A quick background and a DoDMERB question

[humbledmomma]

Good morning,
First, I would like to thank those of you who created this site and the wonderful feed back each of the members provide. I have tried to read just about everything.

I found this site when my DS first sat us down at the end of his junior year and let us know what he wants to do after H.S. I provided him three binders for SAs and a folder for the senators & congressman and told him I’m humbled and very proud of him but I wanted him to take ownership of this journey so he can make sure it is what he wants. (Believe me when I say, it is the hardest thing to land this momma helicopter and let him do it all)

Here is some background on him. Top 10% of his class, 4.4 weighted GPA (due to 7 AP classes thus far and about to take 5 more AP classes this year) about to begin his senior year, varsity football, varsity baseball, weightlifting (doesn’t compete due to baseball season but works out with them) he is also spending mornings running through the CFA requirements trying to get a practice max out score before he takes the CFA. He also does fall baseball workouts after football practice and during baseball season does spring football before baseball practice if no games that day.

Fast forward to the past few weeks, he received an invitation to a CVW and we accepted the invitation and are waiting for a response with the actual dates. He received his DoDMERB and DoDMETS as well this past week. We did the questions on the DoDMETS but haven’t finished due to the only Yes on the orthodontist question, he is getting a treatment plan and date of when his braces come off(in 6-8 weeks. We’ll know today)

And now the DoDMERB part, yesterday, he had his yearly well appointment with his Dr. they decided to do an EKG this year and they said the computer showed abnormal. (I forgot to add above, he has a small yard service in our neighborhood and mowed two yards before showering and going to his appointment. It rains here in the afternoons). He’s a harry fellow so they shaved him but kept messing with the stickers, even when she did the test. And he was given a referral to a cardiologist. We have an appointment the end of next week.

What do we do about DoDMERB & DoDMETS? I have not made the appointments yet for the physical and eye. Should I wait? Is it true in athletes that EKG can give false positives due to variations? If he’s cleared, I will get as much documentation the cardiologist will provide to give to the DoDMERB ppl. I’m unsure how to proceed. Any advice is appreciated. We want to be as transparent as possible but be in front of any issues so DS doesn’t get flagged. But I also do not want to create issues trying to be to proactive.

One more thought for perspective. DS history is having chicken pox at two y.o., strep throat once and tonsillitis 3 times. That’s it. I verified with his Dr.

Sorry it is so long!! Any advice is appreciated!

 

[justdoit19]

Why was the EKG ordered? That’s not part of a routine physical in our area. Not being nosy, but is there an underlying concern? BC that may be the real issue, not the ekg. If it’s a normal routine thing, and it’s normal, no issue.

If were me, I would do DODMERB before any physical. Then you don’t have any red flags (to me, even having one is a red flag MAYBE). Then do his physical, and if anything found there, report it.

EDIT: reread post. You’ve already had an abnormal EKG and are headed to cardio. At this point, I would wait for all the info before scheduling DODMRB physical. Assuming Cardio is coming up soon. You could proceed with eye exam now. That’s me, and how I would handle it.

And prayers for your son it’s nothing but a weird glitch!!

 

[humbledmomma]

Why was the EKG ordered? That’s not part of a routine physical in our area. Not being nosy, but is there an underlying concern? BC that may be the real issue, not the ekg. If it’s a normal routine thing, and it’s normal, no issue.

If were me, I would do DODMERB before any physical. Then you don’t have any red flags (to me, even having one is a red flag MAYBE). Then do his physical, and if anything found there, report it.

EDIT: reread post. You’ve already had an abnormal EKG and are headed to cardio. At this point, I would wait for all the info before scheduling DODMRB physical. Assuming Cardio is coming up soon. You could proceed with eye exam now. That’s me, and how I would handle it.

And prayers for your son it’s nothing but a weird glitch!!

Thank you! Our pediatrician has now began doing EKG as part of the well visit if you are an athlete. He already had his sports physical back in May at the school and he was cleared to play.

