"Thomas"

“Thomas” served with the Army as an X-ray technician for 16 years. He was working at a combat support hospital in Germany when he was deployed to Saudi Arabia to provide medical care to Iraqi soldiers during the Gulf War. Following orders, he took pyridostigmine pills they took while deployed and had daily exposure to burn pits containing feces, urine, and oil. Once while dismounting a vehicle with all his gear on, he fell and injured his back. In addition to chronic back pain, he struggled with strenuous exercise while deployed, and the extreme weather affected his health. It was in the Gulf where he first noticed a loss of pigmentation in his neck. He was given Selsun Blue, which temporarily helped alleviate his symptoms; he later noted that his daughter has the same condition. He now has bouts of alopecia and dry skin on his scalp, but he is unable to remember the exact time it began and at what point it occurred during his military career.

After returning from the Gulf, “Thomas’” back pain progressed to include numbness and tingling, requiring surgery. He also described a “dull ache” in his left lower abdomen that began during his time in the military that still has no explanation, despite repeated doctor visits. While “Thomas” was given the opportunity to report any medical issues during his out-processing, he was unable to advocate for himself at that moment. He then feared his medical issues would not be documented or taken seriously. He eventually was able to become VA service-connected for his knees and back. “Thomas” describes VA care as more accepting of the minimum standard where civilian medical care tends to be more progressive. He highlights this by pointing out that radiography, a topic he is extremely familiar with within the military, is something he would have to complete extended training to do on the civilian side.

“Thomas” is married and a father to three children, with whom he enjoys spending quality time. He would often bike with his family, but he able to less often due to his back pain. As a “jack of all trades,” he stays busy with a variety of hobbies, skills, and jobs like playing chess and billiards, and dabbling in welding. He finds support amongst NAAV (National Association of American Veterans) members, his Masons organization which has many Veterans, and his pastor (also a Veteran). “My message or advice, if there’s anything that you’re not familiar with pain-wise, medically, go check it out because it could be something that could be fixed or remedied.” He encourages others to act and advocate for themselves if they aren’t satisfied with the care they’re receiving.