For what it's worth

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I was looking through some old files and found this letter. I think its

important and is packed with allot of useful information. This is what

helped me so I am sure it will work for others. This is an old letter and I

now have MCS to boot.

To All,

Hello Gang! Well I am back and I have gone as far as I can go with the

CCEP. Yep, you got it! My illness may be caused from pulling duty in the

Gulf or the vaccinations, no one is sure at this point. I am thankful that

I have been given a waiver form taking anymore shots. It took me from the

end of January 99 until almost the end of April 99 to get over seizures and

numb spells I was feeling after taking a Follow on MGS and TBtin shot. I

tend to lock up

and by blood pressure goes through the roof from time to time still. I have

learned to control the events as best I can and it helps. I have all the

major symptoms that many Gulf War vets are having. Confusion and Gray Outs

concern me more then any thing. The important thing to note is that you can

control it in most cases. Just dealing with an unexplained illness is

enough to drive anyone crazy. Once you come to terms with this you'll be

better off.

I bottomed out about the first of last year and shortly after My first

big seizure. I finally realized how low I had fallen. I thank my God, My

family and the many people on this site for dragging me out of my

depression. I guess you can say I have been there and Got the T-Shirt too!

It's not easy and I still have those days were I feel like a weak pup and

hurt all the time. Much of it you learn to live with but there are still

those times when the pain comes out of no where and nails ya when you least

expect it. fatigue still bothers me at times. I realized I had to stay in

shape and try my best not to sit around. Staying fit is an excellent pain

management tool if done correctly. You also have to learn how to pace

yourself and not over do it. It's tough so I wont fool ya. I find that

swimming helps lessen the pain in my legs at night. Dr. Nass has me on a

vitamin regime that seems to work for me. I experiment with different

methods and I even meditate to relieve the stress. This is important.

Stress just worsens the pain you are feeling. Speaking out to others helps

tremendously too. I have had some pretty captive audiences to date. I just

wish I wouldn't get so emotional. I just pray and let the Lord speak

through me. He hasn't let me down yet.

During my stay at Walter , I had the distinct opportunity to meet

others just like me. We really bonded in the three weeks we were there.

They are a great bunch and I will keep them in my hearts always. We also

had the chance to visit the Special Assistance Office to the Persian Gulf

Illness. We had a chance to field all of our questions. I have my own

thoughts on what went on there but that info is personal to me and the rest

of our little group. They need more people to come forward and express what

is happening to them and they encouraged us to speak out.

I am speaking about Gulf War Vets or anyone that Has deployed to the

Gulf during or after the Gulf War now. You are eligible for the CCEP

Physical and register with the Persian Gulf Registry

1-800-796-9699 or call Marie at 1-800-497-6261. I also found out that

Walter does accept non deployed vets that have had a comprehensive

evaluation.

I have stood out in front of our leaders and fellow soldiers and told

them about my personal experiences with this illness and the AVIP. I

encourage the rest of you to do the same. Believe it or not, all of you

have rights. Just be smart about how you carry yourself. Above all, inform

your Chain of Command. My Chain of Command has been great with me. I can't

thank them Enough.

This last 18 months haven't been easy for My family and I. Please

forgive me for sounding like a kid but I'm not the same me anymore. I look

back on letters I wrote long ago and it's like meeting someone for the first

time. I am being honest so bear with me here.

I am here to help. I don't have all the answers but I am a good

listener. I want to be part of the Solution not the problem. We can make a

difference.

In Christ,

Bob

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Moderator note: Bob's congressional testimony

http://www.dallasnw.quik.com/cyberella/Anthrax/Soska.html

[Guest guest]

Hey gang, I am a regular reader here but not much of a poster. For

those of you who are new to RA and to this group you might want to

keep a daily journal of how you are feeling and what is going on in

your life. I started to that a year ago and it has proved

invaluable to both me and my Rheumy. We can usually tell what is

causing me flares by what is going on in my life. I print out the

journal and have him keep it in my file. Then we can alway go back

and see if the problem is a recurring problem or just a one time

stress. It is always difficult to remember just how you were

feeling a few weeks to a few months ago and this will help alot. I

hope this advice help everyone.

Sue