So I resumed my application.

[reQuiem]

So as the title says I decided to get the ball rolling and start the application process off again, that was in January of this year Today I just got a letter from the Senior Medical Officer at Lichfield he says I'm not eligible to join because of a foot problem when I was a baby that required surgery called Talipse AKA Club foot.

This disappoints me because I have been training IMO really hard and running almost 3 times a week I have not had any foot problems since the operation and 2 and half years ago I had surgery for a different problem on my feet not related to the first problem which was a ganglion this and my family issues stops my training dead in its tracks.

After 6 months off on doctors orders I was back on my feet again running the full distance required by the ADSC granted not in the time they wont but this is due to someone advising me to work on the distance rather than the speed first.

I run at around 8.5km and have been doing great I gone the 2.4km which is roughly 1.5 miles and then some just this morning I went 3.0kms total at the same speed all I need to do now is knock the speed up abit and get the time down at first when I started this it was taking me 20 minutes with a few breaks in between now I'm doing it in 15:08 with no breaks.

I noted this in my medical report but for obvious reasons that's gone unnoticed the letter does go on to say that I can appeal but if there are no new documents then it will be automatically rejected.

How am I supposed to prove I can do what they require of me with out them giving me the chance, since my operation I do loads of sports, hiked 7 and 1/2 miles, I've run and swam I'm doing a bungee jump in a months time for charity (Yes I'm aware I'm not using my feet but it proves I'm willing to take my body *feet* to the limits and more) I can't stress enough how frustrating this is for me I know my feet are more than capable to put up with the stress and strains that the Army will do to them but I'm supposed to get evidence of me being able to do these things?

As I write this I've been trawling through the forums but for the life of me can't find it, wasn't there another recruit on here that has the same aliment as me and he appealed and got in or did he not get in?

Also I'd like to ask any assistance with this as this is something I've wanted to do since I was very little but I've always had to put my personal goals off for my family because of financial situations and health issues (my nan came too live with us and I've been looking after her.) it just seems every time I try to do something about it something comes up or I hit a brick wall.

What do I do now, where do I go from here? do I give up? I have a lot of questions now and I don't know who to ask.

-R

[reQuiem]

Interesting that no-one replied

[timex]

"Probable" reason for no replies could be that no-one on here is qualified to give you any expert help, certainly I couldn't. As to the letter from the SMO that to me sounds like the final decision, I also found this on Wikipedia which may be the deciding factor.

Extensive surgery may lead to scar tissue developing inside the child's foot. The scarring may result in functional, growth and aesthetic problems in the foot because the scarred tissue will interfere with the normal development of the appendage. A child who has extensive surgery may require on average two additional surgeries to correct the issues presented above.

Full article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_foot

Sorry.

[reQuiem]

Any advice would of been appreciated qualified or not, The SMO letter is not the final decision they have said I can appeal as I intend too. I've also had advice from another forum to join the TA as they are lenient and would offer me a place I'm too do a year in the TA and volunteer I quote "If the TA takes you volunteer for a tour then for a S type engagement. then perhaps regular engagement"

This is something to consider and if I show promise here then I may re-apply with the TA's backing and I would get in how-ever this is something I would like to avoid if at all possible.

Also I've been advised to go to my GP and get him to vouch for me or to see if there are any test's that the Army is willing to accept as evidence as proof of me being physically capable and of my determination and willingness to see this through to the end.

-R

[timex]

Give it a go, you've nothing to lose and it will show your level of commitment..however get something to support your appeal as the letter is fairly emphatic.

I noted this in my medical report but for obvious reasons that's gone unnoticed the letter does go on to say that I can appeal but if there are no new documents then it will be automatically rejected.

[sportbilly42]

** REALITY CHECK **

A rethink is required for your chosen career from this point on. Unfortunately your medical condition will preclude you from being able to join HMForces in any capacity. End of. Sorry but that's the way it is.

Talipse is a congenital deformity of the foot usually marked by a curled shape or twisted position of the ankle, heel and toes. You may have had surgery when a nipper and you may now not have any pain from it and be able to walk normally, possibly even run, but a corrected clubfoot will still have less mobility than a normal foot. (If you had surgery it suggests your deformity was reasonably severe otherwise physiotherapy may have been used as a corrective method)

There is a real risk that tendons, ligaments and joints will be aggravated by the sort of intense physical training you will get in the forces. Calf muscles are also overly at risk of strain with someone who has had corrective surgery.

