Medical Question

USAFA2019hopefu

5-Year Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2014
Messages
20
Hi,

My goal is to attend the Air Force Academy next year. However, I have Hashimoto's Hypothyroid Thyroiditis. I was wondering if this would be disqualifying. It is completely controlled as long as I take one pill every morning, and has been stable (same medication) for nearly 2 years now.

Anyone know?

Thanks for your time!
 
Only a physician with DODMERB will be able to answer this accurately. You can find the appropriate regulation online. My "guess" is that at least initially it will result in a DQ ( seems like anything requiring daily medication does) but might be waiver able. Again, ONLY DODMERB can answer this, I would call them.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

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From what little I know of Hashi's, I am inclined to think that with the dietary restrictions, at the least you would require a waiver and that may be difficult.

Best option: contact DodMerb.
 
Actually, Hashimoto's usually burns out and you just end up needing thyroid replacement. An easy pill with no side effects. There are no dietary restrictions. If you are still in over active phase and taking that medication, it may be more of an issue. Again, only Dodmerb can tell you for sure.
Work on the rest of your package and hope for the best, but have a plan B.


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As a fellow hopeful with hypothyroidism, I've looked into this and although there is no definitive answer, so long as you're medicated and your blood levels are ok it shoul be no issue. I've run into a similar problem when getting my flight physical, usually all they want is a blood test (for some reason they test TSH, which is ridiculous, but don't get me started) to check that your levels are okay.
 
As a fellow hopeful with hypothyroidism, I've looked into this and although there is no definitive answer, so long as you're medicated and your blood levels are ok it shoul be no issue. I've run into a similar problem when getting my flight physical, usually all they want is a blood test (for some reason they test TSH, which is ridiculous, but don't get me started) to check that your levels are okay.

I looked into it as well, and even called dodmerb. It is all circumstantial. They said it really depends on the person and their history.
 
Another quick question. I get slight motion sickness in cars, boats, and airplanes. It's nothing terrible, i just get slight head aches and feel a little nauseous. Is this disqualifying?
 
EchoSierra, I'm sure you aren't a physician, but I am. TSH is exactly the correct test for monitoring thyroid patients.
Before you say something is ridiculous, you should be sure of your facts.

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2019hopeful: Well, this issue will be covered on your physical, and should you get appointed to USAFA and eventually want to be a pilot, it will be covered ad nauseum.

Of course, I'm old now, so things may have changed. Best suggestion: contact Dodmerb.
 
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