Appendicitis the summer before BCT

AFrpaso

Prior E, USAFA Preppie, Grad & ALO
10-Year Member
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Mar 5, 2012
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So, there's a possibility that a friend of mine, also accepted to the AFA, has appendicitis and may need to get surgery.

I couldn't find anything too specific about a full disqualification, although that seems unlikely given the fact that appendicitis is relatively common.

I'm more worried that, because it is so close to BCT, could she be required to defer for a year?
 
So, there's a possibility that a friend of mine, also accepted to the AFA, has appendicitis and may need to get surgery.

I couldn't find anything too specific about a full disqualification, although that seems unlikely given the fact that appendicitis is relatively common.

I'm more worried that, because it is so close to BCT, could she be required to defer for a year?

If she has surgery I suppose it's a possibility. Recovery from an appendectomy is no easy matter. It was 1.5 weeks before I was even able to go back to college when I had mine. Just laughing hurt for a week. Of course that was 40 years ago and I imagine incisions etc. are much smaller now so YMMV.
 
I can't say as to the DQ scenario, but surgery has come a long way. Most times now there is not even an large incision. If they can, they go in through the belly button for removal. Much will depend, I think, on the severity of the case, DoDMerb and her doctors advice. 17 yrs ago, I gave birth after an appendectomy(ruptured), and was home taking care of the baby and two toddlers within 5 days. Normal incision. Not a picnic, but I did it.
 
diagnosed appendicitis=surgery. no choice in that matter for sure. hopefully it's not ruptured so recovery time is a lot faster. good luck to him. see you on the 27th.
 
diagnosed appendicitis=surgery. no choice in that matter for sure. hopefully it's not ruptured so recovery time is a lot faster. good luck to him. see you on the 27th.

Right, I know there would be no choice if it ends up being appendicitis.

The question is, would it require her to defer her appointment. Really, I'm just curious if this has come up for anyone else or their friends. Obviously she will need to contact DODMERB and her counselor for more concrete information.
 
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Right, I know there would be no choice if it ends up being appendicitis.

The question is, would it require her to defer her appointment. Really, I'm just curious if this has come up for anyone else or there friends. Obviously she will need to contact DODMERB and her counselor for more concrete information.

Surgery would need to be reported and it could be possible, but unlikely, to get her to be cleared medically for the class of 2017. I'm not sure if the process is the same for priors and preppies, but direct appointees would need to restart the entire admissions process if medically DQ'd prior to taking the oath. I would have her check with DoDMERB via phone and get the information directly from them. I hope it works out for her. You don't get an invitation to go up on the hill without a lot of effort and talent.

One of my son's squad-mates had to have his appendix removed DURING BCT. If you miss 6 days (I think) of BCT, you get turned back to come back the following year (USAFA holds your spot). Somehow, my son's squad-mate made it through BCT with his flight. On one day, the flight carried him over the obstacle course in Jacks Valley.
 
Ben Roethlisberger played professional STEELER FOOTBALL two weeks out from his appendectomy so provided it doesn't rupture and laproscopy... and a thousand other things, it's a big maybe.

May your friend have a rapid and complete healing.
 
Ben Roethlisberger played professional STEELER FOOTBALL two weeks out from his appendectomy so provided it doesn't rupture and laproscopy... and a thousand other things, it's a big maybe.

May your friend have a rapid and complete healing.


idk. We are talking about the AFA cadre 2013.
 
NOT to be a pain in the a**...

Here's a link to the DODMERB standards...

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/613003p.pdf

From the standard...here's a DQ:

Abdominal Wall
(1) Current hernia (except for small or asymptomatic umbilical hernias), including but not limited to uncorrected inguinal (550) and other abdominal wall hernias (553).

(2) History of open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery (CPT 22900-22999, 43500-49999) during the preceding 6 months (P54). Uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomies (CPT 44970) meet the standard after 3 months.


Now, that being said...DODMERB has the final say in this. THEY must be consulted, especially if surgery is performed.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Thank you for the insights.

Everything has turned out fine. It ended up not being appendicitis (luckily). Doctors have her cleared and ready for action.
 
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