Could you carry out the sort of minimum training that beats many young lads who think they're fit? Could you carry heavy weights for extended periods over long distances, in extremes of weather and finish off with jolts to your joints that rattle your teeth and threaten to shatter your ankles? (And that just describes one typical Combat Fitness Test you might have to do in winter with an assault course thrown in for good measure)

The army cannot risk taking on any people who may already have a dodgy medical history. A lot of cash goes into training recruits. They can only take the best of the best. If you were taken on and something happened (broken ankle, permanent disability) the ambulance chasing insurers would have a field day...





And anyway.... the QMs don't issue boots for biffs....

[reQuiem]

Well thanks for the reply, I how-ever will have to disagree with you on the severity of the situation there are varying degrees of this disease and mine was minor in comparison to the "googled" pictures you obviously are comparing me too.

I've been friends with a ex-soldier for a couple of year's now and he's been telling me how to train to be "as ready as I can ever be" for the test and beyond. Like running with a weighted backpack up hills and rugged terrain I've also got firends currently serving and family members who are ex-soldiers one of whom was in the para's.

So I'm fully aware of what is too come and I'm not some skinny teenager with no life experience who thinks he can pass the test with ease. Your comments and advice is welcome and I'll take it on board but I'm not going to let it phase me.

I've also been made aware of a soldier who broke his ankles and was face with a life changing decision to have them fused and return home and be medically discharged or have them amputated and with re-hab be allowed to continue his service. So I know some exceptions can be made I just need to prove that I'm worth that risk.

-R

[sportbilly42]

Fairy Nuff.... I'm no doctor anyway.....

Keep your positive attitude whatever you end up doing.....
However, the army (and much of HMF) is cutting back on general recruitment numbers currently so just be prepared for possible disappointment. You and HUNDREDS of others are trying to get in and they're being very choosy on who they open the door to.

[timex]

Like running with a weighted backpack up hills and rugged terrain I've also got firends currently serving and family members who are ex-soldiers one of whom was in the para's.

Please do not run as advised, if you were getting ready for SF then yes. All you will do is damage your knees and probably cause yourself more ankle problems. Continue running, vary your sessions, spend time running on grass and roads, swim and cycle spend time in the gym. At the end of the day its up to you.

[reQuiem]

Oh its OK, I'm taking good care of my self and not forcing my self to do something that hurts. Which as it stands doesn't right now, I go to the gym 3 days a week, run and swim already.

Went to the ACO today and he told me to gather as much evidence as possible indicating why they should give me a shot over the other 100's of healthier possible soldiers. I've scheduled an appointment with my Doctor too see what he thinks or what he can do to help me gather this evidence after which its in the hands of those higher up than the Lichfield medical staff.

I appreciate all the help and advice I am expecting the worst but hoping for the best I know and I feel I can take this to the very end but its up to other people to decide that not me.

-R

[BURGESSMACLEAN]

[quote="reQuiem"]So as the title says I decided to get the ball rolling and start the application process off again, that was in January of this year Today I just got a letter from the Senior Medical Officer at Lichfield he says I'm not eligible to join because of a foot problem when I was a baby that required surgery called Talipse AKA Club foot.

This disappoints me because I have been training IMO really hard and running almost 3 times a week I have not had any foot problems since the operation and 2 and half years ago I had surgery for a different problem on my feet not related to the first problem which was a ganglion this and my family issues stops my training dead in its tracks.
......................................................

I understand your frustration completely. Although you feel fit and capable, the military experience could see re occuring problems or the potential of having to down grade you medically at some stage in the future. They will then become liable for this and it could have the potential for a discharge on medical grounds on the basis that you entered 100% fit and then left '25%' or so disabled. With military intakes being reduced substantially over the next few years because of government cuts, they are really picky and selective. Its just an unfortunate and irritating medical condition which they just dont want to entertain at this stage when they have so many others who are 100% fit without any medical history. Dont let this decision eat at you. As long as you have good health and maintain your fitness I'm sure you can develop an interesting and fullfilling career. Bungy

[reQuiem]

Yes I agree with you, I'm not letting it eat at me. I've been to the doctors today and it's good news he's looking over my files and he may refer me to a foot specialist for a second opinion but he doesn't see why I can't join the army as I'm eager, confident and have the stamina and athleticism too keep up with the 100% fit lads.