DS doctor didn’t tell him he cannot continue playing football either. His cardio appointment is next week. They were kind enough to fit him in due to the circumstances.

 

[FCH76]

Good morning,
First, I would like to thank those of you who created this site and the wonderful feed back each of the members provide. I have tried to read just about everything.

I found this site when my DS first sat us down at the end of his junior year and let us know what he wants to do after H.S. I provided him three binders for SAs and a folder for the senators & congressman and told him I’m humbled and very proud of him but I wanted him to take ownership of this journey so he can make sure it is what he wants. (Believe me when I say, it is the hardest thing to land this momma helicopter and let him do it all)

Here is some background on him. Top 10% of his class, 4.4 weighted GPA (due to 7 AP classes thus far and about to take 5 more AP classes this year) about to begin his senior year, varsity football, varsity baseball, weightlifting (doesn’t compete due to baseball season but works out with them) he is also spending mornings running through the CFA requirements trying to get a practice max out score before he takes the CFA. He also does fall baseball workouts after football practice and during baseball season does spring football before baseball practice if no games that day.

Fast forward to the past few weeks, he received an invitation to a CVW and we accepted the invitation and are waiting for a response with the actual dates. He received his DoDMERB and DoDMETS as well this past week. We did the questions on the DoDMETS but haven’t finished due to the only Yes on the orthodontist question, he is getting a treatment plan and date of when his braces come off(in 6-8 weeks. We’ll know today)

And now the DoDMERB part, yesterday, he had his yearly well appointment with his Dr. they decided to do an EKG this year and they said the computer showed abnormal. (I forgot to add above, he has a small yard service in our neighborhood and mowed two yards before showering and going to his appointment. It rains here in the afternoons). He’s a harry fellow so they shaved him but kept messing with the stickers, even when she did the test. And he was given a referral to a cardiologist. We have an appointment the end of next week.

What do we do about DoDMERB & DoDMETS? I have not made the appointments yet for the physical and eye. Should I wait? Is it true in athletes that EKG can give false positives due to variations? If he’s cleared, I will get as much documentation the cardiologist will provide to give to the DoDMERB ppl. I’m unsure how to proceed. Any advice is appreciated. We want to be as transparent as possible but be in front of any issues so DS doesn’t get flagged. But I also do not want to create issues trying to be to proactive.

One more thought for perspective. DS history is having chicken pox at two y.o., strep throat once and tonsillitis 3 times. That’s it. I verified with his Dr.

Sorry it is so long!! Any advice is appreciated!

I had to have a physical done to run the Rome marathon and the inital test indicated that I had an arrhythmia. My dr. referred me to a cardiologist where I did the stress test on the erg and EKG and it all came back normal.

 

[justdoit19]

Thank you! Our pediatrician has now began doing EKG as part of the well visit if you are an athlete. He already had his sports physical back in May at the school and he was cleared to play.

DS doctor didn’t tell him he cannot continue playing football either. His cardio appointment is next week. They were kind enough to fit him in due to the circumstances.

That’s really awesome to hear. As a momma of 4 kids, all 3 sport athletes, I think that would have been great as a routine test. I’ve read heartbreaking stories of undetected heart issues. One of them even this year, Plebe summer (thank goodness for the outcome there!!).

I would suspect all is well and no need to worry!! I would still have it all wrapped up in a non-issue little package with a bow for the DODMRB examiner.

And for future readers, maybe doing that physical after DODMRB physical would be a way to handle it. Probably the way I would.

 

[humbledmomma]

Good morning,
First, I would like to thank those of you who created this site and the wonderful feed back each of the members provide. I have tried to read just about everything.

