This is the question and answer forum. Welcome.

Hello, I look forward to this new area for discussion for middle east deployed folks.

Thanks Dave! This is a grand idea.

preacher

Hello Dave, This is hubert Harris Again I have listed on some of the other threads over the last couple of months and never knew this one was here. I was sent to Daharan, Saudi Arabia twice back in 1991-1993 and both times every other night someone (don't know if it was US Military or the Saudi's) would come around and fog for mosquitoes, each time after they went through the area I would have a metallic taste in my mouth, I went to the base hospital and upon retirement to the VA and I always got the same answer, there was nothing used that would cause any such reaction. Since those deployments I have developed tingling numb areas in different areas of my body, not related but carpel tunnel syndrome and I have recently been diagnosed with Meralgia Paresthetica in my left thigh, but there are other things that are also happening such as extreme weakness in my hands and arms that will come on and then go away after a couple of minutes and still no one has felt it important enough to investigate further. Do you have any thoughts on what I should do or who I should get in contact with, as always thank you in advance for your input and advice.

I strongly suggest you go to your local VAMC or VA Clinic and request the Persian Gulf screening examination. Please read my book as well.
My book on Persian Gulf War:
http://www.geocities.com/dave_barker_amvet/PGW.html

Lonnie has posted an excellent article from his home town Daytona newspaper, on Open Topic, please read it!

Here is a link to more information on depleted uranium. This information should be read by all on this forum.
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/du.htm

Hello all. I'm a military spouse, and my husband is currently deployed to the middle east. I'm very concerned about his health and welfare over there because he has asthma. It all started in BCT/AIT for him, and it's been really bad ever since. I assumed the WVNG would catch his asthma and either make him a non-deployable, or discharge him. Instead they did their medical processing like a revolving door...you're in/you're out. They looked at his medical record that's literally plastered with "asthma" all over it, but didn't even ask him about it. My husband, as most military men are, is a very proud man, and he basically took it as "they didn't ask me so I'm not telling", however he had problems breathing with his armor on while they were training here in the states, and because of the climate change from home station to mob station he got a respitory infection (like he ALWAYS does with climate changes) and I'm scared to death he's not going to make it over there. What should I do? Is there anything I can do? He has a profile for reactive airway disease (asthma) he's on prescription meds, and I have records stating that he needed a PFT but he was never given one. Any advice or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you, and God Bless!

Well, this is truly a pickle of a situation.

First, he's not the first or only person with reactive airway disease (asthma) to be stationed in the Middle East. That said, if he was pretty well controlled on specific meds while in WV, he should stay on those meds while in the sandbox.

However, when complications - like a respiratory infection - crop up (and you say they usually do with climate changes, like from winter to spring, or spring to summer, or summer to hotter summer?), he should consult his PA or medic or hospital (depending on who is closest and most convenient to where he is) when he is having difficulty. And he should be persistent and assertive when doing so.

To my knowledge, NO ONE has died of asthmatic complications while deployed to Iraq or A-stan. I don't mean to belittle your concerns - I'm sure they are very real - but your husband would be better served and supported if you encourage him to maintain his medication regimen and get help PROMPTLY when he needs it.

Keep us posted ... we'll help here when we can. He should also be VERY specific when he completes his post-deployment health evaluation when he returns - it can be an invaluable document down the line IF further complications arise. (In other words, be sure he keeps a copy of it.)

Hope this helps a little.

Bump

We have a new GW committiee to speak, complaint to - yet why are vets silent ?

Department of Veterans Affairs (008A1)
ATTN: Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans
810 Vermont Ave
Washington, DC 20420
202-461-5758
lelia.jackson@va.gov ,Lelia P. Jackson, Board memeber

The new advisory committee should prove interesting. I am skeptical of what it is they are going to do. I have seen how advisory groups work at times. All I have seen over the years since DS has been research and studies. How about just owning up to the real issues? Myself, I was at the Tip of the Spear for 2nd Mar Div in Desert Storm. More specific, 1/6 Cold Steel. I was exposed to the burning oil wells, supposedly lewsite, sarin, nad etc. In addition probably some anthrax. Funny seeing all those dead animals. AT any rate, I am still battling with the VA on obtaining compensation for some other disabilities. I will keep fighting and do what needs to be done. It would be great to have Gulf War Vets come together. One agency or group would be great.