Possible medical discharge for me

[AF1JZ]

So, here's my scenerio...I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in Sept 05'. I have already had 2 surgeries and 5 sleep studies. Last December before I deployed, they determined that the apnea was below the level of discharge.

Well, I had a sleep study last tuesday night. They just called me and said that they need to schedule me for a sleep study ASAP. I was like, "Say what?" Basically, I talked to the doc on the phone and he said that I stopped breathing 201 times in 6 hours. In Sept' 05, i stopped 78 times. So, it is almost 3 times worse.

Worst case is they are will do a Medical Evaluation Board, I'll get medically discharged with a minimum 35% of my base pay ($2400/month), and benefits for the rest of my life. It might be as soon at 2 months.

I just thought I would share my "great" news with you guys. Don't worry though, "AF1JZ" is still sticking around here.

 

[BlackMKIII]

My grandfather has sleap apnea. Doesn't sound like great news at all, at least to me.

But, early discharge with pay is good. :bigthumb:

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

Get a new job?

 

[Figit090]

congrats....sorta.

take charge of that sleep problem. sounds like you are but dont stray away from getting treated...

 

[Poodles]

it's serious (it can kill you), so don't screw around...

sorry to hear you might be getting a discharge, but at least you'll have pay and benefits...

 

[AF1JZ]

I'm definitely taking care of the problem. I'm going back on wednesday to do another sleep study to find out the pressure for the CPAP machine. I'm fully aware of the consequences of not taking care of this problem.

But, at least I'll be getting the pay and benefits for life. Plus the VA pays for all of school and brand new books. So, when I start school, I'll just use what the VA gives me and pocket the Montgomery GI Bill. Which I believe is in the area of about $1300/month. So, I should be doing alright.

I just need to look out for my health first and worry about the rest later.

 

[OneJoeZee]

I wish my job would tell me to go away and give me pay and benefits.

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

That would be awesome.
Choking in my sleep would not be.

 

[DreamerTheresa]

Ugh.

 

[Ckanderson]

I'd sleep on it, and really consider if you want to leave.

I wouldent hold you breath on getting discharged so soon.

 

[DreamerTheresa]

.......you're such a douchenozzle. LoL

 

[mkIIIman089]

I'd sleep on it, and really consider if you want to leave.

I wouldent hold you breath on getting discharged so soon.

Why were you banned from SF again?

 

[Ckanderson]

Why were you banned from SF again?

i have no idea :rofl:

 

[buckshotglass]

Afone, dying in your sleep 200+ times a night beats getting blown up or shot by some moron (trying to look at the positive side.)
Do you have cool dreams as a result of this?

 

[AF1JZ]

Do you have cool dreams as a result of this?

Unfortunately, nope. Mostly bad dreams


Update: I just talked to the medical board lady and looks like I won't have any worries. Things have changed since my last medical board. I'll only have restrictions on some deployments. Which doesn't bother me at all. So, I'll still have to wear the CPAP machine. But, I'll be able to reenlist if I choose to do so and they aren't going to kick me out.

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

Do you have to walk around with a helmet?

 

[AF1JZ]

Do you have to walk around with a helmet?

Only when I drink (including a mouthguard).

 

[gtsfirefighter]

Unfortunately, nope. Mostly bad dreams


Update: I just talked to the medical board lady and looks like I won't have any worries. Things have changed since my last medical board. I'll only have restrictions on some deployments. Which doesn't bother me at all. So, I'll still have to wear the CPAP machine. But, I'll be able to reenlist if I choose to do so and they aren't going to kick me out.

I got an Entry Level Seperation from the AF because of asthma. MEPS cleared me and everything. Then in basic, I couldn't keep up with everyone while running in formation. I've never been a runner and it wasn't because I couldn't breathe. Anyway, they made me go over to Wilford Hall and when the doc saw asthma in my history he recommened I be discharged. Had I known then how easily I could have disputed it and won, I would have. But I was just an 18 year old kid and didn't know any better. My morale had been sucker punched. That was 20 years ago this month and I'm still bitter about it. I was in the AF for exactly 30 days! I tried to re-enlist during Desert Storm but they told me not to waste my time. I'm glad things worked out for you! Good luck

Ken