I found this site when my DS first sat us down at the end of his junior year and let us know what he wants to do after H.S. I provided him three binders for SAs and a folder for the senators & congressman and told him I’m humbled and very proud of him but I wanted him to take ownership of this journey so he can make sure it is what he wants. (Believe me when I say, it is the hardest thing to land this momma helicopter and let him do it all)

Here is some background on him. Top 10% of his class, 4.4 weighted GPA (due to 7 AP classes thus far and about to take 5 more AP classes this year) about to begin his senior year, varsity football, varsity baseball, weightlifting (doesn’t compete due to baseball season but works out with them) he is also spending mornings running through the CFA requirements trying to get a practice max out score before he takes the CFA. He also does fall baseball workouts after football practice and during baseball season does spring football before baseball practice if no games that day.

Fast forward to the past few weeks, he received an invitation to a CVW and we accepted the invitation and are waiting for a response with the actual dates. He received his DoDMERB and DoDMETS as well this past week. We did the questions on the DoDMETS but haven’t finished due to the only Yes on the orthodontist question, he is getting a treatment plan and date of when his braces come off(in 6-8 weeks. We’ll know today)

And now the DoDMERB part, yesterday, he had his yearly well appointment with his Dr. they decided to do an EKG this year and they said the computer showed abnormal. (I forgot to add above, he has a small yard service in our neighborhood and mowed two yards before showering and going to his appointment. It rains here in the afternoons). He’s a harry fellow so they shaved him but kept messing with the stickers, even when she did the test. And he was given a referral to a cardiologist. We have an appointment the end of next week.

What do we do about DoDMERB & DoDMETS? I have not made the appointments yet for the physical and eye. Should I wait? Is it true in athletes that EKG can give false positives due to variations? If he’s cleared, I will get as much documentation the cardiologist will provide to give to the DoDMERB ppl. I’m unsure how to proceed. Any advice is appreciated. We want to be as transparent as possible but be in front of any issues so DS doesn’t get flagged. But I also do not want to create issues trying to be to proactive.

One more thought for perspective. DS history is having chicken pox at two y.o., strep throat once and tonsillitis 3 times. That’s it. I verified with his Dr.

Sorry it is so long!! Any advice is appreciated!

I had to have a physical done to run the Rome marathon and the inital test indicated that I had an arrhythmia. My dr. referred me to a cardiologist where I did the stress test on the erg and EKG and it all came back normal.[/

Thank you! Our pediatrician has now began doing EKG as part of the well visit if you are an athlete. He already had his sports physical back in May at the school and he was cleared to play.

DS doctor didn’t tell him he cannot continue playing football either. His cardio appointment is next week. They were kind enough to fit him in due to the circumstances.

That’s really awesome to hear. As a momma of 4 kids, all 3 sport athletes, I think that would have been great as a routine test. I’ve read heartbreaking stories of undetected heart issues. One of them even this year, Plebe summer (thank goodness for the outcome there!!).

I would suspect all is well and no need to worry!! I would still have it all wrapped up in a non-issue little package with a bow for the DODMRB examiner.

And for future readers, maybe doing that physical after DODMRB physical would be a way to handle it. Probably the way I would.

Our fingers are crossed that all is well at the cardiologist next week.

I could kick myself for this self inflicted hurdle I unknowingly put in his path. It completely caught DS off guard. Zero issues. I didn’t postpone his yearly just because I make the appointments far in advance for all the kids before school starts to get it over with. And there is always the chance it could be a blessing in disguise. But there seems to be a lot off articles and studies on false positive for athletes.

I did find out she did not ‘read’ the results. She was relying on the computer only to tell her. She didn’t bother having it read by anyone before the referral either.

I love technology as much as the next. But I paused at her complete reliance on their hand held machine and computer. There are so many variables in place that the nurse could have made an error or something wasn’t calibrated correctly. But we will see.

I’m sorry. I’m rambling.

 

[justdoit19]

Our fingers are crossed that all is well at the cardiologist next week.

I could kick myself for this self inflicted hurdle I unknowingly put in his path. It completely caught DS off guard. Zero issues. I didn’t postpone his yearly just because I make the appointments far in advance for all the kids before school starts to get it over with. And there is always the chance it could be a blessing in disguise. But there seems to be a lot off articles and studies on false positive for athletes.

