Downgraded, non-deployable... RAF future

[chutley]

I've been diagnosed with an incurable (Non-contagious), autoimmune disease called Systemic Lupus.

I am not allowed to expose myself to UV sunlight as exacerbates the condition, and may get increasingly annoying symptoms like chronic fatigue, joint pain and potentially much worse. ****. However, they may be able to control this with drugs. It is a very unknown disease and I could get away with minor symptoms, or not.

What's the long term sketch... anybody remained in the Service with a non-deployable med cat? Before you unleash volleys of abuse about war-dodging and burdening others, I have a family and mortgage. Just wanted to see if anybody was out there, or knew someone, in similar position.

 

[pie sandwich]

Short answer is expect to be a civvy in the next couple of years if that.

I have a heart condition developed in late '04 and was out by the start of '08, that is from diagnosis to Mr.

 

[Statto]

I'll take the flak.

I was permanently downgraded in 2001 (having just over 8 years left to serve) after being diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. I did the med boards and was given the option to serve to the end of my current engagement or leave (but no medical discharge or pension). I stayed. In 2007 I got a second permanent downgrading with the same options. I tried to get an exemption so I could go OOA, but was refused. I leave for good in a few weeks time.

I did get a couple of 4 month 'OOA's in the UK and deployed overseas a couple of times to 'base areas' which could cater for my medical requirements.

It really all depends on the outcome of your permanent medical board and what they recommend. They may let you continue, they may not.

Hope that helps a bit.

 

[Justacabbie]

I suppose it depends if its degenerative and if you can continue your primary UK role. I know plenty who seem to have a permanent med downgrading with no mentioning of a discharge. Im sure each case is on its merits, and any likely outcome will protect both you and the RAF's best interests.

Either way, good luck.

 

[Gillo]

Just got back from sandy place (not KAF) where a young lad is currently serving having lost a leg and a big chunk from calf from a tour in Iraq. Pretty obvious not going to be doing much war fighting but bloody inspirational all the same and a massive vote of confidence in him from Army command chain.

I can only assume Army medics have a far more pragmatic approach to the down grade system, which would at face value, could easily be adopted by RAF for personnel who still want to do their bit. KAF is a holiday camp in comparison to where the young chap is presently serving and if Army is willing to take a risk when deploying its personnel why can,t the RAF do the same.

 

[muttywhitedog]

Could you not deploy to the Falklands - its not exactly the sunniest place on earth?

 

[rest have risen above me]

A little off topic but when I saw the title of this thread I believed it.

Downgraded, non deployable...The RAF future... that is just so true, it won't be long before it is.

 

[T93]

Could you not deploy to the Falklands - its not exactly the sunniest place on earth?

*****************

"autoimmune disease called Systemic Lupus"

I know of One person (WRAF) who had this disease and could not deploy to the FI (as cold weather, or extreme cold weather can affect this condition)

If I remember correctly she was med discharged.

 

[elnino]

Ok so what is wrong with you deploying to another unit OOA that has good medical facilities?

 

[Teh Wal]

Could you not deploy to the Falklands - its not exactly the sunniest place on earth?

You've obviously never been down during the FI summer time.

 

[BRUFEN BOY]

Ok so what is wrong with you deploying to another unit OOA that has good medical facilities?

Problem is, none of them have particulary good ones. The best ones are in sandy places and that is an unlikely det with the limitations on where he can go in the world.

Stattos advice is sound, it all depends on what the medical board says.

 

[muttywhitedog]

No, I went to the FI from April to July, just as the OP could do.

 

[angusde]

I'm sorry to read of your diagnosis.

My wife has been diagnosed with Lupus and it has been a difficult few years for us. Although I've no direct knowledge or experience of how the RAF medics work (other than 2nd hand, 28 years worth of propping up various bars in messes, lol) I can sympathise with the situation you find yourself in.

Finding the right treatment balance seems to be one of the most difficult aspects of the condition. My wife's worst spell was triggered off by just a long weekend in Dubai so sunnier climes are best off the agenda.

However, I'd like to offer a couple of bits of advice, few Rheumatologists seem to know that much about Lupus, so try and get a referral to the NHS's only specialist Lupus clinic in St Thomas' in London. There is email access to a St Thomas' specialist Lupus nurse on the St Thomas' Lupus Trust website and she can give you some advice. These guys are world leaders, and if you can't get a NHS refferal, and you've the dosh, it might be worth considering a private referral.

Another thing that has made a big difference is diet, avoiding junk food and taking supplements particularly getting omega 3 & 6 in balance and Vitamin D supplements to make up for keeping out of the sun etc.

Anyway, hopefully you'll be ok, the worst case scenarios are few and far between these days, even if Lupus and it's auto immune cousins do make a near weekly appearance as differential diagnosis on House, lol.

Sorry I can't help more,

Angus

PS Having done 7 tours in the Falklands, the Ozone hole and the resultant increased UV risk would not be recommened either!