PATENT FORAMEN OVALE (PFO) - DQ to re-enlist? even after repair?

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I had a PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale) that was discovered after SCUBA diving. I am a Technical Diver (have been for years) and had an episode of dizzyness upon surfacing one day...long story short I had a TEE that discovered a PFO.

I elected to have it closed (total elective surgery was not required.) I am now 100% no restrictions on diving or no restrictions on anything in life.

I am prior service Army Reserve and want to re-enlist (Nursing)and am worried that the PFO will DQ me.

I was in the Army Reseve for 9 years and had an open PFO the entire time, unknown to me. Now that I want to "come back in" I am worried.

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Specializes in Flight/ICU/CCU/ED/Trauma.

As long as you have all of the records from the procedure and all of the follow up records you should be okay. Have the vascular surgeon or interventional cardiologist (whoever did the procedure) write a letter with a clean bill of health and some statement saying that there is no risk of further complication, etc, etc and you should be able to get by SG and MEPS.

Good luck! It shouldn't be a show stopper with the right paperwork.

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As long as you have all of the records from the procedure and all of the follow up records you should be okay. Have the vascular surgeon or interventional cardiologist (whoever did the procedure) write a letter with a clean bill of health and some statement saying that there is no risk of further complication, etc, etc and you should be able to get by SG and MEPS.

Good luck! It shouldn't be a show stopper with the right paperwork.

It is good to hear this! The IC who did my surgery will give me a clean bill of health..etc. In fact I already hold a letter in my hand stating that I pose no risk in technical diving (SCUBA) related to the PFO and was cleared 100% to return to tech diving. I have conducted dives to 315feet since the operation with zero problems. I am sure he will give me a letter stating that I at no risk for further complications.BTW...not trying to become a diver in the Army...just want to be a Nurse in the Army.Do you think it would be wise to have more than one cardiologist review my case and write a letter?Thanks!!

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Specializes in Flight/ICU/CCU/ED/Trauma.

Nope. I'd have that one review it, have all the records, as stated. Then the Army will likely have someone review it for them. If they DON'T give you a clean bill of health, then you may need a second opinion to support your doctor and refute the other. I hope it works out for you, it really shouldn't be an issue, but then again, that's not a promise, lol.

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