I did find out she did not ‘read’ the results. She was relying on the computer only to tell her. She didn’t bother having it read by anyone before the referral either.

I love technology as much as the next. But I paused at her complete reliance on their hand held machine and computer. There are so many variables in place that the nurse could have made an error or something wasn’t calibrated correctly. But we will see.

I’m sorry. I’m rambling.

No apologies! Other readers may benefit from your process and thinking!

Another suggestion/idea, would be to inquire if your first ekg physical doctor COULD have it read. Perhaps explaining the importance of not opening any cans of worms for the unique DODMRB process for candidates.

Hindsight!

 

[humbledmomma]

Our fingers are crossed that all is well at the cardiologist next week.

I could kick myself for this self inflicted hurdle I unknowingly put in his path. It completely caught DS off guard. Zero issues. I didn’t postpone his yearly just because I make the appointments far in advance for all the kids before school starts to get it over with. And there is always the chance it could be a blessing in disguise. But there seems to be a lot off articles and studies on false positive for athletes.

I did find out she did not ‘read’ the results. She was relying on the computer only to tell her. She didn’t bother having it read by anyone before the referral either.

I love technology as much as the next. But I paused at her complete reliance on their hand held machine and computer. There are so many variables in place that the nurse could have made an error or something wasn’t calibrated correctly. But we will see.

I’m sorry. I’m rambling.

No apologies! Other readers may benefit from your process and thinking!

Another suggestion/idea, would be to inquire if your first ekg physical doctor COULD have it read. Perhaps explaining the importance of not opening any cans of worms for the unique DODMRB process for candidates.

Hindsight!

I explained the issues this would create but due to liability reasons, they do a referral to the cardiologist and forward the results to them to interpret and follow up. I would have thought if they were going to implement a new screening, someone would be available to review, but apparently not.

When I spoke to the cardiologist office to make the appointment I explained the issue. She said she was a ‘military brat’ so she understands what I was saying. She worked DS in next week. Otherwise, it would have been almost 3 weeks before we got in. So for that, I am thankful.

 

[MtJo]

You are way ahead of the game to be getting the DODMERB done already for next years class! good job to your son. There will be alot of waiting ahead. Prepare yourself.

 

[humbledmomma]

You are way ahead of the game to be getting the DODMERB done already for next years class! good job to your son. There will be alot of waiting ahead. Prepare yourself.

Thank you. This makes me feel a little better. I have read quite a few threads on here about how slow the medical portion of this process can be. And if there are any hiccups along the way, it gets complicated. We were worried we are going to be pressed for time. With finishing nomination applications, CFA, nom. interviews, CVW and football season + school.

I am praying all is well with him. and that the cardiologist will provide the proper documentation and DoDMERB will be pleased with what is provided.

If anyone on here knows exactly what to ask for. This inquiring mind would love to know. I’m assuming a copy of the chart and a treatment plan? Or something that would state no further treatment needed?? If all cleared?

 

[MtJo]

Thank you. This makes me feel a little better. I have read quite a few threads on here about how slow the medical portion of this process can be. And if there are any hiccups along the way, it gets complicated. We were worried we are going to be pressed for time. With finishing nomination applications, CFA, nom. interviews, CVW and football season + school.

It has been my understanding that you can get everything turned in and DODMERB complete and then you wait for an appointment. If there have been any questions on the DODMERB then you spend a lot of time submitting medical records. If you are disqualified and need to go the waiver route, only after you receive a conditional appointment does the waiver process begin.

