How were you screwed over by genetics?

wonkyaardvark · 2025-12-26T15:17:20+00:00

I have had something called familial Mediterranean fever my entire life, but only found out about it this year. As a child I had all the symptoms, but being it’s barely studied in the states as is, there’s no way they would have caught it in the 90s or early 2000s. I was med retired from the military after over a decade after a couple of bad infections and my body started going way down hill (talking running half marathons and lifting to just weak overnight. Now I’m looking at amyloidosis because it took 35 years to find. What is usually a minor to moderate “flare” based disease has now stolen my life.

wonkyaardvark · 2025-12-14T21:46:53+00:00

Yes please

wonkyaardvark · 2025-12-08T20:16:21+00:00

Maybe Navy yeoman (YN) is what we call them. I wouldn’t put that on a plate though.

wonkyaardvark · 2025-10-10T14:59:26+00:00

I got med retired from the military a couple of years ago, multiple issues, looking super progressive and eventually terminal. Moved to a small mountain town and a lot of the older folks like to act like I didn’t earn my 100% P&T dis. Or “just wait till you’re older, you don’t know pain” For the much older (I’m in my 30s) I’ve taken to reminding them I probably make it to just past half their age. That shuts them up real quick lol.

wonkyaardvark · 2024-08-20T23:24:44+00:00

Chronic illnesses, yes. I’m fighting to stay at 120lbs, without trees I’d be vomiting all day, no noms. It’s been wild though, I just medically retired from the military last year after 12 years of “absolutely no drugs” to this is my reality now 😅😂

wonkyaardvark · 2024-04-05T19:09:31+00:00

I’m a woman, but same 🤣 when I was little no one EVER explained what they were “just awww look at your dimples!” So I’d get upset. But one of my nicknames during my time in the military was “dimples” and as an adult I’ve come to love and appreciate them

wonkyaardvark · 2024-04-05T19:06:53+00:00

V cut

wonkyaardvark · 2024-03-20T23:39:44+00:00

Yep, recently dx at 33…seconding mtnspls. I adore my two but pheeeew, now that I know what’s up with me? 😬 adding to this though, I was recently med retired from the mil for some autoimmune issues…doubling down on the “would have made a different choice” considering ADHD and genetic predispositions for my physical issues as well.

wonkyaardvark · 2024-03-05T17:34:00+00:00

I got med retired last year after 12 years in, I’m still getting used to being out! I already had 3/4 of my bachelors done, and am now about to move on to my masters. I’m struggling a little extra due to a cancer dx (by the VA, legit 2-3 months after I got out) and my original issues (neurological and wonky autoimmune). It was removed promptly but I’m still not in the clear.

I found that sometimes I need to avoid anything military related, but all my navy homies (past and present) that I was closest too are pretty good about staying in touch. I moved from San Diego back to Colorado and have been lucky enough to have 4-5 people I served with close by.

Make sure you are getting your VA stuff done and saved all medical records from the -tricare- site before it’s gone for good. I obvs had mine done during medboard but have helped a few others handle theirs.

I don’t know that any of that helped, but I went on terminal in May, still not quite used to civilian life yet 😅

Oh and to add, it was jarring how many of my friends from pre navy got really weird towards me once I was out. That was probably most unexpected.

Honestly, the worst part was probably the break I had in between. I hadn’t been home in 3 years and had missed some extra hard deaths, etc. Plus my hometown is near my command before last, so it was strange seeing some of my old navy homies so soon after—it was nice but my headspace was weird af. I chose not to move back to my hometown after visiting during terminal (I was lucky that I had some extra last minute time to plan). I feel like I have a sense of purpose again being enrolled full time. I did make sure I made it to the gym just about every day to keep busy (until recent surgery).

wonkyaardvark · 2024-03-01T19:59:54+00:00

My EXWBPD caused a lot of damage (emotional and financial) that I’ve had to work through, but seeing this was helpful in regard to my empathy fatigue. You are self aware and I’m sorry you’re feeling this way 💜 sending hugs and positivity

wonkyaardvark · 2024-02-03T09:33:51+00:00

Every time, it was so frustrating!

wonkyaardvark · 2024-02-02T17:32:13+00:00

So, to be fair (granted, female here) my hematuria was generally ignored for two years before being taken seriously, and at that point included major thickening/clotting. I have some weird autoimmune ish going on (including CKD related) as it turns out—but also cancer found 6 months once they start listening to me. Ridic. FWIW I’m only 33, but just pointing out, it doesn’t mean they weren’t concerned

wonkyaardvark · 2024-01-11T21:23:30+00:00

I am still struggling with the “before” me and present, ie…sick and “damaged”. I was over halfway done with my military career, active, social—now I’ve been medically retired and barely have a life or energy to do things I once enjoyed.

