Health

I have been appointed to the CO 2019, but I'm in a very delicate situation.

Last year, at summer seminar, I hurt my back doing sit ups. I had the doctor check it out, and I went to Physical therapy. It turns out I have very minor scoliosis. I reported this on my DODMERB and after a remedial, I was cleared.

I thought my back would get better after initial PT, but it still bothers me some. I restarted PT, but I'm not sure what to do.

Do I accept my appointment and hope my PT works? If I make it through basic will the medical staff be able to help me if I get hurt again?

Im so saddened by the fact that of all things, my health may prevent me from achieving my dreams.

Talk to your doctor, if they say to hold off on going to the academy, listen to them. I actually have a friend who was appointed to CO 18, but broke his arm less than a month before doolie day. They sent him to Northwestern prep and is going for CO 19. If you have an appointment, they won't take that away from you for a medical reason, they may postpone it a year though. If your dreams really lie in the academy, waiting a year should be a no brainer. Talk to your doctor.

Minor scoliosis shouldn't cause you pain. You need to work on core strength and make your back muscles stronger. Certainly discuss with your doctor, maybe even some PT at home will help.
If you make it through BCT and then have any pain you will be cared for by AF clinic as you would with any medical issue.

There is girl in my squad that I went through BCT with that had major back problems involving the discs. She was in a lot of pain, but completed all the exercises she could within her limitations. While basic did make the problem worse, she found it worth it. This may not be the case for everyone though. You have to make the decision that is best for you and your health. The medical care here is very effective and will be able to treat it. If you decide to go through with accepting your appointment, communicate your health issues with your cadre. You can also get set up with continuing PT through basic if deemed necessary. Best of luck.

RideRunLive19 said:

Last year, at summer seminar, I hurt my back doing sit ups. I had the doctor check it out, and I went to Physical therapy. It turns out I have very minor scoliosis. I reported this on my DODMERB and after a remedial, I was cleared.

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Definitely go back to Phys Therapy and make sure you continue with all exercises that he recommends! It sounds like you need to work on core, do planks whenever possible. Try to get those 6-pack abs!

A suggestion on the planks: when you do them, put a light weight board or stick across your lower back. Don't let it fall off. This will ensure that you aren't favoring one side over the other (leaning), which can cause back pain.

You will be required to do a lot flutter kicks (with those heavy boots on) & without that core strength, your back will suffer.

Personally I think you have time to develop pretty good core strength if you start NOW. Don't give up this opportunity for something you can fix. Good luck & work hard!

When I go through inprocessing, will indicating that I had PT after my initial dodmerb screening DQ me? Or will I need another evaluation?

RideRunLive19 said:

When I go through inprocessing, will indicating that I had PT after my initial dodmerb screening DQ me? Or will I need another evaluation?

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If this is something you're doing on your own & not doctor ordered, then there's no reason to report it. You will also be filling out a medical form before going to in processing. It's pretty detailed.

Last year, my DD sprained her ankle in November & went through physical therapy. She called up the 10th Medical squadron and asked if she needed to report it on that medical form (she had forgotten to add it in). He told her that there will be sprains, strains, and muscle pulls all through BCT - don't worry about it.

You've got your waiver for the scoliosis. You'll report it on that medical form. DD brought all the paperwork she filed with DoDMerb and put it in a nice organized folder to hand over. They put these in her medical records.

Your doctor said you were good to go, right? Now go do what you have to do to mitigate the pain!
I think you're just a little freaked out about the diagnosis. But lots of people have minor scoliosis with no issues.