A patent foramen ovale, will this be an issue?

[Maxpowers]

So been today , basically as there is nothing in jsp 950 about it the superior medical man to the gp I had told him as far he is concerned its a hole in the heart and so captia would not be willing to put me forward .So I will have to go through the apeals process and hopefully get on it with it .
Same as you mate im completely asymptomatic and very fit and active . Mine was only found beacause I had a sunken chest and had to have an echo ,no one mentioned its size but no one was remotely concerned .Its faustrating but I can understand captias stance being a private company they do not want any responsibility . Keep us updated with yours mate !

 

[Sly3]

Christ ! Capita are honestly crooks, tell you the truth it’s slim basically the senior medical officer is a GP as much as any professional in the medical cell, all they do is look at what is in front of them and on paper, without justification as to why the conditions we both have don’t have enough supporting evidence to mitagate against a decision then it’s final. Until proven the candidate will not suffer effects or have any issues during training and service career, and also Capita or the Navy don’t want to have to pay out as somebody didn’t do their home work or pay attention to what they were reviewing. As much as it seems hopeless never the least I’ll keep you in contact with my end as if I can get through there might be hope yet although relying on the NHS is a difficult matter. I advise you to get in touch with a specialist in regards to your situation head over to the Royal Marines page, I’ve made a few threads about the ordeal for anyone interested/ going through the matter as nobody is saying much about the condition.

 

[dapperdunn]

Until proven the candidate will not suffer effects or have any issues during training and service career, and also Capita or the Navy don’t want to have to pay out as somebody didn’t do their home work or pay attention to what they were reviewing.

You can see why they are loathe to allow you to proceed:
https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_health/car_patent_foramen_ovale/

PFO can cause some problems. For example:

• If you have pulmonary hypertension, PFO may make shortness of breath much worse.
• Scuba divers with PFO may be more likely to have small strokes and damage to the brain when they dive. During decompression after diving, small nitrogen bubbles may form in the blood. These bubbles may act like blood clots and cause small strokes or brain damage.

 

[Sly3]

@dapperdunn

I’ve read up on it also I understand that there are risks they certainly want to avoid, although I have no aspirations to be a diver nor do I ever want to do it. I do not have pulmonary hypertension either. My specialist has done multiple echocardiograms a stress test on the treadmill to the highest incline and speed for over 30 mins of activity, I’ve had a bubble test to see the size of the hole and not to forget a CT scan of my heart. With all this evidence he does not see any indication or issues that could arise in fact he thinks it’s not even in slight chance a worry in later life and there is no reason to correct the problem as it wouldn’t do much of any good as I have no issues. And he’s seen it before, not to forget to mention he was a medical doctor in the navy many years ago. As I’ve said I’m hopeful, I don’t slow down and I’m mega active. And don’t take my reply as a negative I’m just saying my piece as I’ve had a right gutsful to just hear the words of a yes or a no over the last 2 and half years I want to know if I can get on with my life as I’m in a bind as what I want to do and all that I want to be a Royal Marine.

 

[Maxpowers]

Ive been through the apeal process before with a previous back op so I know the process . I have had Two echocardiograms one being the bubble contrast , spiromentey and ecg , so I had a decent m.o.t.Im allready ten steps ahead in regards to getting NHS tests done . . 1. They may aprove my apeal , or 2. They may treat it like an ASD wich is worse and acording to jsp 950 candidates with a closed ASD can proceed so if worse comes to worst ill have the sucker closed up .

 

[Sly3]

@Maxpowers

It’s a difficult process as we know, the more evidence you comply and attach training plans and a good letter, stating your ambitions and reasons there is no way they can’t at least give a good honest opinion and make a thoughtful decision there is no rule or JSP about it but it is on desecration of a specalists report. You and I have a slim chance but you can’t say you didn’t try and I wish you the best of luck be in store for a length wait.

 

[Maxpowers]

@Maxpowers

It’s a difficult process as we know, the more evidence you comply and attach training plans and a good letter, stating your ambitions and reasons there is no way they can’t at least give a good honest opinion and make a thoughtful decision there is no rule or JSP about it but it is on desecration of a specalists report. You and I have a slim chance but you can’t say you didn’t try and I wish you the best of luck be in store for a length wait.

@Maxpowers

It’s a difficult process as we know, the more evidence you comply and attach training plans and a good letter, stating your ambitions and reasons there is no way they can’t at least give a good honest opinion and make a thoughtful decision there is no rule or JSP about it but it is on desecration of a specalists report. You and I have a slim chance but you can’t say you didn’t try and I wish you the best of luck be in store for a length wait.

No such thing as slim ,you ether pass or fail.
I personally don’t see it as a slim chance . Provide the evidence , your previous history and your fitness standards and if it is something that genuinely wont affect service life and if not a p8 on jsp then you will win your apeal simple

 

[Sly3]

@Maxpowers

Here’s hoping !

 

[Maxpowers]

@Maxpowers

Here’s hoping !

How did you find out about yours if you dont mind me asking?

 

[SONAR-BENDER]

It doesn't help you two, but statistically there must be hundreds, if not thousands serving in the Forces with PFOs.

If you haven't done so already, you might try looking at some SCUBA diving sites, as this problem crops up fairly regularly, as does how to go about getting sorted - if you want/need to go down that route.

Good luck both.

 

[Maxpowers]

It doesn't help you two, but statistically there must be hundreds, if not thousands serving in the Forces with PFOs.

If you haven't done so already, you might try looking at some SCUBA diving sites, as this problem crops up fairly regularly, as does how to go about getting sorted - if you want/need to go down that route.

Good luck both.

As you say if statistically there could be as much as 25% of the population has it then as much as a quarter of serving personnel could also have it . Thank you I may have a look as getting closed may well be on the cards if they treat it as the more severe ASD

 

[Maxpowers]

So I have drafted what I feel is a highly complelling letter , I have requested a more indepth report from my consultant . Once this all together I will send it off and keep you all updated . Whilst I maintain a level head I do believe I will get through this .

 

[Maxpowers]

Letter from the cardio heart man consultant doctor man person came today , so my apeal has now been sent.

 

[Sly3]

Good luck mate !

 

[Maxpowers]

Cheers thank you.

 

[Drakey]

The problem with a PFO is that because it is common there is no financial backing for the NHS to correct it unless it is life threatening. If you want it fixed you will be looking at private medical care. I know this because I was diagnosed with a PFO about 2 years ago and the NHS do not have the financial means to do anything about it. I may have had this while serving but didn't know about it. If it had been known I doubt whether I would have been able to serve. Best of luck with your appeal.

 

[Maxpowers]

The problem with a PFO is that because it is common there is no financial backing for the NHS to correct it unless it is life threatening. If you want it fixed you will be looking at private medical care. I know this because I was diagnosed with a PFO about 2 years ago and the NHS do not have the financial means to do anything about it. I may have had this while serving but didn't know about it. If it had been known I doubt whether I would have been able to serve. Best of luck with your appeal.

I see what you are saying.Maybe I might have to go down the private route if needs be. I mean mines so mild that I literally have to be straining like im about to pull 8g before the the flap opens acording to my consultant . Its from birth so you would of had it your whole life . Much appreciated!

 

[Maxpowers]

had it been giving you issue’s drakey just out of interest?

 

[Drakey]

had it been giving you issue’s drakey just out of interest?

See PM