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Getting into the military with epilepsy.
Tue, 03/25/2008 - 17:45Comments
Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.
Submitted by angelacarwile on Tue, 2009-01-20 - 12:08
I'm sorry. The same thing happened to me. I'm now a retired Chief, forced to retire after 13 years. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in June 2007 and retired July 2008. I was so angry and it still bothers me to talk about it sometimes. Unfortunately for me, it took over a year to get my seizures under control; I couldn't drive, live alone or care for myself...So you can see I was definitely no longer an asset to the Navy. It sucks, but I'm here to tell you something better is right around the corner. Getting angry only hurts you, the Navy will still go on without us. Took me a while to figure that one out;-) The hardest part is being forced out against your will; I know your pain. If you ever need anything or just want to talk, please email me. Take care of yourself and God Bless.
I'm sorry. The same thing happened to me. I'm now a retired Chief, forced to retire after 13 years. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in June 2007 and retired July 2008. I was so angry and it still bothers me to talk about it sometimes. Unfortunately for me, it took over a year to get my seizures under control; I couldn't drive, live alone or care for myself...So you can see I was definitely no longer an asset to the Navy. It sucks, but I'm here to tell you something better is right around the corner. Getting angry only hurts you, the Navy will still go on without us. Took me a while to figure that one out;-) The hardest part is being forced out against your will; I know your pain. If you ever need anything or just want to talk, please email me. Take care of yourself and God Bless.
Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.
Submitted by dainty on Thu, 2008-11-13 - 08:36
Firstly, Thank you for your service. It was very selfless of you. I am sorry for your hardships and hope this opens a door to a whole new world for you.
My son wanted to be a Marine. He had planned on finishing his 4 yr degree and joining as an officer. Well you know they wont take him on E BUT let me share some of the unethical things recruiters have told him:
1) Lie
2) Dont tell
3) Stop taking your meds
4)Get a Congressman to write you a waiver
My thoughts on this is, it made my son hurt? angry? disappointed? enough to not be able to join the military, this like rubbing salt in a wound. My son knows if he lies or omits the E part, he can be dishonorably discharged. For someone who wants to serve in honor? Thats not the way to get what you want. I understand the deployable aspect but also know many military never see combat. Why couldnt they take folks with E and let them be cooks, mechanics, engineers. There seem to be alot of jobs in the military that dont get deployed. I am sad for my son and hes sadder for him than I am. I am trying to get him refocused on another career but its not easy.
Hang in there and be well
joan*
Son lamictal 19 Grand Mals Daughter lamictal 15 Juvenile myclonic Both had first issues at 15 - gotta love puberty : ) * Both dealing with it* Live, Laugh, Love
Firstly, Thank you for your service. It was very selfless of you. I am sorry for your hardships and hope this opens a door to a whole new world for you.
My son wanted to be a Marine. He had planned on finishing his 4 yr degree and joining as an officer. Well you know they wont take him on E BUT let me share some of the unethical things recruiters have told him:
1) Lie
2) Dont tell
3) Stop taking your meds
4)Get a Congressman to write you a waiver
My thoughts on this is, it made my son hurt? angry? disappointed? enough to not be able to join the military, this like rubbing salt in a wound. My son knows if he lies or omits the E part, he can be dishonorably discharged. For someone who wants to serve in honor? Thats not the way to get what you want. I understand the deployable aspect but also know many military never see combat. Why couldnt they take folks with E and let them be cooks, mechanics, engineers. There seem to be alot of jobs in the military that dont get deployed. I am sad for my son and hes sadder for him than I am. I am trying to get him refocused on another career but its not easy.
Hang in there and be well
joan*
Son lamictal 19 Grand Mals Daughter lamictal 15 Juvenile myclonic Both had first issues at 15 - gotta love puberty : ) * Both dealing with it* Live, Laugh, Love