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There are 77 comments on Gulf War Veterans Suffer Disproportionately from Memory Problems, Chronic Pain

  1. Are there any study or treatment programs in Oregon ? My local veterans clinic seems to have no knowledge of GWS I have cronic joint pain, xrays mri show common joint degeneration for my age.they can’t explain the pain .

    1. Dear Jeffrey,
      I also have degenerative disc disease in my neck but, my worst symptom of all is the severe head pain. It feels like someone hit me in the back of the head with a shovel. My pain never stops it varies in intensity. The pain has now spread to my jaw, face, and eyes. I’ve been to too many doctors to count and share your frustration. I also have many of the other symptoms but, didn’t always tell the doctor all of my problems because I didn’t want them to think I was crazy…. Now I’m having short-term memory problems. The good news is, more research is happening. Some studies show brain changes on fMRI’s. I am going to print physician peer-reviewed articles from medical journals online and take them to my neurologist, neurosurgeon, and other physicians. Reading that other Gulf War Veterans are experiencing the same health problems lets us know we are not alone! I haven’t been able to work for three years, and it’s depressing and difficult financially. I have found a few studies happening in Boston, Texas, and California. Don’t give up and keep searching. I’m praying for all of us. God Bless you & all Veterans suffering from this illness.

      P.S. Does anyone else have pain similar to what I described above?
      Best wishes & God Bless.

      1. Hi Jo,

        The Gulf War Illness Consortium Study (GWIC) is still looking for healthy and ill Gulf war veterans to participate in the study.This is a one day study in Boston, Houston or Miami. If you are interested in learning more, please give us a call at 617-358-1717. We are looking for a diagnostic marker of Gulf War illness as well as treatments. You can also email us at gwic@bu.edu or message us on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gwicboston/

        Thank you.

        1. I have major chronic pain, widespread muscle pain, deafness, horrible tinnitus, major joint erosion, neuropathy of the lower extremities, had to have double cataract surgery in my 40s, ovarian cysts in 2007 then a total hysterectomy in 2010, chronic inflammation With CRP of 13 to 17 always – no one knows why and I take naproxen for it which does not help, chronic fatigue syndrome and anxiety with no depression! I’m so tired of being sick and most of this really started in around 2007 with sciatica issues and progressively gotten worse hitting rock-bottom at age 54 in 2014. My IBS began in 1991. I have had no companion & NO desire for sex since I reunited with my husband in August 1992. We divorced in 2005 ‼️ I gained over 100 pounds due to inability to move so I started physical therapy 4X weekly in March 2019 & now after five months, I continue to get stiff every night. I did umbilical cord stem cell therapy @ 18k in March 2019 to HELP myself because I’m not getting results anywhere else. My memory has gotten a bit better and I can move; but, with neuropathy of the lower extremities, I still cannot stand on my feet for more than 10 minutesI have partaken in many of the GW studies and even the autoimmune GW study down in Miami VA, I still did not get answers about my CRP.

          About this article – “The studies came from 18 unique veteran populations and four different countries,“- why cannot we get more SPECIFIC information on where were these veteran populations located and in which countries? Where were the majority of sick veterans stationed? I am willing to incur the medical costs to get well because I don’t like the alternative; but, I need more specific responses from the educated medical teams!

      2. Yes Brother. I do. I have had headache pain for 28 years now. My joints and muscles started a couple years ago and now it is almost constant. Cant work anymore. Take care.

        1. Hi David,

          We are so sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

      3. Jo, I have had degenerative disc disease in my neck and back, have even had a fusion in my neck.
        You’re not crazy and I guess I’m not alone. I just started looking into everything after I was diagnosed with smoldering myeloma, I have been given service connection for my stomach and ears, but turned down for chronic fatigue and the myeloma, still under review for dizziness. It’s all tied together, that’s what’s so frustrating for me.

