Spondylolysis Waiver

[Waffle1107]

Hi, I am currently a Candidate to attend the United States Naval Academy. Last Monday I received a Letter of Assurance guaranteeing an offer of appointment pending a nomination and a medical qualification. I just received my nomination and am ready to begin the DODMERB process.

I just received my DODMERB status stating that I was disqualified for eczema and spondylolysis. As far as the eczema goes my doctor has already written me a note saying I have not had eczema since I was an infant.

The naval academy has informed me that I am a very competitive candidate and they have already started the waiver process. I run cross country and track and field all year round. I run between 5 and 6 miles a day and can run under a 5 minute mile. I lift regularly also. When I was diagnosed with spondylolysis 2 years ago I took some time off and than began all my training again and since than I have been 100% physically capable.

I am willing to work as hard as possible to get in. I am interested in everyone's advice as to what kind of information I should seek to start, and hopefully complete, this waiver process. Who should I contact, or what should do? When obtaining a doctor's note is there any essential information it should include other than that I can participate in any and all forms of physical activity?

Garrett

 

[unitedstatesAFA2013]

Garret,

get a second opinion from a trusted doctor. Ask him, if you do have spondylolysis, how serious it is. If it's serious, I would recommend that you don't work your body so hard as you are currently doing- you could injure your body beyond repair.

Good luck, man.

 

[Waffle1107]

Yea, that's what I was thinking because when I was first diagnosed I was told if I continued to physically train I would damage my back beyond repair. After taking about 16 weeks off from physical training and getting new x-rays I was told I was ready to go again. That was two years ago. I've been running and lifting hard for two years and haven't encountered any problems even after participating in state championship level competitions and such.

When I spoke to my doctor about it he told me that I could not injure it anymore by training but that it might hurt occasionally and that was something I would just have to live with.

Thanks for the advice I'm not a hundred percent sure I actually have spondylolysis. After the 16 weeks there was discussion that the scar tissue had healed over it but that the break itself was not healed. Since I myself don't have any serious medical knowledge all I wanted to make sure of was that I could train again. Hopefully I do not have spondylolysis and this will all work out.

Once again, thanks for your help I’ll definitely be looking into a second opinion.

Garrett

 

[MullenLE]

I don't know if you already got the information you were seeking, but if you want an accurate answer, pls send me an email; cut and past your postings; give me your full name and Last 4 of your SSN; and send to Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil and I'll reply to you tomorrow