Asthma & the CF (merged thread)

[RB612]

Hello, I have been really interested in joining the Army reserves, mainly Infantry or Artillery, but the long road to getting in seems to have gotten much longer once I read about how Asthma is a strict subject in the CF. About 3 or 4 years ago I was sitting in class and out of the blue I began to have trouble breathing and I was scared, not so much of the breathing but wondering what the hell it was. I went home sick and was taken to the hospital to see breathing specialists. At first they thought it was nerves so they gave me nerve pills. They worked but instead of making me breath easier they would basicly make me to out of it to care. Then I went back for a check up and after doing a test they said I had "borderline" asthma. I was told it was mainly set off by dairy products and colds. The funny part is that I have had my share of cheese and dairy and have gone through colds and had no problems. Then a few years ago I joined a karate club that was nearby to get in better shape and when I took the breathing test it came back perfect. Then I quit karate and eventually it went back to borderline asthma. So what I would like to know is will I have a fair chance of getting into the Reserves? I know about the other lung capacity and asthma tests and I am trying to book an appointment with my breathing specialists to get them so I will have the results to give the med staff when I do join. I have not had any asthma symptoms since that first time and it seems to be easily swayed by exercise. Right now I have joined a gym so I hope that will help. Thanks.

P.S.: I do get out of wind when I run but I am pretty sure it is just from not being in shape(which I am trying to get into now).

 

[The_Falcon]

The only peopel qualified to answer you are the medical staff at your local CFRC.

 

[mhawk]

Your best bet is to get tested for asthma and bring the doctors forms with you to the recruitin center.  That way your prepared for them and they can have them sent ou o Bordon, from which they make the decision whether you can join or not.  From experience I was going through the recruiting stage, and had asthma as a kid.  In order to be qualified medically I had to get an asthma test, stating I no longer had it, or very mild asthma.  After which Ive had no problems and been in the military for over 2 years now.

 

[majordoom]

hi,

I'm 14 years old and, the army is really interesting me. but there is a problem... i have asthma. but, my asthma do not restrict me. ex: i can run 45 minutes without having asthma problem. I never get asthma crise (sry if the word aren't good i'm french ^^) my asthma is really really low and, when i'm not sick my lungs are perfectly normal. Do you think i'm gonna be refused because of this ''inexistent handicap'' (PS: i'm playing hockey and baseball and i don't have problem. i'm taking ventolin when i'm sick. that's all)

Thanks !

 

[adam161]

Ok so, I took the PT for my athsma once before and when some two weeks after sending it in, I received a letter saying I couldn't get in. My athsma is mild and I have never had an attack. Anyways, that was nearly a year ago and I haven't taken my puffer in several months with no problems. I took the PT again and the woman doing the exam specifically told me that my lungs were stronger than the average persons. Also, on my application I only put Infantry as a choice. Now, I'm putting 1.Infantry 2. Armoured Soldier 3. Weapons Tech. On the first test, I said coughing and wheezing were both frequent. On the second, I said never for coughing and wheezing and for shortness of breath I said "only after severe exertion." If anyone wants to comment on my chances, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PMedMoe]

My fault for assuming someone could go beyond that.

No, but for assuming you could get that info here.  Sorry, there's nothing anyone can say.  Each case is looked at individually.

 

[Michael OLeary]

I HAVE asked. Many times before and everyone gives me the basics which I am very clear on. My fault for assuming someone could go beyond that.

What exactly do you want to hear? Even if there was a doctor on the forum with the expertise to assess your condition, he/she can't do it without examining you and/or your medical file.  Any information you got here, even if it was favourable, would mean exactly nothing if the CFRC review denies your enrollment. 

Should we say: "You go girl, way to go hiding the facts and slipping through, hope you never have an attack."

Or should we say "You dope, you've chosen to hide a potential medical problem just to join the Army.  I hope to God you don't have an attack and endanger anyone else's life."

Please tell us, what would you like to hear.

 

[adam161]

I haven't hid the facts! The point that I was trying to make was that my athsma has cleared up alot in the past year. I was only hoping for a profession look at whether I'm chasing something that will never happen or whether I do have  a chance.

 

[Michael OLeary]

I haven't hid the facts! The point that I was trying to make was that my athsma has cleared up alot in the past year. I was only hoping for a profession look at whether I'm chasing something that will never happen or whether I do have  a chance.

Which you were told we cannot tell you with any degree of assurance.

 

[medicineman]

As a general rule, most of us don't like to give medical advice on this site - this is something that's between you, your CFRC, and your doctors.  It's just bad medicine - and it may be the wrong advice for your case.  I'd hate to wrongly pull the rug out from under you or falsely raise your hopes - you'll just have to go through the process.

Cheers and good luck.

MM

 

[jay_imprez]

i just did my medical and interview and i told them ive been off my puffer since 1999 and said am medically fit for infantry and that they will send my file to Ottawa for final review, and that i will be able to go to BMQ at the end of August. They make it seem that it was so easy and that i will get in for sure, but from what you guys are saying its a long waiting game.

