medical disqualification questions

[username965]

Hello everyone,

I had several questions regarding medical disqualifications in Army ROTC. I am on scholarship and I am an MSIII. I've had very severe period cramps for awhile now, they were bad before but were a bit more manageable, but they hinder my ability to perform in labs and go to classes. I was going to see an urgent care provider about this and get a note allowing me to miss a lab or class if need be. I think I might have dysmenorrhea but I am not sure but I am wondering if I can be medically disqualified for this. If I am not able to attend labs and classes now, who knows what can happen if I am actually on duty and have lives on the line. I am not sure who to talk to about this and what the process is. I have tried to treat this myself by diet and exercise and was told to take birth control. But since my mom's side of the family had cancer and most have died, I was prevented from taking it as bc can cause cancer. And it seems that none of this has helped me. I also suffer motion sickness from being on a boat. I was wondering if this was medically disqualifying as well. And if I get medically disqualified for this, will I have to pay everything back? It's not something I can treat as I've tried everything. I may even have endometriosis but I have not been able to afford treatment for it. I am finding out most of this currently. Any help is appreciated.

 

[DesertCaliMom]

Before thinking of DQ, many women deal with this so you're not alone. You have insurance, ya? Getting a proper diagnosis for what's causing the pain is an important first step. It pains me when women suffer in silence because I know how painful it can be.

Until you can get diagnosed, if you want some holistic and over-the-counter ideas, PM me.

 

[username965]

Thanks so much for your response. Taking pills makes me really sick. I've tried many different kind of pills that are supposed to help with painful periods and have found no help in my cramps. I think I'm actually immune to pills. I'm not sure what the process is for this, for letting ROTC know. I'll definitely get a diagnosis first but I'm pretty sure I have severe dysmenorrhea.

 

[AirsoftRanger]

Thanks so much for your response. Taking pills makes me really sick. I've tried many different kind of pills that are supposed to help with painful periods and have found no help in my cramps. I think I'm actually immune to pills. I'm not sure what the process is for this, for letting ROTC know. I'll definitely get a diagnosis first but I'm pretty sure I have severe dysmenorrhea.

I remember lots of midshipmen sea sick. lots of people on cruises just use the behind the ear motion sickness patch. not to worry.

birth control pills are the tomahawk missile for dysmenorrhea, you might just need a side arm. lots of women self medicate with over the counter yam. bite the bullet and go see the gyne doc with the greyest hair.

 

[Capt MJ]

I remember lots of midshipmen sea sick. lots of people on cruises just use the behind the ear motion sickness patch. not to worry.

birth control pills are the tomahawk missile for dysmenorrhea, you might just need a side arm. lots of women self medicate with over the counter yam. bite the bullet and go see the gyne doc with the greyest hair.

Just a note of caution here - accession (civilian to military) standards, and pre-commissioning standards and thresholds (cadet/mid to officer) are different and higher than what happens if you have a condition that develops once you are in uniform. Someone may not have been diagnosed with motion sickness or other condition before they came in and then develop it once on AD. It may be manageable with medication; career proceeds as normal. It may force a career path change. It can even be a cause for medical separation.

The most important thing is for OP to get the help she needs with accurate diagnoses and a treatment plan to support her health and quality of life. If that shuts a door, then windows will open on other paths.