 

[Heatherg21]

Our DS is applying now, just scheduled DODMERB appointments. This isn't related to him, but me. Last year I had a rapid heart rate a couple times, no worries. Mentioned during routine physical, Medical Assistant drug out the EKG hooked me up, looked at the screen and left the room, at this point I do have a rapid heart rate. She comes back with a buddy, they do it again, then they both leave the room. What the heck??? No stress here. They refer me to cardiologist as I have 'irregular electrical rhythms'. I of course Google'd it, instant regret. Spent 7 weeks thinking I was dying, only to have Cardiologist tell me I am healthy, heart looks awesome and sometimes, well "boobs get in the way" of a good reading on an EKG. Seriously? You never know what can happen at a Dr. appointment. I hope all is well with your athlete son and we all survive this process.

 

[humbledmomma]

Our DS is applying now, just scheduled DODMERB appointments. This isn't related to him, but me. Last year I had a rapid heart rate a couple times, no worries. Mentioned during routine physical, Medical Assistant drug out the EKG hooked me up, looked at the screen and left the room, at this point I do have a rapid heart rate. She comes back with a buddy, they do it again, then they both leave the room. What the heck??? No stress here. They refer me to cardiologist as I have 'irregular electrical rhythms'. I of course Google'd it, instant regret. Spent 7 weeks thinking I was dying, only to have Cardiologist tell me I am healthy, heart looks awesome and sometimes, well "boobs get in the way" of a good reading on an EKG. Seriously? You never know what can happen at a Dr. appointment. I hope all is well with your athlete son and we all survive this process.

Thank you for sharing your story.

I’ve been googling too. Hindsight is 20/20. I wouldn’t have let him have chocolate pop tarts and a chocolate protein shake before mowing, weed eating & edging the neighbors yard right before his appointment.

I had no idea that what he ate, the ‘exercise’ and cold ice water on the way to the appointment could impact a test like that. I also found out if his electrolytes are out of balance or a hint of dehydration happens at the time of the test, that will cause it to give an abnormal reading as well. DS told her what all he had been up to before his appointment. You would have thought they wouldn’t have chosen to do the test. But they did. And here we are. Waiting on Thursday.

Hopefully we will get the answers we hope for at the appointment and we don’t have to wait.

 

[ProudDad17]

I would suggest waiting until after seeing the cardiologist before completing the DODMERB questionnaire. Assuming all the worry is for naught and you DS is the fit healthy teen he appears to be, there shouldn't be any hurdle to overcome. As long as he gets a clean bill of health from the cardiologist, he will not have been diagnosed with any heart condition and you can honestly answer that question with a No. If there is an issue, you will be glad you caught it sooner rather than later.

 

[GoCubbies]

You are way ahead of the game to be getting the DODMERB done already for next years class! good job to your son. There will be alot of waiting ahead. Prepare yourself.

Thank you. This makes me feel a little better. I have read quite a few threads on here about how slow the medical portion of this process can be. And if there are any hiccups along the way, it gets complicated. We were worried we are going to be pressed for time. With finishing nomination applications, CFA, nom. interviews, CVW and football season + school.

I am praying all is well with him. and that the cardiologist will provide the proper documentation and DoDMERB will be pleased with what is provided.

If anyone on here knows exactly what to ask for. This inquiring mind would love to know. I’m assuming a copy of the chart and a treatment plan? Or something that would state no further treatment needed?? If all cleared?

The note from the cardiologist visit will suffice. In the note, the cardiologist will state the reason for referral and results of a review of systems and physical exam. Finally, the note will state the result of a repeat EKG, assessment/diagnosis, and plan.

You have no idea the interpretation of the initial EKG? I read all the messages in this post. I didn't see the interpretation, but I could have missed it. It could be a wide range of things from sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, WPW, PVCs, PACs, long QT syndrome (hopefully, it's not this), first degree AV block, incomplete right bundle branch block, etc... so lots of possibilities here. Yes, some of these you can see in well-conditioned athletes. Some of these are just normal variants.

I agree with waiting to schedule DODMERB until you're done with the cardio eval.

 

[humbledmomma]

You are way ahead of the game to be getting the DODMERB done already for next years class! good job to your son. There will be alot of waiting ahead. Prepare yourself.