 

[RB612]

Well good news about my rather old post. I went to the hospital and had my breathing checked with the treadmill and a few weeks later they said that my breathing is fine. I wasn't sure before because the damn doctor never gave me a straight answer. They booked me for one more test to confirm that I don't have asthma. I guess the problems I experienced a few years back where caused by to much dairy garbage.

 

[jay_imprez]

so i got a call yesterday from the recruiting centre and told me that im in. i didnt even have to do the methocaline test or pulmonary functions test. i guess the medical standards dropped or they believe my asthsma is very mild. well im in and im off to BMQ on Aug 18

 

[kabogadil]

Well good news about my rather old post. I went to the hospital and had my breathing checked with the treadmill and a few weeks later they said that my breathing is fine. I wasn't sure before because the damn doctor never gave me a straight answer. They booked me for one more test to confirm that I don't have asthma. I guess the problems I experienced a few years back where caused by to much dairy garbage.

I did have asthma, although borderline, it was a concern during my application. I had to do the breathing test and my doctor had to sign a form stating that I am medically fit to do strenuous physical training in the Canadian Forces.

Asthma can hit anyone during childhood and it may come back later.  Everyone is different but I think that as long as you do all the tests the CF requires and the doctor deems you as medically fit to do physical activity, then you shouldn't have a problem.  In my case, having asthma didn't really make a difference in as I have applied to regular then later to the reserves.

 

[justin.c]

I am a recent enrollee of 4RCR in London, Ontario as a reserve infantry soldier.

As a child (10 and under) I had trouble breathing in the summer time and occassionally used inhalers, but was never diagnosed with asthma. Since then I haven't
experienced any symptoms or problems. However, when I moved up to London for school, something (probably allergy related) is setting me off again for the first time in nine years. I'm hoping its not asthma, but if it is, what do I do next? I know people have trouble getting in with asthma, but what would I do if I'm already in and have asthma? Will it result with me not being able to stay with the CF?

 

[ModlrMike]

The only person who can give you a coherent answer to your questions would be the medical professional doing the examination. It's impossible to provide a diagnisis and prognosis in this forum. See your doctor and get sorted out.

 

[Rolayo]

If you only have mild asthma, get all the stuff you need to get in.

My doctor said it's a waste of time getting a pulmonary function test because my asthma wasn't bad enough, four months after my letter gets sent, I'm denied. So, pulmonary function, that's sent, four weeks later, they want more information. Methacholine Challenge Test was done Aug 27, and with that, I no longer have asthma, seeing as how I didn't meet the percentage needed for having it..and now on Sept 10th I see a respirologist, pass my info back to the Recruiting Centre, and see what they have to say from there.

They don't look at your asthma as being mild, they look at it as being asthma, and that's terms for being denied. Once you get your stuff passed in, that's when they'll make more of a decision on it...I'd assume.

 

[justin.c]

It's even less than mild. I'm not on any medication, and theres practically nothing thats been able to trigger any trouble breathing.
Its been a few days since I made my first complaint about breathing when I moved up to London and it seems I'm already over it.
Is this even worth mentioning? Already as a member of the CF I'm also a little bit confused where and who I should speak with about this problem, because I don't want to withhold any information and I'm already past my enrolment medical.

 

[Billy-The-Kid]

I think this is dumb.  This just rained on my parade.  I mean, I have asthma and I never new I couldn't use my medication for one year.  People think that you will die if you have an asthma attack.  This is not true.  If you have had it your whole life like me then you know how to control it.  But what gets me, is I could probably do better on the fitness tests, then any other recruit, but since I asthma I won't get in?  That's stupid!  I'm very athletic but since I have a lung disease, that I can control, i still can't get in.  wow.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

I think this is dumb.  This just rained on my parade.  I mean, I have asthma and I never new I couldn't use my medication for one year.  People think that you will die if you have an asthma attack.  This is not true.  If you have had it your whole life like me then you know how to control it.   But what gets me, is I could probably do better on the fitness tests, then any other recruit, but since I asthma I won't get in?  That's stupid!  I'm very athletic but since I have a lung disease, that I can control, i still can't get in.  wow.

Being disappointed is one thing.  I can understand that.

But...the fact of the matter is, the rule is there for a reason. 

Let's say you wanted to go Infantry, and ended up as a LAV gunner or driver.  Just when the **** hits the fan, you have an astham attack and cannot provide fire support as the gunner in that turret, or as the driver, move the vehicle when the enemy is attacking or you are required to move that vehicle to a better fire position, or into some dead ground so the enemy can't just lob a RPG straight at you.

Think about that.  Those are just a few examples, where other people's lives are at stake where it is possible your inability to do the job is not something the Army wants to risk.  I specifically used LAV crew positions as examples.  Why?  Because in those situations, you are mounted and have an armoured vehicle around you.  You are also sitting down. 

What would happen if you were dismounted and moving to a flank, or trying to do a fighting withdrawl and on your feet? 

I can understand you are disappointed, I am trying to give you something to think about, the other side of the coin as it were.