        God does bless us and He loves us very much.
        Fred

      4. I were on theUSS Tarawa ( LHA 1) station in San Diego CA. Ew left San Diego from Dec 1990 – Jul 1991.
        Operation Desert Shield
        Ooertion Desert Storm
        Operations Sea Angel
        We all have the same problems now that I know I am not alone.

      5. Hi, yes I have the exact same symptoms. I stay in pain, i am tired of being in pain. I agree with no one really knowing anything about the illness. I feel like I am going in circles and trying to get help with this.

    2. The Gulf War Illness Consortium Study (GWIC) is still looking for healthy and ill Gulf war veterans to participate in the study.This is a one day study in Boston, Houston or Miami. If you are interested in learning more, please give us a call at 617-358-1717. We are looking for a diagnostic marker of Gulf War illness as well as treatments. You can also email us at gwic@bu.edu or message us on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gwicboston/

      Thank you.

  2. Carried on from last comment: they can’t explain the pain. They put me on different meds which have been ineffective .I feel like I’m being judged accused of being fake or a pill junkie. I’m not either of them I’m in pain and need help.

    1. I did try SPG nasal injections that go to the pain center of the brain. It helped a little bit. Music, medications, massage, turmeric and YouTube Hypnosis help too.

      I know how you feel, I saw a Nurse Practitioner that didn’t believe I was in pain. Insult on top of injury is cruel! I’m lucky I found some nicer doctors. Keep looking until you find someone who cares. You don’t deserve to be treated that way.

      1. Jo Dub,

        See an immunologist and ask to be evaluated for parvovirus b19, HVV6 and any other virals that they will test you for. Why? Because they attack the brain and hippocampus causing brain fog and headache (bad ones). I have the same symptoms. It wasn’t until I met with Dr Roger Mazlen in NY (virtually, online) that he tested me for these and the antiviral I am on has given me ongoing relief for the 1st time in 30 years. There is research out there that suggests GW soldiers have higher likelihood to be immunocompromised due to exposure(s) during the GW. God Bless.

    2. Hi Jeffrey,

      The Gulf War Illness Consortium Study (GWIC) is still looking for healthy and ill Gulf war veterans to participate in the study.This is a one day study in Boston, Houston or Miami. If you are interested in learning more, please give us a call at 617-358-1717. We are looking for a diagnostic marker of Gulf War illness as well as treatments. You can also email us at gwic@bu.edu or message us on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gwicboston/

      Thank you.

  3. I was in Kuwait with the Canadian Military Engineers (UNIKOM). I have been recently diagnosed with PTSD n Depression. I have noticed as well, in the last couple of years that my short to medium memory have failed me on numerous occasions. Which has resulted in some disagreements between my spouse, friends n family on what I was told at one point or another n I totally forgot about or it never registered with me. The common theme I hear is don’t you remember I told you 1-2-3 hours or days ago!
    I remember being one of the many soldiers that were sick each week we had to take our med’s?
    Is there a web site I could go to n read up on it if possible send into Veterans Affairs for their perusal n possible action.
    Thank you for your time n consideration on this matter

    1. Hi Leonard,

      The Gulf War Illness Consortium Study (GWIC) is still looking for healthy and ill Gulf war veterans to participate in the study.This is a one day study in Boston, Houston or Miami. If you are interested in learning more, please give us a call at 617-358-1717. We are looking for a diagnostic marker of Gulf War illness as well as treatments. You can also email us at gwic@bu.edu or message us on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gwicboston/

      Thank you.

    2. Hey Leonard. I was also in Kuwait doing EOD with the Canadian Forces. Have you join the Canadian Gulf War Veterans FB group. Its been very helpful. PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, chronic pain, arthritis and muscle pain. Also I feel like I have the flu all the time. Pretty common. best of luck.

      1. Hi David,

        We are sorry to hear about your flu like symptoms. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  4. Thank you for your fine Scholarship. I am a Veteran, was definitely exposed to Chemical Agents in the First Gulf War, have diagnosis of Behcets Disease, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. In Gulf War Registry language these are called non-specific. But when properly diagnosed, they can be properly treated.

