Possible need surgery, competing for Field Training

[topher]

I'm currently a 200 competing for an EA to go to Field Training. I got past the DoDMERB and was cleared medically. However, a week after I was cleared I found out that I have a torn labrum in my hip. Larum is a cartilaginous material in the hip. If I were to have surgery as soon as possible, the recovery time would put me basically at the first day of MAX 1. If I were to get an EA how likely would I be able to be cleared in time by DoDMERB to go to Field Training? Would they allow me to take a later MAX in the summer?

Also I am wondering my chances for getting picked up are. I recently reported in and saw my Cadre. They said that my 3.55 and Nursing major make me really competitive. W/o the hip problem that I am experiencing what is the likelihood that I would be chosen?


Topher

 

[Pima]

I would listen to your cadre, and believe you are competitive. Nursing majors with strong gpas are always very competitive due to the high demand for nurses currently in the ADAF.

The issue with your hip IMPO, is you have to get it done. Even if you decided to delay it, FT is not just sit at a desk for 4 weeks, it is FIELD training and that means physical activities. You could land up being medically DQ'd as soon as you get there, or worse cause more damage to your body by sucking it in for a month.

Talk to your cadre, get it done ASAP. Remember, in the end you will have to disclose this at some time, so if it is a DoDMERB issue, they will find out about it sooner or later.

 

[topher]

Thanks for the advise! I've been informing my Cadre of my situation. My regiment of supplements and vitamins seems to be healing my injury nicely! I plan to be fully active and ready to exercise in all activities in about 3 weeks. However, I am curious as to how this affects my chances for getting an EA. I know that I am very competitive cadet, but I was said that I had a torn labrum on the packet that my Cadre sent to HQ. Will I be put on temporary status until cleared by DoDMERB, if I get an EA slot?

 

[Pima]

The question is if this injury requires surgery or rest.

Use AD AF life as an example. Fliers injure their bodies like anyone else. They go to flight docs, and for the majority they get what is called DNIF (Duties Not Including Flying) for a few days. For some they get referred due to the severity of the injury and DNIF.

That is the question, is this a DoDMERB waiver issue due to the severity. I would suggest you post your question on the DoDMERB forums, and hope kp2001 chimes in.

Additionally, if selected for FT, you will take another physical @ mid/late March sometime. You do not need to go to a DoDMERB doc., but if this is an issue the doc will annotate it in their report that is sent to AFROTC HQ. It is sim to a school sports physical with checking to make sure your shot records are up to date.

It is best to get your ducks in a row now. Most colleges are going on spring break within the next 2 weeks. When you are at home, use the folks health insurance and get a physical, if the DoDMERB doc you used for the scholarship is close by go to them. He may soothe your concerns, or he may state this is a problem by their standards.

Your choice, but for me I would rather know either way than play ostrich with my cranium in the sand. All you will ever get from playing ostrich is delaying the next step in your life plan.

It is also a good idea to do the doc visit for another reason. You will be required to have all of your shots up to date including H1N1, and mennoccocal (sp?). Many times kids that enter college or up to date, but during college they fail to get boosters, or did not have that one shot in the 1st place. DS had to get the H1N1 and a tetanus. I know he had to get a third shot, which was a booster, but can't recall what it was.

Final reason why you should go to your hometown doc is when you get commissioned they will do another DoDMERB physical, rated go to Wright Pat. If you do at your doc, and not the college health clinic, you will have all of your records at one place. You don't want to be scurrying around collecting records from multiple docs. when it comes to your complete medical history.