Medical Question - Please Help!

Specialties Government

Published

Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CCU).

So I'm seriously considering joining the military and I've talked to some friends and family with experience and I've been doing some research on the internet as well. However before I get my hopes up I thought I would throw out this question...When I was 17 I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Some of the side effects include hypothyroidism and insulin resistance. I've been taking medication (I'm 30 now) and with weight loss I really have no symptoms at all. I've never tried going off the medication so I don't know what would happen (the symptoms are more annoying than anything vs life threatening)...but I didn't know since I would be looking into being commissioned as an officer vs enlisting if I could qualify for a medical waiver? I'm not to the point yet where I'm going to be contacting a recruiter but I was hoping I could get some helpful input here. Thanks! :)

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Specializes in Medical.

The ToS prohibit members giving any advice regarding health issues - this includes possible diagnoses, suggestions about investigations, or recommendations about pharmaceuticals. You should speak with your physician about the effects of ceasing any medication you're on, and when you're ready perhaps contact a recruiter (or check on line) about eligibility for medical waivers. Good luck :)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Talaxandra is absolutely correct. The TOS can be reviewed here: https://allnurses.com/terms-info.html. Thanks!

Just a note: I had originally closed this thread, but after a member's suggestion for another look and further staff review, it has been reopened for comments pertaining to waivers, but not medical conditions. Thanks!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Another member posted this recently:

https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/medical-condition-army-466267.html#post4218390

Seems that the Army is pretty flexible with waivers if the circumstances are right. It probably wouldn't hurt to get in touch with an AMEDD recruiter for a preliminary chat. Just be sure to speak with an AMEDD recruiter, not the regular recruiters.

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