Injury After Medical Qualification and acceptance HELP!

M

MLopez02

New Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2020
Messages
6
After being accepted to USMA on an LOA (and being medically qualified), I tore my ACL and meniscus at a soccer game. Knowing that will require surgery but is recoverable, Will I be disqualified and will my acceptance be taken back? Thanks
 
I am sure @MullenLE , Deputy Director DoDMERB, will pop up shortly and invite you to email him directly to discuss specifics.

A few things up front:

Your health and fitness will always be the foremost concern, which means ensuring your body has enough to time to heal and recover fitness levels that will be challenged from Day I at USMA. These things happen to incoming appointees every year, which is why there are always mentions of alternate plans.

You must keep your medical history updated with illness/injury, even after your DoDMERB up check.

You’ll get another decision along the way.

If you are not medically cleared for the Class of 2025, you can discuss the options with Admissions. I am not sure what USMA does, but at USNA, what amounts to an LOA is issued for the next class. You are not there yet! You are young, healthy, will heal fast and it’s not May!

Take this step by step, with the first one being having a good clarifying exchange with Mr. Mullen.
 
Last edited:
Capt MJ said:
I am sure @MullenLE , Deputy Director DoDMERB, will pop up shortly and invite you to email him directly to discuss specifics.

A few things up front:

Your health and fitness will always be the foremost concern, which means ensuring your body has enough to time to heal and recover fitness levels that will be challenged from Day I at USMA. These things happen to incoming appointees every year, which is why there are always mentions of alternate plans.

You must update your medical history updated with illness/injury, even after your DoDMERB up check.

You’ll get another decision along the way.

If you are not medically cleared for the Class of 2025, you can discuss the options with Admissions. I am not sure what USMA does, but at USNA, what amounts to an LOA is issued for the next class. You are not there yet! You are young, healthy, will heal fast and it’s not May!

Take this step by step, with the first one being having a good clarifying exchange with Mr. Mullen.
Click to expand...
Thanks for Responding so fast! Ill make sure to keep this page updated so my situation will be useful as a referance in the future - ML
 
Sorry to hear. Positive outlook, my son (soccer player/wrestler) tore his in January, had a complete replacement within a week and was given the full go clearance in July. Do the PT religiously and listen to the doc.
 
An update: I had surgey to repair the meniscus and replace an ACL on December 22, (Merry Christmas to me). Did pre-surgery PT to get my leg muscles in the best shape possible pre-surgey (I am very glad I did that as my physical therapist says the muscle atrophy in my leg is a lot less sever than what is typically seen). Now after nearly three weeks I am feeling much better, and the physical therapy has started off well. I have not recieved any requests for information from DODMERB yet, but I assume thats because its still really early in the recovery process. As I continue to go through this process, I have advice for people who might deal with this in the future.

1. HAVE A BACKUP PLAN: I am blessed to have scored high enough on the SAT as to be able to have other colleges to attend if USMA doesnt work out this year. Dont be foolish, even If you have an LOA or are convinced you will get accepted having a Plan B is just about the most mature and wise thing you can do.
2. I HIGHLY reccomend doing some kind of muscle strengthening (with a trainer so it is safe obv) before surgery
3. Electrotherapy-Highly useful, especially the first couple weeks after surgery
4.Vitamins/clean eating after surgery
5. PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections: I did not do this personally, but if you have the money is proven to help tissue healing in some cases

6. Keep your motivation up! Although facing a possible disqualification (even after acceptance!) might seem like the worst thing in the world, I will shape you into a better person mentally no matter the outcome.

Will continue to post upadates when they become available. best of luck to everyone in the future!
 
To be clear...I don't see a "question" for me?? :zip:
 
MullenLE said:
To be clear...I don't see a "question" for me?? :zip:
Click to expand...
Haha as always looking to help! that was just an update for any people in the future trying to find a referance to what they might face in a situation like mine. If I have any questions in the future I will most certainly ask. Now, If you or your people have any questions for me about anything pertaining to my reccovery sir.....I have been religiously documenting so feel free to ask!:thumb:
 
As a fellow ACL warrior, I wish you much luck in your recovery @MLopez02. My youngest crashed into me skiing - ooopsies 😬. It’s a recovery that isn’t for the faint of heart. Keep working hard 💪🏻. Your positive attitude will take you far, especially on the very rough days. I hope the SA still works out for you, but glad to hear of a strong Plan B - if needed 😊. Good luck 🍀!
 
Last edited:
A note about braces.....As a former rabid racquetball player...I've convinced our Docs that "braces" to support a DQ, need to be "medically prescribed." Though I've never suffered an ACL/PCL (knock on wood) injury, those that have, particularly when performing in aggressive sports (RB, skiing, contact sports, etc) post injury, will continue to wear braces for psychological reasons, versus prescribed medical reasons. So, just the fact that someone is wearing a brace, does NOT mean an automatic DQ. :zip:
 
An update:
After extensive and strict following of all the instructions of my physical therapist, I just saw that I was granted the waiver for ACL surgery within 12 months. Keep in mind my recovery was a lot faster than usual. Below is what I provided that I think made the difference in getting the waiver:
-Extensive documention from my PT as to how quickly my recovery went during the different stages of my recovery
-Doctors notes as to how I compare with other ACL recoveries he'd seen in the past, and his prediction as to how the rest of m recovery would go.
-A Biodex report, Which compared the torque (power and strength) of my healthy and surgical leg.
-Many months of prayer and patience

Go Navy!
 
CONGRATS ON THE WAIVER!!! Hopefully you've received your official offer of appointment by now. You definitely deserve that after all the hard work you've put into your recovery. Best of luck!
 
@MLopez02 That's great news! My DS recently tore his ACL / meniscus and had surgery on April 7th. He had received an offer of appointment (and accepted to USNA). He's now joining the civilian prep program and will enter USNA in 2022. Waiver already approved... just has to do the rehab and wait a year.
 
KB7801 said:
@MLopez02 That's great news! My DS recently tore his ACL / meniscus and had surgery on April 7th. He had received an offer of appointment (and accepted to USNA). He's now joining the civilian prep program and will enter USNA in 2022. Waiver already approved... just has to do the rehab and wait a year.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear that :( Best of luck to him! stick with the PT program and he'll be extra ready in 2022! He'll be in my prayers!
 
MLopez02 said:
An update:
After extensive and strict following of all the instructions of my physical therapist, I just saw that I was granted the waiver for ACL surgery within 12 months. Keep in mind my recovery was a lot faster than usual. Below is what I provided that I think made the difference in getting the waiver:
-Extensive documention from my PT as to how quickly my recovery went during the different stages of my recovery
-Doctors notes as to how I compare with other ACL recoveries he'd seen in the past, and his prediction as to how the rest of m recovery would go.
-A Biodex report, Which compared the torque (power and strength) of my healthy and surgical leg.
-Many months of prayer and patience

Go Navy!
Click to expand...
@MLopez02 does this mean you were able to attend or had to wait until 12 months after rehab was completed.?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top