I will soon be completing my BS and would like to join either the Air Force or Army. I’d like to get my MD or psyD through the HPSP.
I don’t have any really have any medical "issues" but have been treated in the past for a few things:
1) I have hypothyroid, it is well controlled on medication.
2) I have a small thyroid nodule (something like 5 mm). I’ve had a recent biopsy, it was benign. I have had frequent ultrasounds to check it and the nodule is shrinking in size (my endocrinologist thinks it was growing during my pregnancy due to all the extra hormones).
3) After I had my son I thought I had postpartum depression/anxiety. I saw my OB, she gave me a script for Zoloft and told me to see a psychiatrist. I saw a psychiatrist…he didn’t seem to think I had any kind of PPD. I am unsure if the medication was helpful. We decided that it was okay for me to stop taking it. He chose not to treat me with any medications or therapy and said to see how it goes and come back if I had any problems. It is now months later, I’ve had no problems with any sort of depression or anxiety issues. I have no plans on going back.
4) In 2004 I had an abdominoplasty (commonly called a tummy tuck) because I had extra skin on my abdomen. Only skin was removed, my muscles were not operated on. In 2006 I had liposuction and had my abdominoplasty revised (the first surgeon did a not so stellar job). I have scars.
5) In 2007 I had a nasal polyp removed. I’ve had none since and have no other ear/nose/throat issues.
I’d be honored to join the military, however I’m afraid due to my medical history I might be denied. I read a list of medical conditions that disqualify you, and I seem to be okay with the exception of the "depression", taking Zoloft…and I’m not sure about the cosmetic surgery. I should note that I do not believe I was ever diagnosed with depression. Is it true that if it was never diagnosed it didn’t happen? I think I tend to over analyze these things. It would be very unfortunate for these things to hinder my ability to join. I appreciate any feedback or personal experiences regarding a waiver. I should add that lying is absolutely NOT an option for me, I find that to be a horrible quality in a person.
I appreciate any responses.
Thank you!
Amanda
UPDATE: I’d just like to add that I only took Zoloft for four months. I no longer take it.
Other Postpartum Depression Related Info:
- Health Answers » Blog Archive » Thyroid nodule calcification can be cured? What to do surgery?
- What are the chances I have thyroid cancer? | District 7
- www.drjohnhong.com
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Talk to a recruiter that works specfically with officer candidates. There are waivers available for many conditions. You may find that any one or all of your conditions disqualify you from military service. However, each of the services have a general list of ‘absolute’ no’s, and they modify the list to meet their particular services needs and limitations. So, one thing may disqualify you from any branch, or, the Army may say no thank you, but the Air Force may say yes.
A complete physical examination will be required, regardless of service, in addition to you completing a very lengthy medical survey. This is part of the process and no cost to you. Remember, the expectation of any Officer in any branch of service is Honesty. so if you are dishonest on your applications, or don’t divulge something and do get in, you may get a court martial or be discharged for a fraudulent contract.
Talk to a recruiter, no commitments until you raise your right hand and take the Oath of Enlistment. It will be a very proud day for you and your family.
I would recommend the US Navy, but I am biased. I am a former US Marine.
Probably. I work in reception, and we drop several people for less than this….However, Most of them would have been able to stay in if they were to tell our staff that none of these things were a problem. As for your thyroid issue, Don’t catch me lying, but I’m pretty sure you can come in as long as you stay on the meds. we don’t have a problem with IET soldiers on meds, as long as they take their meds and don’t try to hide it. Talk to your recruiter and the career counselor before you swear in, bring these issues up. In my own opinion, I’d rather have someone with a medical history who acts like an adult, than a bunch of healthy retards.
by telling the truth you are doing the right thing.when you go for your physical make sure you are completely honest.i know various people in the service that are on zoloft.do not let that stress you!!
If you really want to join the military, you have to keep in mind that if such medical conditions aren’t bothering you now where you need meds, then don’t mention it to the recruiter. But if your condition doesn’t require you to seek constant medical treatment, then your chances in getting in is zero. I have to say that they will question you about any scars or markings that you may still have from the liposuction and the tummy tuck while you’re and everyone else is stripped down in underwear while being obeserved by the doctors for any defencies. That very likely will keep you from getting in. Military now isn’t accepting any medical waivers which trying to join the military with medical history will be very, very slim.