    1. We are so sorry to hear about your health problems. Thank you for your interest in our research. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  5. A lot of guys that had served over there has been sayimg this for quite some time. I have been one of them. It’ll be 50 years when we get real closure

  6. One of my fellow Americans and best friend while in the National Guard contacted some chemical or his shots prior toGW shortly after coming home showed symptoms of Parkinson’s disease today my friend can hardly walk with assistantsnce This to me to be same as Agent Orange and the water contamination at Lejuene which is where I was at for 31/2 years and have multiple symptoms but the VA refuses to recognize these symptoms as enough for even a rating

    1. If you are interested in learning more about our research, participating in more studies, or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

    1. Hi Henry,

      I am sorry to hear of all the considerable health issues you are facing! Have you heard of the War-related Injury and Illness Study Center (WRIISC)? The WRIISC is a national program dedicated to Veterans’ post-deployment health concerns and unique health care needs. They develop and provide post-deployment health expertise to Veterans and their health care providers through clinical care, research, education, and risk communication. You can setup an appointment to be assessed at the center. If you are still being seen by a primary care physician at your local VA, they can refer you to WRIISC. If you are able to travel to their site, they can perform a complete physical evaluation on you including an exposure assessment. There are three centers (in California, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.) that specialize in difficult to diagnose war related illnesses such as Gulf War veterans cope with and can document current health problems in your VA medical record which some veterans have found helpful with obtaining their disability claims. Here is the WRIISC website: http://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/ for further information.

      Another place you can get help is https://clinicaltrials.gov/. This website lists all the research happening in the US. Please look to see if any Gulf War Research study on the site specifically addresses your health issues.

      Currently our research, GWIC, is focused on finding markers in the brain or blood of Gulf War Vets that can help us diagnose Gulf War Illness. We are seeing Gulf war vets at three sites which are are Boston, Houston and Miami. If you are interested in participating in our study, please call us at 617-358-1717.
      Below is a link to our website and Facebook page which details more information about our study
      http://sites.bu.edu/gwic/
      https://www.facebook.com/gwicboston/

    1. Hi Charlie46,

      We’re sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  7. That’s all good but it don’t mean a hill of beans in till the VA says that it happened and they will when most of gw vets have past. The VA are the wost to get help from.

  8. I can’t sleep and tried getting help at VA. Was told nothing wrong and can’t afford to go to doctor fo help. I just deal with it and do the best I can

    1. Hi Scott,

      We’re sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  9. I’ve had nothing but problems after being in Desert Storm. Constant chronic muscle, joint pain. Gastrointestinal issues with no rhyme or reason. Dermatological issue that baffle medical professionals.

    1. Hi Woody,

      We’re sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  10. I’m on 100% disability now, but only a small part of it actually covers all those unexplained ailments I have these days. They put a lot of it on my Total Brain Injury, but they have literally told me that they are taking my case file to conferences to discuss with other professionals because they just don’t know what is causing my symptoms definitively. They throw out suspicions on things like chemical exposures, sandstorms, burn pits, etc., but they say that since I was special ops and they’re weren’t enough soldiers operating in the areas I did to get a good study on, they can only monitor me and wait to see if others come up with the same symptoms or complaints.

    1. Do you have constant severe pain in the back of your head? I’ve told my doctor’s it feels like I’ve been hit in the back of the head with a shovel. The head pain also radiates to the sides and top of my head. My pain is worse in the morning and my face swells. When I stand up, walk, or travel in a car my pain increases. I have jaw pain and stabbing eye pain. (I use Tooth numbing gel on the jaw muscles inside my mouth which actually helps lessen the facial nerve and eye pain) I have severe muscle cramps, stiff shoulders & stiff neck and it feels like my bones hurt. Now I’m having short-term memory problems, finding words, saying words, difficulty concentrating, weakness and tired all the time. Tinitis and a drum roll sound in my ear when I lay on my side. My lymph nodes under my ears & chin feel sore like an infection.
      Wishing you the best & other Veterans in pain.

