Beckie99

First of all, as a Gulf War veteran who has overcome many of the symptoms you describe, I'd like to steer you away from believing that "stress" causes any of the problems you and your husband are experiencing. Stress has little or nothing to do with rashes, headaches, internal organ pain/cramps/sickness, muscle atrophy, or mental retardation in children. Stress is usually caused by people who know little or nothing about Gulf War Illness telling you that "stress" is causing all your health problems. I also would like to add that "stress" is not communicable or genetically transferable to children.

First of all, the fatigue your husband suffers may be caused by a combination of too many military vaccines right on the heels of being dumped in a toxic wasteland where thousands of biological weapons were bombed -- for 45 days -- into an airborne blast of destruction. While the levels of exposure were not immediately lethal, the long-term effects have proven themselves in the bloodwork of Gulf War vets repeatedly for 12 long, miserable years. I have the numbers -- and the reports explaining those numbers -- to prove what I am telling you.

Your husband needs to first see a really good Infectious Diseases doctor to check for immune system damage that will show in his white blood count, red blood count, neutrophyls, and lymphocytes. He should have his IGG and IGM levels checked for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and mononucleosis. If they are positive, he should start immediately on antivirals: Cytovene (oral gancyclovir) or Famvir. If the tests are negative, attempt to repeat them at another time. If they still are negative, he should be checked for a myriad of infections caused by off-the-wall (weaponized) bacteria and microbes. If he runs a low-grade fever (99)or subnormal temperature (98.4 or 98.2), my best advice is to get some doxycyclene for extended periods of time. If the doxy works within 48 hours, you've found your first link to beating this unbeatable Gulf War Illness.

The rash is usually caused by any number of fungi, either naturally occurring or manmade weaponized yeast infections. An immunologist or endocrinologist can run tests for fungus. But an endocrinologist can explain the kidney pain, hormonal dysfunctions and chest pains while administering the test for yeast or fungus. Treatment for fungus is the "cave man" diet in conjunction with Mycelex troches, or Diflucan pills, or Sporanox capsules. Hormones and a slight change in dietary habits may fix the kidney, pancreas, liver, chest problems. Such changes may also help the fungus.

I wish I had some advice about the headaches. I left my home, my job and everything else to get to a warmer climate with fewer weather changes. I now live on the ocean, where the salt water makes up for the barometric changes that accompany thunderstorms. Otherwise, megadoses of prescription antihistamines and anti-nausea medication are all I can suggest. Don't waste your time on MRIs or head CTs. They won't help.

Kidney failure (renal failure) is usually the first sign that your soldier is down and is not coming back. Liver failure or damage is second. I wouldn't waste time with the V.A. at all. If you have the financial resources or can borrow or beg some money, find yourself a doctor who still specializes in treating AIDS patients. For that, my friend, in a sick sort of way is most like the disease your husband has.

And don't "stress" anymore! Jump into action. Once you get your husband diagnosed, your childrens' debilities will start to take shape. If you have pets, take them to the veterinarian to seek treatment for anything unusual BECAUSE the veterinarians were the first to start prescribing prescription medications for us frustrated veterans whose pets were sick or dying, too. Believe it or not.

I wish I had something more positive to say, but I've already been down your husband's path. Had I not followed the advice I have just given you, I would be dead today. I would have pushed up daisies, even in the cold of the fall of 1994.

God Bless and good luck! I'll be watching this site for some progress reports.