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fredcanfly
02-04-2012, 09:41 AM
I am an Air Force SSgt with 8 years of service. While deployed last May, I had chest pain after running. They found an aortic aneurysm and a med evac, open heart surgery later, it has been corrected. While working on getting the follow-up from the cardiologist, the tests showed weird results, so further testing was done. After all was said and done, I have been found to have a right branch blockage and low blood flow to my heart. So, for that time period (May - December), I was not able to PT at all due my cardiologist not knowing what was wrong with my heart. Early December, he cleared me to do light workouts (walking and stationary bike). So, until 20 January, I was able to do some workouts.

During that 8 month period that I was not able to workout, my waist ballooned from 35" to 42.5". While I do take some of the blame (I was running 13 miles per day in the desert, and so I was eating like that. The caloric intake did not decrease after my surgery - until it was too late), it is very difficult to make a change like that overnight. I have now restricted my calories to the extreme to try to counter-balance the lack of being able to work out.

On 20 January, I went to my PCM because I have been having some sharp pains in my temple, black spots forming, and blacking out. She has referred me to a neurologist who thinks I may have a brain aneurysm. They are running the tests to find out, but in the mean time, I am facing another PT test on 1 March. And, they don't want me doing anything that may raise my blood pressure. So, exercise of any sort is out. My waist has been decreased to 40", but I think that was due to being able to exercise. I am on a 1000 calorie a day diet (tried 1500 and 1200 per day (for 1 month a piece), but was gaining weight on those diets), and I am maintaining. I don't think there is any way that I could reduce my caloric intake without going bulimic or anorexic routes - not going to happen.

So, here is my question: Is it even possible to pass my March PT test? What can I do? All I need is to pass one (37.5" waist for those testing waist only), because my PEBLO says that I am 6 months off from being out (Med board). Any advice, tips, quick fix, I am willing to try almost anything at this point to get this monkey off my back. Please help me. I just want to be able to eat healthy again without having to be concerned with my waist line. Thank you all!

Pavegunner72
02-04-2012, 01:54 PM
Are you on coumadin? That will affect what diet tips I can give you (my active duty spouse has the same thing and has a mechanical valve in her aorta- she is being MEB'ed right now).

Pavegunner72
02-04-2012, 02:19 PM
My understanding is you are under a "Line of Duty" determination period medically so even if you fail the test they cannot kick you out. By the time they try anything you will be under the full MEB (If you are on blood thinners, your career will prob be over) and none of this will matter anyway. I applaud your personal pride in wanting to maintain standards but taking care of healing heart is your priority in life now- not stressing over a bullshit test. If you still want to lose waist- start drinking nothing but water - 100-120 ounces a day. This will cause your body to rid itself of excess stored water which is normally 5-10lbs weight. If you are on coumadin- stay active walking and if you eat leafy greens (Vitamin K) eat them sparingly and consistently so your INR levels are constant. Eat low fats, non-processed foods with no sugar/salts as well. Since you are not very active, stay clear of carbs in large amounts. Hope this helps.

Measure Man
02-04-2012, 07:03 PM
sounds like you have a serious medical condition and should be getting any advice from your doctor, and maybe you shouldn't be doing any extreme dieting?.

Pt is the least of your worries... you might just have to take this one in the shorts. One PT fail isn't gonna be a big worry for you in the grand scheme of things.

bb stacker
02-04-2012, 08:04 PM
get a tummy wrap and suck in as much as you can while they tape you.

spirit_eyes
02-07-2012, 12:44 PM
and again, another reason i'm glad my time is over. good guy, health problems, and sweating a stupid pt. gotta worry more about the damn pt, rather than health. what a bunch of crap. sorry dude, best advice i can give is - talk with your doc and let them know.
failing a pt is much better than dropping dead, trying to pass. just ain't worth it.

bb stacker
02-07-2012, 01:58 PM
just fyi, once your meb is initiated they can not admin separate you for pt. thats the good news. bad news is they can demote you, or at least try. fight it every step of the way and hopefully your have your results before they can take your stripe.

and if you have been here yet, there is a ton of good info
http://www.pebforum.com/forum.php

HeyEng
02-07-2012, 03:42 PM
I am assuming you have no failures. I wouldn't sweat it really. get a letter from one of your doctors about your waist...it can help if and when the CC has to make a decision about any adverse action. Man...this is some bullshit. I am VERY glad I will be retiring soon. You all have a good time with this!

On another note, I went from a 42.5" waist down to a 36" waist in less than 60 days. I have a very restriced diet (1100-1200 cals a day) and exercised 6 days a week. It can be done, but I was sure as hell didn't have any medical issues going on either...so take that with a grain of salt.