FUBAR

[rero360]

I had a bit of a set back today, got some bad news.

I've been in the process of getting my commission, I have dates for OCS and have my packet filled out everything good to go. Friday I went up to Fort Irwin for my physical, they checked my teeth, ears, eyes, did chest exams, labs, all went smoothly. I had to return today to meet with the Doctor to do a follow up, review all the paperwork, and do the finishing touches on the physical, part of it being an EKG.

Well everything checks out great, says my lab results are some of the best he has ever seen, but theres a hiccup with my EKG results. Aparently it looks like I have Wolff Parkinson White, a condition that aparently is a secondary electrical pathway on my heart that can result in arythmia and palpatations even death. The treatment for this is they destroy the extra pathway with radiowaves.

Because of this I can not go to OCS until two years of no symptoms after treatment. I haven't experienced anything that would be a symptom of this ever. My only other option is to go to the VA and get a second opinion and see about having the initial ruling overturned.

Needless to say that news really crushed me, I've been doing just about everything I can to get ready for this and was looking forward to being the Platoon Leader for the FOs and Fire Support Officer for the Company/Batallion for when we deploy. Now I don't even know if I'll be able to deploy at all.

If I can't deploy I'm going to put my application in with some PMCs see about going that route if need be.

[armygunsmith]

Wow, that's rough news. I would certainly get a second opinion. I've never worked as a contractor, but if the second opinion doesn't get you in right away, I would go the PMC route to fill in the time. Good luck with your path.

[todd2968]

That's rough, think of the knuckle heads that run the EKG.. 2nd opinion is standard for anything more serious than a chest cold.

[imtheomegaman]

sorry man, keep plugging away

[EOD3]

An EKG is basically a "volt meter" and certainly not the final word on heart issues. There are at least three more tests to be done before the deal is done. BTDT

[novabrian]

Get a second opinion ASAP.

[taladeganite]

Look at this set-back as an oppertunity to prepare yourself even more?! Just be glad it wasnt worse... like somthing congenital...Research the therapy and make it happen! ASAP... wish you nothing but success brother, keep us posted!... Semper Fi! (Hooah!)

[rero360]

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys, I already called the VA cardiologist dept. and left a message as it was after their hours, and will be calling back first thing tomorrow.

The worst part is the feeling of letting down my soldiers, of potentially not being able to be by their side for the deployment. Coming in a close second is that I was really banking on the 6 months of active duty time in school as I'm pretty well broke, if this doesn't work out to my favor and I can't get some steady work by the end of January then I'm going to have to dip into my mutual funds again and I only have 2 months worth of living expenses there.

No Defeat, No Failure.

[chris]

get a second opinion. i would'nt trust the doctors for this. i recently had and EKG for SRP and no news. but i hear ya on not going to OCS. that sucks.

[rero360]

I went to the VA and got another EKG done, showed the same thing, talked briefly with one of the Cardiologists, he put me in for an ultrasound of my heart along with a bunch more tests. Hopefully I can get this all fixed and get a waiver or excemption or something so I can still go to OCS. Will keep everyone updated as things come along.

[MRX9989]

Are you in the CAARNG? What OCS route were you planning on taking?

[rero360]

I am indeed, I was planning on going the accelerated route, Fort McClellan, AL from late Jan. to mid-late March. then BOLC at Sill at the earliest chance afterwards so that I could deploy with my unit.

[Manic Moran]

At the risk of being a bit contrary, if there is a risk of something happening to you in the army, the risk is just as high that it might happen to you as pmc employee. Problem 1, your fellow pmc employee lives may depend on your functioning, and problem 2 is that if you do suffer an episode over there, your medical coverage is not likely to be anywhere as good. Were I you, I would find out for sure whether or not you have an issue. Only after that would I consider going with a pmc. personally, I have always recommended against pmcs, as the standard of care if needed, especially long term, does not necessarily passist muster.

[MRX9989]

Are you trying to mobilize with the 79th IBCT? The unfortunate situation in the CAARNG right now is that we're over-strength in 2LT's right now so OSM's can't really bend over backwards to help as much as they did when I went though. However, I think the SoCal OSM will give you a pretty straight answer either way. It may end up that you can still go as an E-6 if you are set on going with your company.

My advice would be to read up on what the regs say regarding medical disqualifications as well as getting a second opinion. Was your last PHA good? Being flagged MND will also prevent you from attending other schools, so I'd make sure they don't plan to do that.

[tacticalcity]

Sorry to hear it my friend. Definately get a second opinion.

When going through the medical processing station in Oakland back when I was enlisting (in 1992), I can remember standing in line waiting for some sort of results to the tests they had done. When we got to 4 or 5 guys from my turn, they told the guy he tested positive for HIV. Right in front of everyone. He broke into tears and nearly collapsed right there. The guy behind him literally had to catch him and help him catch his balance. I can't say I blame the guy. There is being a tough guy, and there is reality. What a brutal thing to find out, and in such a brutal and heartless way.

I guess my point is, it could be a hell of a lot worse brother. I sincerely hope they were more professional and compassionate when delivering bad news to you. And I hope they are wrong.