what are my options, having found out may have ligament and joint issues.. ?

2020-06-24T17:02:06-04:00

I busted my ass for almost 2 years, dropped over 60lbs, slimmed down over 8 inchs, and packed on about 15lbs of muscle.. in order to enlist, this last March.. went thru waiver after waiver, for age and NREMT Medic Verification.. due to the Covid Craziness, we never had any In Person Drills, for a few months, and just had our first one 2 weekends ago.. I am still, over 10 days later, with pain pills and therapy, having crazy pain in the knees and ankles, causing them to go "weak" and "give out".. I have fallen like 5 times, at home and at work.. going to Doctors and trying to figure it out, but.. the speculation is, that I destroyed my joints over the 2 years, and didn't really notice till now.. it sounds stupid, and silly that I didn't feel something wrong, but.. I am freaking out, that after all this work, I may be discharged or kicked out, because I can't make it thru training.. or, worse, that it is made to look like I lied, to enlist.. please, be constructive and try not to make me feel like complete shit, I feel worthless as is.. I just need to know my opinions..

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 24 at 2020 5:11 PM

2020-06-24T17:11:40-04:00

I am sorry you are going through this. I will pass along and see if anyone has a helpful suggestion

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 24 at 2020 5:27 PM

2020-06-24T17:27:36-04:00

Losing 60lbs should make everything on your body work better if you are in your 20s and frankly if you are falling, I would be more concerned about bigger issues than ligament and joint issues. From the information you listed, something is not adding up, either you left out details or you need to see another provider for bigger concerns than just over exercising.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2020 5:29 PM

2020-06-24T17:29:02-04:00

Slow down, young Soldier. You'll give yourself a heart attack. Right now, what you need to do is get your knees evaluated by your regular doctor and/or an orthopedic doctor and get their diagnosis and prognosis. Either that or you see if your unit can submit an LHI voucher request to get your knees looked at. This documentation will then be used to get you on a profile for recovery. If, however, it is determined that your knees are bad enough to warrant it, you could face a Medical Evaluation Board to see if you are still medically fit. And, if you are not and it is deemed military related, you could very well be medically retired. Either way.....

DOCUMENTATION!!! DOCUMENTATION!!! DOCUMENTATION!!!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jun 24 at 2020 7:40 PM

2020-06-24T19:40:09-04:00

Ok, woah, slow down. Breathe. There is more to this than what you are stating here. Something is being left out. You need to get with your primary Doctor and tell him everything. EVERYTHING even if it sounds stupid or not related. So that he can make a determination and possibly send you to an Orthopedic specialist.

What it sounds like is nerve related. Reason I say this is because what you describe is exactly what I was suffering from, at least in the legs and it was determined I had pinched my sciatic nerve.

As far as your options? You need to get with your Doctor and if it is deemed necessary you may need to be med boarded.