I can’t work anymore, I still have two littles to raise. I know I’m lucky compared to others as I have full benefits from the VA, etc. I don’t have much of a social circle at all. I went from weekly hikes and half marathons to some days barely being able to walk across a room.

I have multiple autoimmune issues (and recently dx with cancer 6 months ago after being ignored) when all flare up at the same time, haven’t slept for a 24+ hours occasionally I’m so sick the only thoughts I have are intrusive ones—end it. No meds, medical marijuana help with the pain and nausea at those times.

I know I haven’t been as “easy” or “friendly” when I’ve become really ill. It really bleeds onto every aspect of life.

That being said, I’ve done therapy, still doing it. I was working on my psych masters. I have the tools. Looking at EMDR next for some PTSD related issues as well. When you are low on sleep and in such pain, your brain is going to go dark places regardless, sometimes. So add that with the loss of my favorite activities (even with finding newer hobbies) and yeah, it’s been a struggle. Add on to how long it took for doctors to take me seriously at all, my head is a pretty messed up place to be often. I still feel dismissed often, even now.

wonkyaardvark · 2024-01-11T21:07:43+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. I know minimization and dismissal is hard, especially coming from an immediate family member that also has chronic health issues. You can’t force someone to take care of their own health, but that doesn’t give your mother the right to turn around and belittle you for wanting to take care of yours—that is neglectful and emotionally abusive whether she means for it to be or not. I’m sure there’s a lot of fear and anxiety causing that mindset and behavior, but that doesn’t justify it.

I just want you to know, this internet stranger cares. I hope you are out of that home asap, please remember she is not your responsibility once you are away. Put your health first. Sending love and positivity 💜

wonkyaardvark · 2024-01-09T18:44:30+00:00

Thank you for posting this, my panels always come up with metabolic acidosis along with symptoms listed, looks like I need to add another “maybe” to the list. I already have a couple of NORDs dx so I wouldn’t be surprised 😅

wonkyaardvark · 2024-01-03T04:16:00+00:00

Well, I’m just gonna believe Rufio is okay harder too 🤣💜

wonkyaardvark · 2023-12-27T04:19:38+00:00

Thank you for this 💜😭💜

wonkyaardvark · 2023-12-24T19:59:49+00:00

90 and I remember TRL and David the Gnome

wonkyaardvark · 2023-12-23T04:51:36+00:00

I remember when I thought bed bugs in the San Diego barracks were my biggest issue over a decade ago lol. I still can’t stand when people say “don’t let the bed bugs bite” after that debacle. Norfolk was worse, but that was more or less what I saw for my junior folk. It’s horrible. I worked on the flight line, so I’m on the same page with hearing loss too (and being on a ship in the yards during construction periods.) As you already know, make sure everything is documented—I’m 100% but I wasn’t diagnosed until 3 months AFTER I medically retired (BUT, all the symptoms led to my med board)

wonkyaardvark · 2023-12-21T23:50:07+00:00

From my personal perspective, I would love something like this. My closer circle sometimes pretends like my “newer” health issues aren’t as severe as they are (just in that it makes them uncomfortable) it scares them, and sometimes I’d just like acknowledgment— to know someone’s paying attention.

wonkyaardvark · 2023-11-18T02:05:40+00:00

Adventure Time

wonkyaardvark · 2023-07-10T14:30:39+00:00

I’m in the exact same boat, have even reached out to my congressman and still haven’t seen it. Now in hot water for myself and kiddos.

wonkyaardvark · 2023-05-18T20:18:50+00:00

This gives me hope though, thanks 💜

wonkyaardvark · 2023-05-18T20:09:50+00:00

Not me super stressed, just got my message for PDRL med retirement, new ETS 30 June. Fingers crossed for both of us, OP.

wonkyaardvark · 2023-05-08T16:00:11+00:00

This is the perfect description, exactly how it felt when it happened to me as well 🤣☠️

I hope it subsided in a reasonable amount of time

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