The only reoccurring problem I can think of is the ganglion returning which did prevent me from wearing heavy foot wear in its severity how-ever a small incision a snip and 2 weeks on crouches was all that was needed the first time around. He isn't worried about it returning and neither am I they very rarely return and in the same place the ganglion has nothing to do with the Club Foot the doctor thinks it was something I did working on wagons and I didn't realize until the pains started weeks later. I'm optimistic he's also told me that he can't over-rule them and after he's given me the all clear and vouched for me it's in there court yard and if its a no this time then its a no.

I'm just hoping I get given the chance to prove myself.

-R

[reQuiem]

It's not looking good guys, I've prepared my self for disappoitment but it still sucks. Today got a letter from Lichfield basically stating "no new evidence had been submitted" despite the fact I had my doctor do a lengthy report of my weekly activities and he looked over my feet and stated that there was no problems that he could see that would prevent me from joining also had a personal trainer at my local gym put me through my passes told him not to go easy on me and he didn't 30mins-1hour sessions for a solid week he pushed me had me running to the gym as I only lived down the road then got me straight on the cardio machines (rowing, bicycle) he wrote a letter to them giving the details of what he put me through and this was classed as no new evidence.

So I rang Lichfield up today and they basically said the decision isn't about your fitness but about the condition I have to provide evidence to disprove this, in laymens terms I got to get my doctor to say that I wasn't born with this condition. Which if you ask me is rediculous, it's my medical history are they asking me to lie to them about it? am I to pay off my doctor to delete those records?

Basically they are saying that even though I'm quite capable of doing these activities in a civilian environment problems might occur in the military but how do they know what my physical limits we are all human we're all different, it's not like I'm trying to join to get discharge for a massive pay day because they made me break a knee!

If they won't let me try how am I going to know that they were right and more importantly how do I prove them wrong if I'm not given the chance, it's wrong that they "discriminate" like this being picky about who they put through countless healthy people also don't make it yet they pay for them to go that far so why not me?

I've two other choices see if the TA is more lenient and lets me join for a couple of year's and then transfer with the backing of the TA or apply for a VISA in a different country and join that countries Military to show them that I am able then transfer back and move back to the UK, I've heard that it's possible to do this. How-ever it is a little over the top because I'd have to live over there and it's something I'm not accustomed too and wouldn't know where to start.

I could always just keep on applying and hope that one day maybe they'll let me in either be it the government as loosened the proverbial belt on the budget or they just want to give me the chance. I'm 26 so that's what 8 years of rejecting my applications lol they did say they can't stop me applying should be interesting.

I don't think I'd go as far as moving abroad unless I get in the TA then I'll more than likely just stop altogether which is disheartening as I was really looking forward to joining and being with my mates who are currently serving, being one of the many family members who have served but more importantly serving my country.

Looking forward to your responses.

[reQuiem]

So you all doubted me, you all thought it was the end of the road for me.

Today I got a call of the A.C.O and my medical decision has been lifted after sending more information the first time only to be given the same answer I thought about letting it drop and finding a new career but I then realized all the hard work I put in over the past 2 years for this would go to waste because I'd get a dead end job that would bore me and wouldn't present much of a challenge to me, I gave it one lost shot this time a letter addressed to the higher ups above those who rejected me twice and it worked.

I'm so pleased right now all my hard work and persuasive words paid off, I'm to be getting a letter tomorrow confirming my date for the Training Center and what I'll be expecting at the Center.. I know this doesn't guarantee me a place but it's one step closer than I was last month and one step closer to doing what I've always wanted to do.



So as I continue to read others posts on the next phase what are your thoughts and tips advice for me?

Hope to hear from you soon.

-reQ

[timex]

Good luck....hope all goes well for you.