Methalcholine Challenge Test for Medical Waiver

HassamaMama

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Dec 19, 2015
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Hi all. So in order to obtain a Medical Waiver and thus an Appointment to the USNA, I must complete a Methalcholine Challenge Test this Wednesday. Has anybody had any experience with this exam? I looked it up and watched a video of a person being administered it, I was wondering what it is like though and if it is difficult or not to pass it.

I spoke to the Dean of Admissions in person when I went on my CVW last month, and he told me his own daughter had to do the same exam and that since I do not even have asthma I will pass it no problem.

The problem is I have had a little bit of a cold and an itchy throat for the past few days and I was wondering whether or not that will affect the results. I can still run and everything, I just ran a 4:55 and then a 4:50 on the two 1600 meters I raced on Saturday, but I have no clue how I will feel during the test.

Thanks for any help.
 
My DD took this test and passed at 130% above normal. It is a 'challenge' and is meant to challenge you, but is clearly meant to identify asthma and related pulmonary issues. My DD had used a portable inhaler once for a type of flu infection, but as it was after she was 13, they DQ'd and made her take the test. If you do not suffer from pulmonary issues, you should be fine. DD is now getting ready to do Sea Trials, finishing up her Plebe Year - so good things do happen. It is rattling, but another hurdle to jump .... Good luck!!
 
Since you have a cold, you may want to reschedule. My son took the test. I don't recall whether it was a remedial or a DQ/waiver situation, but the requirement stemmed from asthma-like symptoms he had as a child. It sucked but he got through it.

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/methacholine-challenge-test
I already had to reschedule from last Wednesday because of final exam conflicts - I really do not want to delay it any more than it already has been.
 
I would call the testing facility. I actually used to work in a pulmonary specialty office and PFT testing and methacholine challenge testing results can be affected by having a cold. Actually even non asthmatic patients can have "asthma-like" responses as a function of airway constriction/restriction if bronchial tubes are affected. Certain medications can also influence results. It might be wise to ask. No need to bring up any red flags that may not normally exist.
 
My DD took this test and passed at 130% above normal. It is a 'challenge' and is meant to challenge you, but is clearly meant to identify asthma and related pulmonary issues. My DD had used a portable inhaler once for a type of flu infection, but as it was after she was 13, they DQ'd and made her take the test. If you do not suffer from pulmonary issues, you should be fine. DD is now getting ready to do Sea Trials, finishing up her Plebe Year - so good things do happen. It is rattling, but another hurdle to jump .... Good luck!!
That is actually the exact situation I am in...no asthma but bronchitis two years ago had me use an inhaler for a few days ago...I hope it all goes well, I am expecting to pass it with no problem.
 
I spoke with the Admissions Medical Staff Representative this morning, I asked her how long it will most likely take for it all to be done after the exam tomorrow. She said it might be two weeks, I am hoping for much less.

It frustrates me that using the inhaler TWO YEARS ago for bronchitis, NOT for asthma, is what has taken up THREE MONTHS of time. :(

Thanks all for the support!
 
I spoke with the Admissions Medical Staff Representative this morning, I asked her how long it will most likely take for it all to be done after the exam tomorrow. She said it might be two weeks, I am hoping for much less.

It frustrates me that using the inhaler TWO YEARS ago for bronchitis, NOT for asthma, is what has taken up THREE MONTHS of time. :(

Thanks all for the support!

Good luck with this--hope it all goes well. This is an example of why it's so important that people don't "assume" diagnoses and make sure people in the doctors office dont either. It could be that someone coded that case as "asthma" when you had bronchitis and it got stuck in your records and this does happen. Having asthma like symptoms associated with a bad cold or bronchitis (why they generally don't test for asthma with a cold) is very similar to what a patient with asthma encounters and they might be treated with an inhaler for a few days....then it's done. That's not the same thing for people who actually have asthma...their airways are prone to breathing difficulties. Hopefully you are feeling better and the testing will clear up the question. Good luck!
 
Wow...so annoying you have to do this & you don't even have chronic/diagnosed asthma. Best wishes and keep us posted;)
Exactly what has been going through my head for the past three months...lol. I can run a 4:48 1600 meter, and a 10:12 on the 3200 meter - with no competition in that race (I ran with one pacer, both of us 50 meters ahead of the other 20+ guys running, for the first 5 laps and then I ran alone with a 50 meter lead for the rest of the race) AND I cramped up on the second to last lap because I didn't drink enough water during the day (woohoo two final exams in one day!). With actual competition during the entire race and being properly prepared this time, I will be attempting to run under 10 minutes for both the 3200 meter and the 3000 meter steeplechase next week at my Division championships.

But apparently I have asthma!
 
Congrats HassamaMama!! So pleased for you. When my DD took it, we had to stay on top of facility to send info to DoDmerb, but once it was - Waiver came through pretty quickly. Keep us posted - and congrats again!!
 
Thank you for all the good wishes. :)
I will call my physician tomorrow in order to make sure it was all sent recently to ensure I receive the waiver and Appointment as soon as possible.
 
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