      1. Hi Jo,

        We’re sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

    2. Hi David,

      We’re sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  11. The most prevalent symptom I have suffered with since my return from the PGW has been insomnia. Stomach problems follows as a close second. I was part of a VA sponsored Gulf War Syndrome study in 2003/2004. I am mycoplasma positive to this day. Once the VA gathered their data, they were not very forthcoming with solutions. The antibiotic they placed me on had unacceptable side effects. Once I reported this, communication ceased. Developed sleep issues which doctors defined being depression related and possible PTSD. This led to medications which in turn led to me losing my career, because those medications are not allowed when one’s job is fly an airplane. I have lost faith with the VA, and doctor’s altogether. I have asked myself if these symptoms are something I suffered from despite being a soldier and having been exposed to vaccines, and other drugs administered by the military. The answer is a definite NO from my spouse. She is positive these problems started after my return from the war. The VA focuses on chemical exposure to some units based on geographic location, and proximity to chemical burn sites. They totally discounted us troops who had to fly through those black toxic clouds. We had mission hard times on target and couldn’t just “fly around” miles of airborne toxins. Either way, life in my late 50s is far from being anything one could call good quality.

    1. Hi Fernando,

      We’re so sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  12. Got deployed to Incerlik AB not the theater of War, 91 92 Vaccinations and pills while there. 2004 undiagnosed illness, fibromyalgia,degenerative arthritis ankles wrist elbows knees, headachs, joint pain swelling. Recieved NSC pension. All medical records lost.

    1. Hi Robert,

      We’re sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu. We recommend you ask your primary care doctor to refer you to the WRIISC (https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/), which can help to provide diagnoses and healthcare for service-related illnesses and injuries.

  13. Is there any way you can let us know if there are going to be any tests in our areas? I am having bad memory problems and neurological problems that my civilian doctors are still working on. I was deployed to the AOR 90-91. I would love to get tested and be more involved in this research program.

    Thank you, Susan Mitchell

    1. Hello Susan,

      We are currently seeing participants for the Gulf War Illness Consortium study (GWIC) at our sites in Boston, Houston, and Miami. Below is a link of our website that details more information about our study: http://sites.bu.edu/gwic/
      Please call our Study Coordinator at 617-358-1717 for information about the study.

  14. The Gulf War Illness Consortium Study (GWIC) is still looking for healthy and ill Gulf war veterans to participate in the study.This is a one day study in Boston, Houston or Miami. If you are interested in learning more, give us a call at 617-358-1717. We are looking for a diagnostic marker of Gulf War illness as well as treatments. You can also email us at gwic@bu.edu or message us on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gwicboston/

    Thank you.

  15. I never stepped foot in the Middle East but have just about every symptom that everyone mentions. 91 to 94 USN. I am 46 now and the past year has been the worst but I have managed to reduce anxiety (a lot) by throwing my hands in the air and just not trying to complete what I set out to do. Which, has helped with focusing on what is happening right then with symptoms. I’m not the type of person that has ever been able to neglect tasks and be unproductive. There are studies but how in the hell are we supposed to travel to another city, or state if you feel like you have been hit with a convoy. I’ve had tests done recently, that I am waiting (CT of abdominal and pelvic, MRI on head and neck) to hear back on for over a month. Impatient? Hell yes! I have been delapitating for about 10 years. I really feel for the people who actually went to Kuwait.

    1. @Jeffinator I have the same exact illness and was in Incirlik Turkey 92 to 94 my body is constantly in pain and I have memory and cognitive issues. I do know I had perfect teeth and after my visit my mouth was full of amalgam fillings, I worked with chemical cargo, I was also given 20 xrays in on sitting at the dentist. I also remember the vaccinations hurt and one are later excreted a meaty thick puss which began as a cyst. Also the plastic bottle water and sodas was always in the heat. Everyday I blew out soot from my nose from breathing diesel exhaust in warehouses. Whatever it is that has made us sick?… They better hurry up and help us, only less than 15,000 are left alive, according to some news reports?

