Bull Dog

GI6607 · 09-15-2008, 12:34 PM

I'm a Gulf Vet. I retired from the Reserves last year after 41 years to the day from the day I enlisted to retirement. 4-5 months before retirement I was diagnosed with MG. It's gotten steadily worse and I am now on Mestinon (which was issued to us to carry in our gas masks in the Gulf, called pyridostigmine bromide) as well as Cellcept. It looks like it has caused central sleep apnea, causing me to now wear a bi-pap mask to sleep. I called Gulf Vets Health Hotline and asked them how many cases of MG are being reported among Gulf Vets. They told me 1 in 100. That is alarming when compared to frequency rates in normal population which I believe runs about 1 in 8000 to 10000 people. MG is a presumptive condition with the VA which means if you have the DD 214, they presume the condition is service-connected.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vindra

Greetings fellow MG sufferers, and especially the BIKERS!!

I was just put on PB (Mesotonin), but haven't been truely diagnosed yet. The PB made a noticable difference, so I guess I have MG.

First had problems swallowing, and had many GI appointments, to include dialation of the esophogus. Then diagnosed with sleep apnea. I was starting to get weak, trouble breathing, etc. Started to rule out ALS. EMG's, blood tests. All points now to MG.

I am an avid rider - 03 HD FLHT with many miles on it. Road captain for our chapter. Got to the point I thought I was getting carple tunnel in the hands from the clutch and break levers....turns out to be MG related. Couldn't keep my left hand on the bar....been resting it lately. Skipped a 3 day road trip over the holiday weekend because of it. Not happy.

Any Gulf War vets out there??

regards,

John W.

Bull Dog · 09-15-2008, 04:00 PM

John,

I think for sure it is related; all the shots you take to go out of the country make many people sick. Many people have Malaria on these trips. I remember one trip taking about ten shots and made sure I got the Malaria pills when I got home. Looks like you have a good case to go on VA Benefits with the DD 214 backing you. TFL is great for us also, thank goodness, it has saved me many dollars.

I am new on the MG and probably will come down with something. They have to weaken the immune system so other medicine will work.

I wanted to stay in the reserve longer but the limits on time in grade got me, but it sure is nice to have the retirement check every month.

Bull Dog
Fairhope, AL

Quote:

Originally Posted by GI6607

I'm a Gulf Vet. I retired from the Reserves last year after 41 years to the day from the day I enlisted to retirement. 4-5 months before retirement I was diagnosed with MG. It's gotten steadily worse and I am now on Mestinon (which was issued to us to carry in our gas masks in the Gulf, called pyridostigmine bromide) as well as Cellcept. It looks like it has caused central sleep apnea, causing me to now wear a bi-pap mask to sleep. I called Gulf Vets Health Hotline and asked them how many cases of MG are being reported among Gulf Vets. They told me 1 in 100. That is alarming when compared to frequency rates in normal population which I believe runs about 1 in 8000 to 10000 people. MG is a presumptive condition with the VA which means if you have the DD 214, they presume the condition is service-connected.

erinhermes · 09-15-2008, 04:27 PM

That is unbelievable! You actually carried Mestinon with you when you were over there? 1 in 100? Something is NOT RIGHT! I am going to asl my neuro about that.........That is truly scary! I don't know what is going on, but the stats are truly scary..........Hang in there and let us all know how you are doing

Erin

Quote:

Originally Posted by GI6607

I'm a Gulf Vet. I retired from the Reserves last year after 41 years to the day from the day I enlisted to retirement. 4-5 months before retirement I was diagnosed with MG. It's gotten steadily worse and I am now on Mestinon (which was issued to us to carry in our gas masks in the Gulf, called pyridostigmine bromide) as well as Cellcept. It looks like it has caused central sleep apnea, causing me to now wear a bi-pap mask to sleep. I called Gulf Vets Health Hotline and asked them how many cases of MG are being reported among Gulf Vets. They told me 1 in 100. That is alarming when compared to frequency rates in normal population which I believe runs about 1 in 8000 to 10000 people. MG is a presumptive condition with the VA which means if you have the DD 214, they presume the condition is service-connected.

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