Hi. I posted this on the Military Nesties board and thought I would ask over here too. I have a question about the medical clearance for overseas PCS and am hoping that some of you ladies could provide some insight based on your experience. We have orders for Lakenheath and will be leaving sometime in August. I'm sort of kind of worried about the medical clearance. I know each base is different in what they will deny based on their medical facilities and what they can handle. I have PCOS and food allergies, so I'm worried we might get denied. I know both of those are fairly common issues and are easily treated, but do you know of anyone that has been denied for them? I also realize nobody on here can give me a definitive yes or no answer. Just kind of looking for past experiences and peace of mind. DH has been in the AF for 8 yrs, but this is our first overseas assignment...just kind of nervous. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Re: Medical Clearance Question
We moved to Germany a year ago. I was nervous about the medical screening, too. I have ADD and am registered with EFMP. My understanding is that they are screening for pre-existing conditions/situations that would be more challenging/expensive to treat.
As far as living overseas--it is an amazing experience! My DH has almost 18 years in and other than a year in Korea, twelve years ago, this has been his first opportunity to move overseas. It has been a fabulous opportunity for my son and I.
That said, not all situations are as rosy as described above. My DH has been deployed for ten plus months. He left three months after we arrived. The FRG is a joke, support within DH's unit is nonexistent (I've met his boss's wife once and she hardly looked at me). It's been tough living in a foreign country (on the economy) where I don't speak the language, with a three year old and our dog. I was informed just yesterday that the grassy parking area across the street is not a "dog toilet" and that I needed to walk my dog elsewhere.
I'm not trying to be a downer, just a realist. I've heard people talk about all the support they received while overseas. I was hoping for more. I've made good friends, don't get me wrong, but we are all in the same boat--mothers of young children with husbands on a year long deployment. I am thankful to be here. But, I am looking forward to my husband's redeployment in the hopes that things will get a bit less difficult. Being in England, you won't have the language difference to deal with. That will be in your favor, I'm certain.
Best of luck!