      1. Hi Ron,

        We are so sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  16. So similar to cipro toxicity. Lots of denials by the medical community. Unfortunately, no definitive diagnosis criteria or treatment options. I hope the veteran groups keep fighting.

  17. As a Gulf War vet who tried to seek help from the VA, all I can say is good luck. The quickest claim I’ve ever had processed was the claims that said Gulf War. Those Claims were expedited strait to the circular file to be legalized to non-service related. Just wish the VBA could clean up there act instead of taking it out on the veteran they are supposed to be supporting.

    1. Hi Russell,

      If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  18. I am not a vet, but my husband is. Was deployed in 90-91 to Gulf War (not sure of specifics). Anyway, he was in the Marines, on a ship in the Gulf at the time. For the last 3-4 yrs., he has had headaches, memory loss, inability to concentrate, severe muscle and joint pain, discoloration of skin under his underarms. Very tired all the time. He has been to MANY doctors, (neurologists, endocrinologist, liver specialist, respiratory, and sleep specialist. He wears CPAP, but says he still doesn’t sleep well. I think he may have GWS, but he refuses to think that because he saw no combat. We went to VA in Chillicothe, Ohio, and made suggestion of GWS, and all they could say is they thought we were after money! My husband is suffering!! States he don’t know how much more he can take. Still trying to work, doing best he can. Says he shouldn’t feel this bad at only age 50. None of the many docs he has seen can make an absolute diagnosis. Any suggestions? August 21, 2018

    1. Hi Danita,

      We’re sorry to hear about your husband’s health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  19. I’m going to Houston to participate in a study on September, 10th. Memory, fatigue and pain are my biggest problems. They seem to be getting much worse as I get older.

    I’m really angry at the gov’t in general, feels like they abandoned us before the conflict was even over. I don’t know, after so many years of waiting, it feels pointless from a health perspective. I’m mid fifties now and suffered through this in my twenties, thirties and forties. When I first approached the V.A., I was treated as a malingerer but it seems like they are starting to take it seriously now. Too little, too late IMO, but maybe it gets figured out, we get our honor back and can give TPTB a big F.U.

    Rock of the Marne!

    1. Hi Daniel,

      Thank you for participating in the GWIC study in Houston! We understand your frustration and sympathize with you on this matter. We hope through our research we can provide answers to you all. Please follow our Facebook page for updates on our research and new information on Gulf war illness https://www.facebook.com/gwicboston/

  20. Served on a lst in navy. Was ships fuel and oil king . Was exposed to pd 680 dry cleaning solvent daily for 4 years. We carried marine’s and their equipment +vehicles lots of desert dirt on board. Today my memory is shot ,rashes different places, muscle weakness, pain and spasms. Someone sneezes im sick don’t know what to do. no one takes me seriously .don’t how much more i can take.

    1. Hi Jeff,

      I am sorry to hear of all the considerable health issues you are experiencing! Have you heard of the War-related Injury and Illness Study Center (WRIISC)? The WRIISC is a national program dedicated to Veterans’ post-deployment health concerns and unique health care needs. They develop and provide post-deployment health expertise to Veterans and their health care providers through clinical care, research, education, and risk communication. You can setup an appointment to be assessed at the center. If you are still being seen by a primary care physician at your local VA, they can refer him to WRIISC. If you are able to travel to their site, they can perform a complete physical evaluation on you including an exposure assessment. There are three centers (in California, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.) that specialize in difficult to diagnose war related illnesses such as Gulf War veterans cope with and can document current health problems in your VA medical record which some veterans have found helpful with obtaining their disability claims. Here is the WRIISC website: http://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/ for further information.

      Another place you can get help is through https://clinicaltrials.gov/. This website lists all the research happening in the US. Please look to see if any research on Gulf War Vet is focused on your health issues.

