So I didn’t pass my airborne physical. I did not expect ot given my medical history to be honest. But of different reasons. my reasons were [ol]
[li]Thyroid surgery 18 months or so ago[/li][li]High blood pressure.[/li][li]Nerve damage in my spine which causes pain and numbness in my left arm[/li][/ol]
the doctors reasons were
[ol]
[li]Well, the nerve thing. I can use my left arm , but jolts, fast movements or constant use caue pain and/or numbness in my shoulder or arm. Its gotten better over the last few years. I had to have steroid shots into the nerve (which hurt like hell) to keep the nerve alive. [/li][li]Blood pressure…well, for my age and demographic, its under control, but I have a history of problems with it. I kind of knew it would be a concern when I went to the physical. [/li][li]A small lump in my neck in the throat area. I mentioned it to the doctor myself, unsure if it was just scar tissue from thyroid surgery or not. I need to have it checked, now. That scares me the worst, as the original thyroid surgery was due to threat of cancer. Sure this small lump could be nothing, but cancer killed my sister so its a bit scary.[/li][li]I thought the doctor was moving a couch in there…she must have put her arm up to shoulder in my ass. My prostate is oversized. This was I believe my main reasaon for not making the physical. [/li][/ol]
It bothers me most because of this…in a briefing with the battalion Sergeant Major a few weeks ago he asked me if I was willing to go to airborne school. I will admit,I don’t actually want to…but as I told him…I do not like to be challengend with the expectation that I’ll punk out. Fuck. it might be silly or just hubris, but I told the Sergeant Major I’d do it just for bragging rights. I have 19 years in the army…I don;t have to do this…but I have never pussed out when I had to do something I didn’t want to. Even the CSM had to say “A 45 year old man, ready to jump out of a plane. Thats hooah”.
I just don’t think I can make the physical. With the issues I have medically I’ll never pass it. The prostate thing was a surprise. When I asked and looked up prostate stuff I do have an issue. I need to urinate a lort, I wake upo 1 or 2 times a night needing to go. I have a “dribble problem” when urinating and at times I have a hard time forcing it out.
God. I’m getting old. I was never a jock or a tough guy. But I’ve always been able to the physical stuff expected of me in the army. A week ago I took an eye exam which told me that my sight was getting weaker. (its never a good thing when the doc says read the first line and you say “what line?”.)
I know I’m looking at my twilight time in the military. I just want to end it like it started. I don’t puss out. I may not be the best or most capable, but dammit, no one can say I didn’t try my damndest. I can’t goout like that. For no other reason than my own pride, I guess.
No fun! I’m sorry to hear your news.