Now I understand!

I have been blessed all my life in many ways. I have never really been sick, until recently. I have several disabilities, but for the most part have been very healthy. I have never needed any medications.

Oh, I have damaged nerves and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), but I have not suffered from any chronic or critical health issues until recently. For the last three years I have had a persistent cough that has evolved into breathing issues.

When I exert myself, such as walking to the mailbox, I start to cough and cannot stop until I get the phlegm out of my chest. If I get hot, which happens every time I have a coughing fit, it continues until I medicate with Albuterol. I have not been able to sleep in bed for five weeks. I sleep sitting on a couch, and wake up four or five times per night coughing.

Today, I cannot walk the length of my small house without significant breathing issues that evolve into moderate panic attacks before I can even administer the meds. I have never experienced anything like that before.

I have seen three different doctors (civilian and Veterans Administration) about this, including a specialist, over the three years. I have had half a dozen tests. There is nothing specific that can be found. So, the pulmonologist has prescribed three medications.

I am currently using a daily pill and a nasal spray and Albuterol about every two hours. The cough will wake me up and I cough for minutes until I can get the phlegm cleared from the bronchial branch and get both medications administered. Then I need to sit quietly for three or four minutes, before I can even return to my chair.

Once I start coughing I cough so hard and so long, I have frequent severe headaches, a sore throat, and some other issues..

I have been a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for three years. As a VSO I see veterans every week that are much worse off than I. Some have half a dozen debilitating conditions worse than this. Men that can’t stand up straight. Veterans that take 11 or more medications daily to treat several conditions. Men that suffer from psychological issues that are unimaginable. Men that cannot sustain a relationship with anyone. Veterans that are missing body parts.

I did not really understand their plight until this happened to me.

I know that veterans are not the only people that suffer with debilitating health conditions, but many more Veterans have been exposed to combat, training, work injuries, chemicals, and biologicals that have caused health issues, than the average American. I would submit to you, that veterans as a population have more persistent or chronic health issues than the average American.

The Veterans Administration is working very hard to help these veterans. They, as most doctors, have varying levels of success. But they keep trying. As they should. These men and women have sacrificed a lot to defend and protect us, our freedoms, and our way of life. Some are suffering mightily.

I did not fully understand. I could not until now. Now, I understand!

Please remember: Many of our young men and women have sacrificed greatly around the world, to protect our country, our rights and freedoms, our allies, and the flag of the United States of America. I am proud to have been one of them, and would gladly defend this great country again today or any day.

Jim Daly, a retired captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, is a member of the Aberdeen Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 224 and its Veterans Service Officer. He is also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America.