      Currently our research, GWIC, is focused on finding markers in either the brain or blood of Gulf War Vets that can help us diagnose Gulf War Illness. We are seeing Gulf War vets at three sites which are Boston, Houston and Miami. If you are interested in participating in our study or would like to learn more about it, please call us at 617-358-1717. Here is a link to our website and facebook page
      Website: http://sites.bu.edu/gwic/
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gwicboston/

    2. Hi Jeff,

      I am sorry to hear of all the considerable health issues you are facing! Have you heard of the War-related Injury and Illness Study Center (WRIISC)? The WRIISC is a national program dedicated to Veterans’ post-deployment health concerns and unique health care needs. They develop and provide post-deployment health expertise to Veterans and their health care providers through clinical care, research, education, and risk communication. You can setup an appointment to be assessed at the center. If you are still being seen by a primary care physician at your local VA, they can refer you to WRIISC. If you are able to travel to their site, they can perform a complete physical evaluation on you including an exposure assessment. There are three centers (in California, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.) that specialize in difficult to diagnose war related illnesses such as Gulf War veterans cope with and can document current health problems in your VA medical record which some veterans have found helpful with obtaining their disability claims. Here is the WRIISC website: http://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/ for further information.

      Another place you can get help is https://clinicaltrials.gov/. This website lists all the research happening in the US. Please look to see if any Gulf War Research study on the site specifically addresses your health issues.

      Currently our research, GWIC, is focused on finding markers in the brain or blood of Gulf War Vets that can help us diagnose Gulf War Illness. We are seeing Gulf war vets at three sites which are are Boston, Houston and Miami. If you are interested in participating in our study, please call us at 617-358-1717.
      Below is a link to our website and Facebook page which details more information about our study
      http://sites.bu.edu/gwic/
      https://www.facebook.com/gwicboston/

  21. Guys… Look at dental work on soldiers. The Amalgam and the plastics in root canals. Look at the vaccinations, they may have been expired or left in transport in heat and became toxic. And then chemical exposure, people in contact with hazmat, cargo, anyone in transportation and warehousing may have touched or breathed something toxic and irreversible. Even these soldiers and their families and friends are getting sick from being near them?

  22. Case study: see my story on Twitter @SickGulfWarVet.

    To my Gulf War brothers and sisters, stay strong, vigilant and respectful so we all get the help and service connection(s) needed.

    GWIC can reach out to me. Read my story. It explains itself. Over quarter century of debilitating pain both mentally and physically to the point of daily impairment and reduced quality of life. Veterans only ask the right thing be done. It is all rather simple. DO THE RIGHT THING!

    We deserve better treatment from the VA system. At this point, studies do not service connect the obvious. The VA SHOULD regarding care, service connection, family help and Gulf War veteran respect from a country we each laid ourselves down for.

    1. Hi Sean,

      I am so sorry to hear about your health problems. I read a bit of your story and, if Dr. Klimas has not already gotten you connected with studies or if you still want to hear more about our research, I would love if you would please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  23. Hello. I entered the military in November 1989 and attended boot camp in Orlando Florida. Then I went to Air Tradfic Control School in Millington, Tn. Halfway through school I began to get severe headaches and my immune system crashed. I continuously got sinus infections and then I was having a difficult time in school as trying to remember things was suddenly difficult. Then came the muscle pain and I had some pretty strange things happen to my body and was placed on medical hold. I spent the majority of my 5 years on med hold as Drs could not figure out what was happening to me. It wasn’t until I got out of the military and saw Dr after Dr that i got diagnoses of Gerd, IBS, CFS, Fibromyalgia and anxiety, to name a few. For 28 years I have been suffering the most horrific headache pain on top of so many odd symptoms that I have not been able to work more than parttime since 2002. I worked with Navy Federal Credit Union for 16&1/2 years while struggling to push through fhe pain. I recently quit and my husband and I moved to Florida in hopes that the warmer weather will be better on my arthritis (I have cervical spondylosis as well). It’s unbelievable how I went from a perfectly healthy, fully functioning person to be reduced to living 28 years in chronic pain with a poor quality of life. The only thing I can do is take it one day at a time and count my blessings. Whatever was in the vaccines, in my opinion, wreaked havoic on my body and has left me, as well as many other veterans from the Gulf War Era to live a life of poor quality, a lot of pain and unexplainede llnesses we didn’t ask for:(

