Hello, I've been recruited to USMA to play a sport. I have already received my Congressional nomination and have been approved with a reserved cadetship and appointment awaiting medical. However, I have a herniated/bulging disc which has been causing me problems and surgery has been recommended. I am looking at having a laminotomy/discectomy procedure that would put me out for 6-8 weeks. After which I would be 100% again 3 months prior to beast. Can anyone tell me if this surgery would affect or dq my appointment or should I just tough it out and move forward with no surgery? All help greatly appreciated!
Surgery or not???
- Thread starter PattyP
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From what I have read, surgery would DQ you for at least 6 months (someone may be more versed on this subject). That said, if you are experiencing problems and pain from it, can you make it through beast?
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PattyP, you state you are awaiting medical. Does this mean you have not had your DODMERB exam yet? If not, do you think you can pass the medical exam without this problem coming to light, or even answering all the pre-exam questions truthfully?
Yes, I've already had my DODMERB they're just waiting on this situation to be resolved. The way the Dr. made this surgery sound is that it was simply a 30 minute out-patient minimally-invasive procedure of snipping the little bulge off and 6-8 weeks later I'm 100%.
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custerlives - are you a DC?
Go with your parents and meet with the doctor to discuss non-invasive alternatives. Also, ask your USMA coach and your admissions counselor what is the impact on going to USMA this summer if you elect to have surgery. (It seems the general rule is surgery has to be complete at least 6 months prior to starting with a complete recovery documented)
The worst thing is being rolled back into 2022 and have the issue properly resolved. If USMA is already aware of the back issue - you have some hoops to jump through to demonstrate that it is not going to be an issue regardless of the path you choose medically.
By all means - get healthy - don't let the USMA start date be your deciding factor on appropriate medical care.
The worst thing is being rolled back into 2022 and have the issue properly resolved. If USMA is already aware of the back issue - you have some hoops to jump through to demonstrate that it is not going to be an issue regardless of the path you choose medically.
By all means - get healthy - don't let the USMA start date be your deciding factor on appropriate medical care.
Yes - DoDMERB can tell you.
This board is meant to be helpful to applicants and their families. You have a tight window and a unique situation. Strongly recommend you with your parents speak directly to USMA, the coach at USMA, and your admissions counselor. You require definitive answers and the free message board is not what you should rely upon. And, of course, include your medical provider in the discussion.
Get healthy and if the way to do that is to be part of 2022 vs 2021, it is the right thing to do
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I had it done (lumbar laninectomy L5-S1), you're young and will heal faster. Still... I wasn't 100% after a year. Good luck.