Athsma?

[Seeley]

I've had Bronchitus for quite some time now (last couple of months). I went to the clinic at SOI and they gave me different types of medicine to hopefully get rid of it finally. I got rid of it but I still had a lot of trouble breathing. I went back to the clinic and the doctor dropped me back to SAC Co for rehab. He says he wants to do Athsma screening on me and that I might end up getting a medical discharge from the Marine Corps. Says I may have developed Athsma from prolonged Bronchitus. What would happen if I got discharged? I've heard a lot of things and just wanted to know if anyone could clear this all up for me. I don't want to leave, but if I do end up getting discharged I need to know what to expect.

[Osotogary]

Seeley,
I can personally relate to some of what you are saying/asking.
I was diagnosed with asthma during my basic training and I was given an Honorable Discharge for medical reasons. It pizzed me off to no end because I truly wanted to stay in and serve my country at a time when there were folks already in the military who would have gladly paid me to swap places with them! (Vietnam War-1963) . My life virtually was turned upside down. I was going back to zero. I was not in long enough to get benefits but perhaps you are , especially if it can be determined that your condition was not EPTS (existing prior to service).
I'm sure that you are not alone in these matters and I am sure that your condition may not warrant a Honorable discharge for medical reasons. In other words...you may be able to stay in.
I certainly wish you the best. You deserve utmost consideration.
Either way, be proud of what you are accomplishing and what you have accomplished. No one can ever take that away from you.
You will be okay! You have my best wishes.
Gary (osotogary)

[yellowwing]

That's harsh Seely, I know you are one highly motivated Marine.

I don't know about your family resources, but there may be specialists beyond what the Navy can do. But the Navy Docs will have the last word.

You've fought hard and showed a hell of a lot of character to earn this title. Don't throw in the towel yet. Ask them if there is anything on your own that you can do to prepare.

[jinelson]

Seeley thats bad news brother and I hate to hear as it you are one squared away Marine. I hope that the doc is wrong because as Osotogary and yellowwing have said you have given alot lot to earn the title. They are also right dont give up you maybe can fight your way out this. How is Amanda taking the news? I wish you all the luck there is and will say a little prayer for you. I had bronchitus alot when I was in also but no doc ever told me it could lead to a discharge.

Hang in there bro\
Jim

[Doc Crow]

Actually the local Medical Review Board has a say but you have the right to appeal any finding they determine with Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in DC. It can take time but what you can do is fight it all the way. As a retired HM of Marines I can tell you that what you are experiencing is nothing unusual. Coughs and run down feeling from long term bronchitis can last for months. I had 1 young Marine that took almost 4 months till he was 100 % again.

[Seeley]

Thanks a lot doc. Let's just hope it doesn't take me too long.

[Doc Crow]

No Prob Seeley you can also reach me at my e-mail at USMCDOC57@aol.com

[enviro]

Been through this - you can fight it.

Read Chapter 8 of the Separations Manual.

http://sja.hqmc.usmc.mil/Pubs/P1900_16F/Chapter8.pdf


There are many things you can and should do if you have to. (all within your rights to do so)

Right now, we have to wait and see what their next move is.

Let us know.

[Seeley]

I have been diagnosed with Athsma at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. Got diagnosed yesterday. I'm also concidered a heat casualty because of heat exaustion in recruit training. I think I'm in a bad spot here.

[Gearhead2077]

I've got an inkling of how you feel, asthma is the only thing standing in the way of my joining when I turn 18. I've just been hoping that it goes away before it's too late to join. Good Luck, I hope everything turns out ok.

[DSchmitke]

Keep your head up Marine. You can fight this and win. I had 2 young Marine stay with asthma.

[Doc Crow]

The big thing you have to do is show the board that you can pass any test they throw at you. Use past and present PT tests anything that can show this will not affect your ability to remain a Combat Ready Troop

[Seeley]

Update: I've heard from one of the Corpsmen that I'll probably end up getting ad-sep in a matter of 1-3 months...

[LivinSoFree]

Seeley bro, listen, I fought a BUMED DQ for Officer Programs a couple years back, I know their structure pretty damned well... Let me know if you want ANY help, especially with writing the appropriate letters. BUMED can be a MAJOR Bureaucratic pain in the rear... I would LOVE to see you beat this sucker, both because you're a friggin' motivated Marine and I know EXACTLY how you feel, plus it would feel good to stick it to the man... hit me up if you need some help.

One last note: To quote a presentation given at the '02 PCO/PXO conference, written by CDR Larry K. Grubb, director of physical standards at BUMED, and the docs at MEPS who quoted him as well, "EVERYTHING IS WAIVERABLE EXCEPT DEATH"

[Seeley]

I'm going back to training on 10 January with B Co, ITB. Just thought I'd throw in the update for you all.