Still Not Diagnosed, But Receiving Disability

Thanks, I don't have the information available to determine what percentage of the disability is from neurological problems and what is from other (PTSD, elbow injury and surgery, sleep apnea). I have to assume that some percentage is from the intention tremor since the tremor really does affect my ability to work and do things more than anything else.

I deployed here as a civilian contractor this time, not as a soldier like in the past. My physical was really fast and the doctors were really just interested in actual diagnoses. All I could do was show them that I have tremors and double vision and give them the paperwork that says "white matter disease, not diagnosed with MS". That was good enough to get me over here.

Thanks Holly,

Is there any more news for you? Hopefully they're getting closer with a diagnosis in your case too.

I had a major falling out with the Veterans Administration as I was leaving. I like my neurologist a lot, but I had problems like you couldn't dream of. I had to write my congressman and get the American Legion involved to get me a copy of my medical records to pass to my employer. They made a copy of my entire medical record and lost it - gave it to someone they thought was me! Ironically, now that I have free medical and dental care for life as a disabled veteran, they will have a hard time to get me to go back to their medical clinic. I will switch from the Washington DC clinic to the Richmond, Virginia clinic to see if they're any better.

So far the Iraq civilian deployment has been a whole lot better than the military deployments. The working conditions and pay are much better. The work is more enjoyable too.

Thanks for the response,

KJ

Aside from the debacles; that really sounds great; good for you!!  I'm still in limbo; however they found a lesion; but he won't say where.  He just wants another test to ensure that it is relevant; but it is taking the hospital 1 month to get me into their clinic for the test.  You know as I do that a lesion can come and go in less time than that. 

I've been on some very strong antibiotics which has lowered my wbc so I've been feeling pretty good the past few days. As with all things; it will end with the prescription; but I'm glad for the days I have! 

You sound good; positive and happy for the most part.  I am glad to hear it! 

Take care and God bless!

Thanks Vicki, I've been feeling very well for the past several months and the main symptoms I have now are just the tremors and occassional vision problems. As you may remember I went through a lot of problems last Spring, the cognitive issues were the worst. All of that has taught me to be careful and very aware of my physical condition and thinking. I won't take any chances. I even timed this trip to get here as the weather was cooling and to get me home before it gets too hot.

Thanks for thinking of me.

KJ

Thank you.