posted
A referral to a pain specialist has uncovered something new.
I have many pain issues, and my back pains was just part of it I thought. I can't recall any specific injury. I did hump and jump plenty in army. After a back MRI the doc told me I have 3 slipped disc, I was surprised. So now in addition to everything else I get a couple of steroid injections into my spine. Apparently the damaged disc can ooze something onto nerves and causes more pain. It didn't occur to me until recently that this too could be connected to gulf war illnesses, and yet another item to add to the long list of ways the illness could progress. Should I even bother to tell va? Anyone have any scientific info liking this? Cheers
Posts: 115 | From: colorado | Registered: Aug 2005
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quote:Originally posted by 2loco: A referral to a pain specialist has uncovered something new.
I have many pain issues, and my back pains was just part of it I thought. I can't recall any specific injury. I did hump and jump plenty in army. After a back MRI the doc told me I have 3 slipped disc, I was surprised. So now in addition to everything else I get a couple of steroid injections into my spine. Apparently the damaged disc can ooze something onto nerves and causes more pain. It didn't occur to me until recently that this too could be connected to gulf war illnesses, and yet another item to add to the long list of ways the illness could progress. Should I even bother to tell va?
Anyone have any scientific info linking this? Cheers
Good question. I don't know if your DDD is a result of exposures in the Gulf, but it's not one of the "presumptive" conditions that is recognized from GW exposures.
To prove it, I believe you would need to have documentation from your Army medical records to show you were affected during your duty in the Gulf War (or within the one year period after discharge). I think if you did parachuting or something similar to that, it might be possible to pull off a claim for it, however, I'm not a VSO.
To be sure, you could ask a VSO near you. From what I've read on DDD, doctors seem to mostly associate it with age.
posted
Thanks gale, I have seen thou a little info about how the body could destroy the disc, it's way over my head. I think there's just too many health issues that could all be explained by a common link. At 43 the odds that somehow, I've aquried several( in recent years) objective health issues that to me must be very very rare. the kicker is, several of us gulf vets have these.
True Normally age related, but lucky me. B-12 anemia Low testosterone DDD
Posts: 115 | From: colorado | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
Agreed... I'm sure our compromised immune systems contribute to advanced aging processes in the long run. If you shop around for a specialist, he/she may be able to connect the dots for you. I, too, have spinal problems. Best of luck!
-------------------- HONOR OUR VETERANS WITH BETTER CARE AND BENEFITS Posts: 3482 | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
I found out the other day,I have mild degenerative stuff going on with my spine,I never knew, well I can't let that get me down,just keep pushing back. (bad pun)
-------------------- May God bless and keep you. Posts: 218 | From: bunker #19 | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
I was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease. Fortunately a history of back problems were recorded in my medical records. But they gave just 10% for it.
Posts: 9 | From: New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2007
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quote:Originally posted by 2loco: A referral to a pain specialist has uncovered something new.
I have many pain issues, and my back pains was just part of it I thought. I can't recall any specific injury. I did hump and jump plenty in army. After a back MRI the doc told me I have 3 slipped disc, I was surprised. So now in addition to everything else I get a couple of steroid injections into my spine. Apparently the damaged disc can ooze something onto nerves and causes more pain. It didn't occur to me until recently that this too could be connected to gulf war illnesses, and yet another item to add to the long list of ways the illness could progress. Should I even bother to tell va? Anyone have any scientific info liking this? Cheers
posted
I too have DDD along with many other ailments. I would like to see how many there are with the same.
Posts: 20 | From: Fremont , Nebraska | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
I have problems from L3-S1 this has been going on since 1994, sciatica surgery on L5/S1 in 94 in 2002 they did a new MRI and found L3, L4 and L5 and Si reinjured and messed up herniated is what they called them I think with my other issues I am already SMC S so it doesn't seem to be worthwhile to fight over my back pain
Posts: 1381 | From: South Carolina | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
I too have DDD but am unable to prove that it was due to service in the Gulf. I now am going through two state senetors to look at my claim and why it has been over a year to process.
Posts: 20 | From: Fremont , Nebraska | Registered: Mar 2006
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