Thanks for the info - found records from a USAF doctor from Elmendorf in 1994 - 3 years before diagnosis where he complained of 1/2 his face being numb. This was one of the symptoms that happened again and got worse and eventually led to his diagnosis. So I'm hopeful for having a case for retro to diagnosis. Seems the military doctors did not run any tests or follow-up! It is not normal for a 28 year old man to have his face go numb and it seems they should have done more than send him home and tell him to take advil?

Pray for me. I'm going through the initial diagnosis right now. Haven't gotten the official verdict yet but it looks like everything (including MRI read) is suggesting MS. And oh btw, m still Active Duty Navy, on LIMDU right now.

I was recently diagnosed with ms in January of this year. I too am the only member of my family on both sides with this disease.In 2002 I tried to join the Air National Guard and after I was given the shots in Basic Training, I was unable to run anymore. I was imediately disqualified from Basic and was discharged as Entry Level Discharge. I got a letter from a Lt. Colonel that states "medically disqualifying condition." To this day I do not know what I was inhected with, I don't know if this qualifies me to be a vet or for disability . I've just always thought I was in inadequate physical condition or just plain old,lol. Do you think I have a case?

Newly released from Active Duty (less then 30 days), now looks told I have M.S. I did have a stroke like event prior to release and pushed for a LOD to be initiated. I am still in the reserves. Seeing the doctor for all test for final diagnoise. Any advice to protect myself. I did file for VA prior to release, but didn't have a diagnoise only probably MS at the time.
How do I manage the brain fog, stress of just getting diagnoised and fear of the unknown?

Documention, documentation, documentation...

Are you seeing a civilian or military doc? Recommend that you be seen by a qualified neurologist who specializes in MS.

You ask how to manage brain fog / stress and the fear of the unknown. It takes practice however it can be done....

Surround yourself with people who can support you emotionally and ignore the ones who can't be (as they will bring you down)...don't dwell on the unknown (I know it is hard to do) as it can cause stress and stress can often trigger an attack and in truth it is not worth it.

Brain fog...don't take yourself seriously...roll with the punches and laugh and cry. It is good for your soul. Also empower yourself about the unpredictability of MS. Join a support group for MS. MS.org is a great place to start. It is manageable...however there are times in which it shows you who is boss...it took me a bit to learn what triggered an attack or made certain symptoms worse...so I learned to play 'the game'...thus far I win most times. Except now I am experiencing cognitve issues..it's not fog..more indepth...part of MS. Get to see a wonderful NeuroPsych next week. This is when I would rather have the physical disability of MS and have my brain to be sharp instead of looking normal and brain acting weird at times...more often lately

Ask your doctor to check your B12 and Vitamin D levels...low B12 can cause brain fog...and most people with MS do have low B12 and Vit D. My B12 is good...wish I could say that for my noggin... Short term memory stinks most times... augh.

Best Wishes,

Zig

P.S. Don't let VA lose your claim...make sure they know who you are!

MS what a pain! I am on active duty and have been living with MS for 7 years, treated for 3 years (rebif). My case is mild or I wouldn't be able to stay in. I also think there's a "shot connection," I blame the anthrax shots that were given in the 90's.

Greetings all, I have had MS for quite some time now. Was a reserve component officer but we went overseas a few times. Been lined up quite a bit for many shots in basic, AIT, OBC etc etc. I never even thought about a connection until recently. Now I am a bit angry to say the least. I am going to gather all my shot records and bring them to my Neurologist. Not sure how it will turn out, but what do I have to loose.

I have gone through the application process for SSD as a civilian and also was rewarded a group disability plan from my employer. I would be more than happy to help anyone that has any questions. I am no expert, but I know from experience that it’s a scary time and sometimes a little help can make a big difference.

I'm surprised that you state you are still active duty and not been given a medical discharge.

My goodness, what happens one day when it goes from 'mild' to 'awful' overnight with no idea how long the relapse would last. Military would not take that chance.

Rebif alone can cause some awful side effects...

Zig

Would you not qualify for disability thought VA? Gather ALL your records...including service records.

Zig

My son is currently in the Army reserves. He signed in 2003. He was dx with MS last month and has said he will probably get booted from the army. As he is only 24 years old, the dx and the army booting him is terrifying and depressing to him. He has only served stateside.If he gets discharged from the service is he qualified to get benefits? He does not want to leave the army as he just reupped for 8 more years.

I suppose this is going out to Zig. I am fighting the va about my claim. It took me 16 years to be dx'd, but they won't grant me compensation. after 16 yrs they found me service connected for high blood pressure which is zero percent. they won't even consider my ms. Even though all throughout my military medical there is evidence of ms, they continue to deny my claim because of the 7 yrs.
A cilvilan doctor sent them documentation after carefully reviewing my records and clearly stated that ms was very obvious while i was serving. They replied by saying the doctor was a dummy, and he did't know what he was talking about. I've contacted several people in our government concerning this matter. Zig what else do you suggest that I do because I am disable now no health insurance besides the va, and they are charging me for my visits,medicine,and test. I have no income either. Can you help me.

He should qualify for benefits...however I'm not 100% sure. I served active duty for 4 years, never reserves...

My honest opinion I do not believe it would matter as I believe the same protocols are followed whether a person is active or reserves...because reserves can go active at any given time....so they should be on the same level.

Zig

How long have you been fighting VA? They kept denying me stating even though my military records showed an unconfirmed MS attack while active duty...said I would need a civilian doctor to write to them to state that what I experienced while serving my country (and documented in military records) was due to MS and not related to any other illness.

Right now I am crunched for time as I need to be at the airport and will get back to you on this. In the meantime, contact VA verbally and follow that up in writing (get a record of them receiving your letter) as you are appealing their denial. Who on earth would say another doctor is a 'dummy?'....my goodness, anything to deny a claim. Don't give up. Send me a private message if you prefer. I'll also go through my correspondence between VA and me and see if can get you additional help. Don't give up.... It is your right to be taken care of...not theirs to take yours away.

Best Wishes,

Zig