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Medical Test...Psoriasis + Dental.

Discussions on joining & training in the Royal Navy.
Binty
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Medical Test...Psoriasis + Dental.

Post by Binty »

Hiya,

After a couple of years of putting off applying for the navy because of my psoriasis, i have decided to just go for it, but im really concerned i'll fail because of it.
I have it on my scalp, stomach and under a couple of my finger nails, its not 'severe' but its noticable , i know it says about psoriasis, but does anyone know the severity they'd fail you on? Or do they just fail you however bad it is?


Also the dental, does this take place the same time as the medical? And what would they fail you on?

The Navy is the only career i want to do, and i've actually had sleepless nights over this medical, so any reply would be appreciated.

Thanks

Katie
mfat_man
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Re: Medical Test...Psoriasis + Dental.

Post by mfat_man »

Binty wrote:Hiya,

After a couple of years of putting off applying for the navy because of my psoriasis, i have decided to just go for it, but im really concerned i'll fail because of it.
I have it on my scalp, stomach and under a couple of my finger nails, its not 'severe' but its noticable , i know it says about psoriasis, but does anyone know the severity they'd fail you on? Or do they just fail you however bad it is?


Also the dental, does this take place the same time as the medical? And what would they fail you on?

The Navy is the only career i want to do, and i've actually had sleepless nights over this medical, so any reply would be appreciated.

Thanks

Katie
Hi Katie

http://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/

Well it sounds like someting that quite a few people have these days so I should imagine Naval Doctors will have come across it and will have an opinion as to how it can affect military service. Obviously only they can give a full opionion but here are some thoughts for you;

Is this something that you know how it is caused? e.g is it genetic? caused by diet? or stress? I have had a few problem with an upset tummy in the last few years and through a process of elimination have worked out it's made worse by milk or cream, I don't even eat choccie these days :roll:

I am sure you will still be out there looking for help with herbal creams and the like but keep going because sometimes a cure or partial cure can be found and it takes time. Also there will be advancements in medical knowledge in this area.

With regards to teeth, I am again sure that not everyone joining up has a perfect pair of nashers :lol:

If it's in your heart to go for it then why not? At least you will get some answers instead of worring over your application

Good luck :wink:
Binty
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Post by Binty »

Thanks very much, i know what causes mine, its anxiety, stress and the worst one of all 3...alcohol, i don't really drink much anyway, well try not to :roll: looks like no drinking a week before medical then lol.

I'm guessing the medical all lies on whether my psoriasis hasn't flared up that day, but it probably will because of nerves.

Ok as you said the only real way to find out is to grit my teeth and go for it. Which has put another question in my head: - If you are failed on something like a skin condition, are you allowed to reapply when you personally think its cleared up or calmed down? Or is it a straight no and your not allowed a 2nd go if failed?

See i'm not really wanting to get my hopes up by getting so far in the recruitment then being booted out the AFCO door.

Sorry to go on lol.

Katie


Oh and thanks for the site, it's very useful!
sophiebutty
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Post by sophiebutty »

Hi Katie,

I think the only thing you can do is talk to the doctor when you're at your medical. It's all very subjective and the doctor can request a letter from your specialist if he's concerned so it may fall to your consultant to have the final say. It's out of your hands so try not to worry. Realise saying that is as useful as a chocolate teapot.

I think one of my brother's army mates has got psoriasis pretty badly but manages with it ok.

I'm only thinking aloud now but if it's something you can manage easily with emolliants and doesn't interfere with your work then you may be ok.

Which branch are you applying for?

Sophie
Binty
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Post by Binty »

Hi, thanks for the replies again.

I phoned the AFCO and got a medical examination just for my psoriasis, which is on Wed 6th Sept.
The lady i spoke to said the Medical Officer will determine the type of psoriasis i have, are they meaning whether its arthiritical psoriasis (which i don't have)? ie. affecting the movement of my joints.

Also i have an appointment with my Gp 2 days before to see what she thinks about it all, so hopefully if it comes to the Medical Officer requesting advice from my Gp, she will vouch that it doesn't affect my day to day life. I do have basic psoriasis creams eg mild steroids and coltar.
Hopefully i can get it to calm down with a cream marathon over the weekend.
One thing that flares psoriasis is stress, and this is stressful lol...typical!

Also one more thing, im sure my psoriasis would clear if i change my lifestyle, eg quit smoking and stop drinking and cut out the crap from my diet, but will the medical officer pay attention to this? Or do they not really pay attention as to what you personally think? Is it just what its like on the day of the examination?

