Rec for surgery on Deviated septum

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Rugbyftbllaxmom

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I took my ds to his med exam this am- it was not far- no wait- all smooth- I am praying that doesn't mean the rocky road is about to begin.... Any advice on deviated septum's? I have asked before and called dodmerb and they were very helpful but basically said it was case by case. My ds got hit by a Bball in nose in 4th grade and the Drs didn't want to fix until he was older- we went when he was In 10 th grade to dr again because it was spring and pollen count was really high and a friend had had a procedure done and we thought maybe it was time- well thy said to wait until he was at least 17 since growing and he is now that age.... The side effects of the break only really bother him in spring when allergy season/ pollen is out and since he plays contact sports year round we thought a new nose wasn't a good idea-does anybody have any experience with this ? Or recommend the route we go.... If they say fix it and you are good then we will fix it..... But he still has senior year sports to hopefully get through and beyond- again- it has never stopped him from doing anything- any thoughts are appreciated!!!!! Ty ty- also- what happens if he fixes it now but plays sports in college and breaks it again???
 
I had this and much more after breaking my nose playing basketball, I made it through dodmerb just fine after the surgery. I would consult them, get it checked out by a doctor. Can you pass without the procedure? If so why risk it. If not then try to get the green light. If he has breathing problems at all it is risky to not get it fixed. Especially if it is medically documented that he has deviated septum. I forget the reg on it, I will try to find it as I previously had it printed out myself lol. Also you want to prepare now as the healing time can vary and you want to have plenty of a buffer, not last minute.
 
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Thank you.. Waiting to hear what they say. I have read the dq list ....not sure where he would fall-And yes can breathe but documented deviated and does not keep him from doing anything and truthfully we are more worried about fixing it and then getting hurt during sports and him having undergone a procedure that we should have had him wait on .....so we thought it was best to wait especially if they do boxing plebe year on top of other contact sports. He has gone along just fine for 8 years now. Would be nice to have fixed but wondering if they will tell us - trying to see if I should make appts to do over Xmas break . All about the timing. Thank uou
 
This is all anecdotal so take it for what it is worth. I broke my nose in a high school football game and am also diagnosed with a deviated septum. I could breath OK when I was healthy and when I had congestion from colds and such was miserable. It never interfered with my sports (including a lot of swimming) or daily life but does give my voice a different tone (like I have a slightly plugged up nose). Four male members of my extended family had deviated septums and three had surgery to correct it. The surgery recovery was painful and extremely uncomfortable in all cases and none, absolutely none were helped and one was made worse. The number four guy (me) decided to live with it until it got so bad that surgery looked good. It hasn't happened yet. If I were your son, I'd wait until I was through growing into my 20's and then carefully check the references and past track record by talking to old patients of whatever surgeon he chooses. Good luck.
 
Yes- thank you for answering- your post pretty much sums it up. Obviously does not want to take chance on any unnecessary procedures even though recommended and he obviously answered question on dodmerb when it asked have you been recommended to have any surgery- did you apply to SA or ROTC and so what was outcome? I have the feeling we did the right thing by not going through with this so far as he functions fine but will always feel terrible if it dq's him because I didn't have him get it earlier .just don't see logic in it if getting along ok and still involved in daily physical contact sports. Ty for response.
 
I passed my USNA DODMERB medical with no problems as it is a common problem among aggressive teenage boys but this was a long time ago. I also was on the Academy Battalion and Brigade boxing teams and had my share of bloody noses for whatever that is worth. Since it is fixable, like dental work, I would not worry about it as far as the appointment process. If it is disqualifying, fix it and charge on.
 
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Thank you! Hoping it wasn't that long ago and this situation works out the same. Just trying to be prepared . Ty again
 
I'll connect two threads. A long time ago, my roommate broke my nose during plebe boxing. I finished the class (lots of bloody noses) and ended up boxing on our company's intramural team (more bloody noses). I was eventually diagnosed with a deviated septum, but no one ever suggested that I have it repaired. I graduated, commissioned and served without any issue.

IMO, the deviated septum is annoying, but not a big deal. And, the lessons learned during plebe boxing (and the fun) have been well worth it. Based on my DS' recent experience with DODMERB, your DS is going to be fine.
 
Thank you! Sounds good. No sense in finally getting a pretty nose to have it smashed up again- not that I want that to happen but just saying- lol-but just going off of what we read on dodmerb dq lists and obviously worrisome. Mainly with it being documented they recommend fixing it. Thank you So much. Fingers crossed.
 
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