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troucul

just got diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips. I was also told that I have two bone spurs in my right hip, and an test came back positive for rheumatoid arthritis. (I am told by my bro that this is physically impossible, to have both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis). Both my dad and his mom have/had rheumatoid arthritis.)

As most of you know, I just spent all of 2005 in Iraq. I am due to go back in late 2006. I really don't think I can handle a year in the desert wearing all this gear. The military is less then sympathetic... more like apathetic. Time to call my congressman? This shit hurts...

Lady Liberty

Dear Troucal,

I am so.. sorry you are in so much pain! Were thinking of you.

Sincerely,

Lady Liberty

troucul

what kills me is I'm only 34! WTF?!

Double Edge

First of all, thanks for your military service AND congrats on 500 posts.

You're right, the military won't be very sympathic.... they're not "built" that way. First, find out what your options are through them (limited, probably) then take that info to your congressman. If you have certain medical proofs, then you need to get the representative's office to make sure they treat you right. (the chain of command hates the intervention, but it's easier to comply and just do it - that, they do understand).

One last thing, there are alternative effective therapies that can complement your treatment. I have osteoarthritis in the knee and use an over-the-counter wholestic compound (pill) ... it's like night and day. I was limping in pain previously, now I only notice it occasionally.

luna2

Geeze, troucul, sorry to hear about the arthritis stuff.

Sounds like Double Edge has some good thoughts there. Hope you can avoid going back to Iraq as well as find something to ease your pain.

troucul

I think at this point I will only do what the military tells me to do so as to say 'it all failed, let me out.'

As far as Iraq, if anyone wants pictures, give me your email, and I'll send you some. Cool pix from patrols and shit.

SWALKER

Well my mother has both!!! They affect different areas of the body....If you can afford it, why not go to an outside specialists and have that information for back-up. There is no way that you should be going back to Iraq...they are just pushing your buttons. It's been all over the news on the total disregard the military is showing for disabilities. You're going to have to fight hard for your rights!!! I can't believe they would even consider sending you back with the symptoms that you could be facing!

There are tons of websites that offer lots of information...just go to google and start reading!

I had 2 bone spurs removed from my neck...best surgery I ever had!!! Those are very painful!

Hope this helps,

Swalker

Forscher

I add my thanks for your service as well, Troucul.
I don't see why you can't have both at the same time. RA is an autoimmune disorder where your immunwe system turns on you. I have, and it runs in my Dad's family with a vengance. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is a conditon where your joints are just too worn out from too much loads and stress. Considering how much gear soldiers are being required carry anymore, It is not all that surprising that some of our soldiers are having joint problems. The suits of armor which Knights wore averaged about 70 pounds. Long experience taught medeival armorers that that was about all a human could be expected to lug around without problems. You spurs confirm to me that you were lugging around a bit too much.
I don't know what your options in the military are now. If you are full time, rather than NG or reserve, you might want to look into benefits available to you to get an education past whatever level you have in order to have a nonmilitary career. But Again, I don't know all the details, so I am making a guess or two here.
I hope you find what you need and that everything turns out well. Keep us posted.
Forscher

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