More Asthma

I was diagnosed with asthma around the age of 6 and was prescribed an inhaler. I rarely used it and eventually just stopped getting new prescriptions filled. When I filled out the DoDMERB forms I put that I had asthma in the past. DoDMERB asked me for a remedial of all my medical records, which I had anticipated so I already had them on hand. I sent them the records, knowing I hadn't used the inhaler or had symptoms since before I was 13, and a couple days after DoDMERB received the records I was cleared.

As long as your DS hasn't used anything after the age of 13, then he should be just fine.

I am a current candidate for USNA Class of 2017, so my experience with DoDMERB is very recent.
 
Thank you

Gatton18,

Thank you... I have been collecting his records over the past few days and have a few more pieces to add to the pile before all is said and done. Although he has never used or needed the meds it remains in his paperwork that he has had the med. This would include one prescription after the age of 13 that my wife requested it was a "just want it for safe keeping" idea.

My DS passed the breathing test with the allergy / asthma Dr. in 2005 and it appears in all his records that the asthma was mild. No matter what he is going to be DQ'ed; however, he will have his records ready for the medical form and is ready to take the test they administer.

I was just at the Academy this past week with my DS...he was more than pleased and very excited about the process of getting in. He has already done a lot of networking for the nomination and has been working with a Blue & Gold 06..
 
We have recently navigated the DQ and waiver process for Asthma and bee allergy with success and I am happy to share our experience. First, a diagnosis at age 8 should not result in a DQ. Use of any asthma related medication after age 13 probably will (symbacourt, ulbutorol, advair etc). Once you get the DQ, starting the waiver process is not automatic and will not start unless you have a nomination. If your son is a recruited athlete, contact the coach as soon as you know about the DQ from dodmerb and they can most likely get it jump started.

If your son has taken or been prescribed the asthma drugs, you will most likely be required to take two Pulmonary Function Tests where the Dr attempts to induce an asthma attack. The first is an exercise test where he runs on a treadmill for an hour and has his lung capacity measured before and after. The second is where they inject a drug called methocholorine and then measure lung capacity.

If he hasn't been prescribed any asthma related drugs after age 13, he probably will not be DQ'd. If he has, I suggest that you find a pulmonologist at get these tests run asap. Dont wait for the DQ. Successfully passing these test with a letter from the pulmonologist stating that our son did not have asthma is what got us through the waiver process in weeks instead of months. Also, watch the dodmerb website for information on your son, don't wait for the snail mail notices. Finally, send requested documents to dodmerb electronically and call to ensure they were uploaded to the file.

If you have any other questions send me a PM. I don't check this forum much anymore. I'm usually on the USNA forum.
 
Thank you...

Grad/Dad,

I'm only at 12 posts but I'll be sending you a PM when I hit the mark. For now, thank you for the information it's very helpful.
 
Asthma

My story is similar to Grad/dad and I also have received waivers for asthma from multiple academies. It sounds like you have a very strong case. My only difference from grad/dad was that I waited for the DQ and then did my remedial tests as required. The same tests mentioned in other posts. By waiting, it meant that DODMERB paid for the tests which are very expensive and may not be covered by your insurance. The methacholine challenge was well over $1,000. By waiting you will also learn that you are competitive because otherwise academies will not process you for a waiver. So, you can approach it either way depending on your finances and preference. Good luck!
 
Thank you....

I have rather excellent insurance and if it not covered the personal cost is not going to be an issue either. The information I'm getting is worth it's weight in gold. This is all beginning to sound much better than I expected. I thought it was going to be a done deal but there are options to seek.

Thank you to all...
 
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