If worst comes to worst and i don't pass this medical, will i be able to re-apply in the future if it calms down a lot or goes away totally? Or is a no a complete no?

Sorry for the bombardment of questions, but a lot is lying on Wednesday.


The branch i am applying for is Store Accountant.

Many thanks,

Katie
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Post by ali_hire »

If you fail the medical then you will be declared medically unfit for training/service. There are 2 different types though, temporarily medically unfit (TMU) and permenantly medically unfit (PMU).

If you are declared TMU then all is not lost. They are basically saying that at that particular time you have been declared unfit, but for something that can be cured/controlled.(an example of this might be asthma or a recent injury that has not fully recovered).
If this happens you will be able to reapply again in the future.

If you declared PMU (as I very nearly was) then they have failed you for something there is no known cure for and that will not get better with time.
Aways look on the bright side of life.
Brian-
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Post by Brian- »

Binty wrote:Also one more thing, im sure my psoriasis would clear if i change my lifestyle, eg quit smoking and stop drinking and cut out the crap from my diet
Well why don't you do that then? :-?
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Post by mfat_man »

Binty wrote:Thanks very much, i know what causes mine, its anxiety, stress and the worst one of all 3...alcohol, i don't really drink much anyway, well try not to :roll: looks like no drinking a week before medical then lol.

I'm guessing the medical all lies on whether my psoriasis hasn't flared up that day, but it probably will because of nerves.

Ok as you said the only real way to find out is to grit my teeth and go for it. Which has put another question in my head: - If you are failed on something like a skin condition, are you allowed to reapply when you personally think its cleared up or calmed down? Or is it a straight no and your not allowed a 2nd go if failed?

See i'm not really wanting to get my hopes up by getting so far in the recruitment then being booted out the AFCO door.

Sorry to go on lol.

Katie


Oh and thanks for the site, it's very useful!
Katie

It's good to know what causes your condition but how are you controlling stress at the moment? Meditation, relaxing music, reading up on how to control anxiety can all help. BOOZE WILL NOT!

It sounds like the other poster has some good advice e.g. you might need to see a consultant to get an opinion. But if you feel in your own head and heart that you want to go for it then do so 8)
Binty
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Post by Binty »

Ive already started all the above things to calm it down, i did a couple of months ago, but its taking its time to calm, but i suppose it is better than it was :-?
sophiebutty
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Post by sophiebutty »

Found this when I was doing some other research and it identifies the types of psoriasis very clearly.

http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage. ... 4&cook=yes


My dermatology is poor at best, but would presume the doctor will look at the stability and location of the plaques. The Navy are very keen on your knees so I would imagine your patellar surfaces and elbows will be scrutinised.

You said yourself that alcohol is a trigger so try and drink lots of water avoid the booze for a few days. You probably know that psoriasis can be triggered by other drugs as well so don't take and ibuprofen based pain killers, hope you don't need any of the other drugs which are triggers as you may struggle otherwise.

I hope this helps. Best of luck with everything, I'm sure it'll work out.

Sophie
Binty
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Post by Binty »

Thanks :)

I'll report back with what my GP reckons, if its bad news i'll probably put the medical examination off for a couple of months and see if i can try other things to shift it, if its good news then i'll finally be able to apply officially :)

Fingers crossed.

Im guessing if the Navy aren't happy with my psoriasis (which i don't think is bad, or anything that can't be controlled anyway), then the RAF will have the same approach to psoriasis?
elvis_3
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Re: Medical Test...Psoriasis + Dental.

Post by elvis_3 »

I had a bad toothache last week, I visit a dentist that gave me treatment to lower down my pain. It worked but only for 3-4 days. That is why I want some recommendations for dentists, Barnegat, NJ that can give me proper cure.
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Tab
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Re: Medical Test...Psoriasis + Dental.

Post by Tab »

Elvis-3......Dental work would work out to expensive when you take into consideration the fares there and back to the UK
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Hyperlithe
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Re: Medical Test...Psoriasis + Dental.

Post by Hyperlithe »

And after 7 years the original poster has probably either got their teeth sorted or they've all fallen out... :lol:
You can have peace.
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Tab
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Re: Medical Test...Psoriasis + Dental.

Post by Tab »

Hyperlithe he probably carries his teeth in his pocket these days.
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