    1. Hi Susanne,

      We are so sorry to hear about your health problems. We would like to do anything we can to help. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  24. I have been taking supplements for almost a year and it has helped. I still have bad days where I can’t get nothing done. I have better days where I can get a little more done than nothing. There are days where I feel about 75% or more and I am living for those days. I try to exercise when I can but figured out that I can’t give it my all or that will be all that I can do that day. There is no rhyme or reason on how I feel because when I am doing well, I try to repeat the things I did. Whether it be food remedies or whatever. What I take daily: Red marine algae (you have to get the right extract), CoQ10 ubiqinol, Oregon oil in gel caps with high amount of carvacol, pre and pro biotics, apple cider vinegar.
    Oregano oil for fighting infection
    Red marine algae for boosting immune system
    CoQ10 ubiquinol for pain, I think
    Apple cider vinegar for IBS and it has helped to lose weight, which I believe may have helped with pain as well
    I take other supplements that I can’t attest to but they are milk thistle, cranberry extract.
    I feel that my body is constantly fighting infections, my latest one might be my gall bladder but not an expert. I found that the Red marine algae is probably the one that is most beneficial. Rashes are better, sick time is less, I didn’t get the flu last season or sinus infection. I am not cured but I do have a little more good days. The only prescription that I’m taking is blood pressure medication and occasionally anxiety. I hardly take the anxiety medication any more.

    1. Hi Jeffinator,

      We’re so sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu. We recommend you ask your primary care doctor to refer you to the WRIISC (https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/), which can help to provide diagnoses and healthcare for service-related illnesses and injuries.

  25. Served in the gulf 1991. Started having problems in 1998, (age 38 ) since then have had colonoscopys every four years for recurring colon plops. 2016 gallbladder removed. Back problems ( have had three back surgery’s). March 2013 removed a cyst from the lining of my heart. Memory loss short term and mead term. Headache’s pain that runs from side to front feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. Sleeping good luck! Now March 2018 Parkinsons. Just wonder what’s next? Been to doctors , was told to go to VA .They did test and was told I didn’t have Parkinsons. Ask about how accurate the test were, could not get an answer. Also was told there was no research to connect Parkinsons and the Gulf War. But yet read an article dated 2014 from the VA showing there was research. We have fought one war why should we fight for what was promised, to take care of health issues. We stood by our promise. Now stand by yours and admit what everybody knows. Don’t treat us like y’all did the Vietnam Vets.

    1. Hi Doug,

      We’re sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

  26. I also was in the USN in the Gulf War and in the last couple of years I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD severe depression anxiety mood swing disorder sleep disorder adrenal gland deficiency fatigue joint pain concentration problems degenerative disc disease muscle pain abdominal pain leg cramps numbness of the feet and legs atrial fibrillation last but not least tinnitus ringing of the ears. Had surgery on my heart back and neck. I have 6 pins and to 2 plates in my neck. I can’t work any more do to all of these problems combined but most of all frequent out burst and all I receive from the V.A. is 30% I wake up every morning with pain and numbness in my shoulders and legs my wife has to help me get them moving sometimes. I constantly think about suicide because of how much pain I’m in and how much my condition effects my family. But I don’t because I know this is not my fault. I’m actually looking for help because I should be receiving 100% but we all know the VA. It took me over 25 years to win my claim for my back ( degenerative disc disease) and come to find out the V.A. said due to a clerical error on their part so after 25 years the VA. Finally a proved my claim. I’m only receiving combined 30% If any one can help please let me know what to do thank you.