Thank you. This makes me feel a little better. I have read quite a few threads on here about how slow the medical portion of this process can be. And if there are any hiccups along the way, it gets complicated. We were worried we are going to be pressed for time. With finishing nomination applications, CFA, nom. interviews, CVW and football season + school.

I am praying all is well with him. and that the cardiologist will provide the proper documentation and DoDMERB will be pleased with what is provided.

If anyone on here knows exactly what to ask for. This inquiring mind would love to know. I’m assuming a copy of the chart and a treatment plan? Or something that would state no further treatment needed?? If all cleared?

The note from the cardiologist visit will suffice. In the note, the cardiologist will state the reason for referral and results of a review of systems and physical exam. Finally, the note will state the result of a repeat EKG, assessment/diagnosis, and plan.

You have no idea the interpretation of the initial EKG? I read all the messages in this post. I didn't see the interpretation, but I could have missed it. It could be a wide range of things from sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, WPW, PVCs, PACs, long QT syndrome (hopefully, it's not this), first degree AV block, incomplete right bundle branch block, etc... so lots of possibilities here. Yes, some of these you can see in well-conditioned athletes. Some of these are just normal variants.

I agree with waiting to schedule DODMERB until you're done with the cardio eval.

We are waiting to do the DoDMERB.

When I called later in the day after his appointment and I had a little time to process everything. All the nurse could tell me was the computer read ‘abnormal’ and the doctor said to do a referral to the cardiologist.

I asked if she herself read the actual test. The nurse got real short with me and said they require a cardiologist to read the results if it comes back as abnormal. They couldn’t tell me if it was borderline or anything. No further information.

 

[justdoit19]

Good luck with your cardiologist. Let us know how it goes!

 

[humbledmomma]

I have great news! We just got done with his cardiologist appointment and it was a false positive! They did another EKG & Echo and he is perfectly healthy! PTL!

We are going to be doing the DoDMERB questionnaire later today. Since he is fine and he is cleared and no follow up appointment is needed. I’m assuming we would answer NO to any of those types of questions? And would I take the cardiologist letter with us to the visit? Or would we provide that letter beforehand?

 

[justdoit19]

Answer the questions as asked. DS had an MRI on his knee during wrestling. Turned out to be a bone bruise, not meniscus or anything. No follow up. No restrictions. Nothing. But there were questions where he had to address it. He just sent in his AMI regarding his knee.

The questions are pretty straight forward. Take your letter with you.

 

[Wishful]

1st.of all, I am just a non-military parent & this is my opinion

• Googl'ed DoDMERB Form 2492 which I believe is the form you asking about. The newest I could find was dated MAR 2008, but I assume the directions/questions do not change much. 1st of all, the directions state, "HAVE YOU EVER HAD OR DO YOU NOW HAVE:
• 
  
• So Question #29 Orthodontics would be a "Yes" with all the required Info entered in Box #83. The cardiac questions are Box #'s 34-37. Since your DS never had or now has now any of the conditions listed, the answer would truthfully be, "No."
• 
  
• Assume that the DoDMERB Doctors will perform an EKG so all of the diet/activities you mentioned should be avoided, obviously...just a reminder.
• 
  
• I would have the letter available at the examination but I would not volunteer anything. If the EKG shows a abnormality, you can produce the letter & have it entered into his medical chart.
• 
  
• At some point, you will have to provide your son's pediatrician's contact info & sign a HIPAA release for the Govt. to access his records. At this time, include the cardiologist's info (& HIPAA Release) as well. If he's 17, you have to sign, he does at 18 y/o.
• 
  
• FYI he will then have to put your info as a person who is allowed access to his medical info as he's an adult now. Have him give you a HIPAA release naming you as it could become a nightmare getting info from a hospital if , God forbid, he gets sick/injured, in the ED/admitted, etc.
• 
  
• https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd2492.pdf
  
• Good Luck!