DoD. During the conclusion of the surgery, I aspirated and was sent to the ICU. Apparently the "junk" inside one of the tubes was transfered to my lungs. My oxygen level went below 90%, therefore they woke me up early from the surgery, forcing me to cough.
The surgery was 10+ hours, therefore I had compression socks and a pnuematic pad on both of my legs. While in the ICU the socks and pad were left on, but not turned on. After about 24hrs in the ICU, I was sent home. 2 or 3 days later, my left calf began to feel like I pulled a muscle. The surgeon told me to immediately go to the emergency room for a potential blood clot.
At the emergency room, the conducted an echo and immediately sent me to the ICU. The DVT had formed from just below my knee to my ankle. I was given a 20% chance of survival at that point. The next several hours would be crucial. Following the echo, my leg really began to hurt, worse pain I ever felt. I was given lovenox, blood thinners, and demerol. For three days I remained in the ICU and eventually sent home. I remained on warfarin for the next year. A genentic test was conducted with negative results, no heriditary mutation.
Since then, I have deployed to Iraq, flown countless hours to Europe and back, with no problems. Upon my PCS from Northern California to Colorado, I had a small clot, form just below my knee. The doctor said I would remain on coumadin for life since this is my second clot. I guess chances increase to 60% reoccurance if you get a second clot.
Fast forward to today. I get my INR checked weekly/monthly. I am on 22mg of coumadin, apparently I have a strong liver...I tribute it to my alcohol drinking ancestors in Germany
Anyway, I asked the medical tech whether or not I would be found unfit and placed through an MEB. She stated that usually that is the case, but since my PCM (doctor) is a civilian, that they do not typically start the process.
If and once I do begin the MEB process, what can I expect? My initial DVT/clot, was due to my surgery...malpractice? I know I cannot sue the hospital because it was DoD funded, but was told at the time that I would be compensated upon retirement. I did have a pulmonary embolism and once again a second clot. Now that I am on coumadin for life, I know I am not deployable. So, the MEB is inevitable, I am just trying to get a leg up and be ready for whats to come. I have nearly 13 years in the Air Force. I hear things about VA and retirment percentages, but whats the difference? Do you receive both or just one? Regarding severance packages, I am assuming you have to pay those back? I am not in severe pain, but do feel tightness in my calf every once and awhile. I still conduct myself as normal, I have no physical limitations. Occasionally I do get palpitations in my heart, but was told that this is a normal occurance. Other than not being able to play rugby or football...due to bleeding, I live life as normal. Not sure if altitude is the full contributing factor, but when I due try to run faster than my normal pace, I cannot seem to get that extra breath of air...lung damage from the pulmanary embolism?
Anyway, any advise or information would be helpful.
Thanks much!