    1. Hi Rvey,

      We’re sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

    2. The VA job is NOT to pay veterans or pay them very little for their claims. Please read the entire response. They will deliberately postpone approving any claims. You have to remember that those processing your claims have never been to war and or don’t have any idea the chronic pain you are going through. Unfortunately, this includes some healthcare workers including nurses and physicians. Remember you have patient rights. I had a doctor tell me that I could not go into to a doctor’s visit with my spouse. When I told her that she was violating his patient rights, I was allowed in. Wow! They just assume that everyone is a liar.

      The rules to get your claim approved.
      1. **Priority** Get familiar with the eCFR (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations) This is the guide that the VA uses to determine your disability.
      For example if you have Chronic Pain…. the VA looks for language in your claim to guide them on how close it is to the description they have REGARDLESS of your true condition.
      An example of The eCFR description for chronic fatigue syndrome:
      §4.88a Chronic fatigue syndrome.
      (a) For VA purposes, the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome requires:
      (1) new onset of debilitating fatigue severe enough to reduce daily activity to less than 50 percent of the usual level for at least six months; and
      (2) the exclusion, by history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, of all other clinical conditions that may produce similar symptoms; and
      (3) six or more of the following:
      (i) acute onset of the condition,
      (ii) low grade fever,
      (iii) nonexudative pharyngitis,
      (iv) palpable or tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes,
      (v) generalized muscle aches or weakness,
      (vi) fatigue lasting 24 hours or longer after exercise,
      (vii) headaches (of a type, severity, or pattern that is different from headaches in the pre-morbid state),
      (viii) migratory joint pains,
      (ix) neuropsychologic symptoms,
      (x) sleep disturbance.
      2. Go to an outside doctors to explain of all gulf war related symptoms. I was lucky enough to have insurance that covered my husband. Although, he described the same condition to the VA docs. That is when we learned about a the eCFR.
      3. Requested copies of ALL medical files and make 2 extra copies.
      4. Appeal your claims and attach all copies of the medical records to support the claims.
      5. For some reason the VA will lose your records. Mail all files via certified mail the 1st time. Then mail a second copy again (via certified mail). For some reason they seem to never get any claims.
      6. You must be patient but persistent. They want you to just give up. When you appeal your claim, they put it back at the bottom of the list and the process starts again. DONT GIVE UP.
      7. Work with a VA advocate, if possible. Ours was not that great, so I help my husband.
      8. ***IMPORTANT**** Prior to approval, they will try to assign someone to manage YOUR money. They call this a FIDUCIARY. A scam.
      9.*** IMPORTANT*** ALWAYS tell them YOU pay the bills…NOT YOUR SPOUSE. They want to have some stranger manage YOUR money, after all that you have been through. This is also true with Social Security. YOU PAY YOUR OWN BILLS NO MATTER WHAT.

  27. I was in Kuwait n suffering from everything that is mentioned in this article. We want answers not pills. My health is getting worse day by day, even though I’m 100% pt , its still not enough for the price we paid for nothing.

    1. Hi Jeffery,

      We’re sorry to hear about your health problems. If you are interested in learning more about our research or would like information about seeking health care and treatment, please give us a call at 617-358-1717 or an email to GWIC@bu.edu.

    2. Jeffrey, I was in Bahrain and I agree with everything you replied about . It’s not that VBA helps us much and still are calling us liars because they’re not approving our claims. I was very sick In Bahrain & I was totally dehydrated from Sunday night to Thursday morning when I was found in my apartment. The person had to put me in the bathtub and totally bring me back to life after she dragged me there. I didn’t record it because I had to get back to the job and I honestly feel that something saved into my immune system while that was going on; but who knows. I’m so distraught with the medical doctors not actually telling us a damn thing! I’m actually attending a wellness Institute right now; that, even though they are trying hard to help, they are not trained and chemical warfare. I’m going broke trying to help myself…..

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