Professional Soldiers ® - Mitral Valve Prolapse

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Mitral Valve Prolapse

Gentlemen,

During my Sophomore year sports physical I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse. My family physician cleared me to play sports throughout high school, the only condition is use of anitbiotics (amoxicillin) if I was to have any surgeries or Dental work done. I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2002, MEPS Doctor cleared me during the physical and the Mitral Valve Prolapse is noted in my Med Recs. I have never had any ill effects due to this condition while playing sports or during my time in the Marines. I even had an EKG done in the Marines by the Navy Doctor and was never limited duty. I was wondering if this would be a disqualifier for Special Forces. I was talking to my local recruiter about getting a prior service 18X contract and informed him of this condition. He used to be a MEPS liaison and he wasn't sure about this either. I go to see the MEPS Doc 20080208. My concern is not that I won't be able to enlist in the Army, but that this will prohibit an 18X contract. I am also worried that my recruiter and MEPS will say yes, but that when they are screening ptotential candidates Med recs for SFAS I will be disqualified and dropped into a regular infantry unit. There is nothing wrong with that, but my goal is to become a QP, and I would hate for the door to be slammed in my face before I even get a chance to do my best at SFAS.

Thank you for you time,
Houston

Quote:

Originally Posted by houston (Post 195757)

Gentlemen,

During my Sophomore year sports physical I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse. My family physician cleared me to play sports throughout high school, the only condition is use of antibiotics (amoxicillin) if I was to have any surgeries or Dental work done. Houston

Just a FYI..... you may want to discuss whether you need to follow this advice anymore. Here is the latest and most up to date recommendations from the American Heart Association on antibiotic Prophylaxis.

Quote:

The current practice of giving patients antibiotics prior to a dental procedure is no longer recommended EXCEPT for patients with the highest risk of adverse outcomes resulting from BE (see below on this card). The Committee cannot exclude the possibility that an exceedingly small number of cases, if any, of BE may be prevented by antibiotic prophylaxis prior to a dental procedure. If such benefit from prophylaxis exists, it should be reserved ONLY for those patients listed below. The Committee recognizes the importance of good oral and dental health and regular visits to the dentist for patients at risk of BE.

The Committee no longer recommends administering antibiotics solely to prevent BE in patients who undergo a GI or GU tract procedure.

Changes in these guidelines do not change the fact that your cardiac condition puts you at increased risk for developing endocarditis. If you develop signs or symptoms of endocarditis – such as unexplained fever – see your doctor right away. If blood cultures are necessary (to determine if endocarditis is present), it is important for your doctor to obtain these cultures and other relevant tests BEFORE antibiotics are started.

Antibiotic prophylaxis with dental procedures is recommended only for patients with cardiac conditions associated with the highest risk of adverse outcomes from endocarditis, including:

Prosthetic cardiac valve
Previous endocarditis
Congenital heart disease only in the following categories:
–Unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits

–Completely repaired congenital heart disease with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure*

–Repaired congenital heart disease with residual defects at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device (which inhibit endothelialization)

Cardiac transplantation recipients with cardiac valvular disease
*Prophylaxis is recommended because endothelialization of prosthetic material occurs within six months after the procedure.

Dental procedures for which prophylaxis is recommended in patients with cardiac conditions listed above:
All dental procedures that involve manipulation of gingival tissue or the periapical region of teeth, or perforation of the oral mucosa*

*Antibiotic prophylaxis is NOT recommended for the following dental procedures or events: routine anesthetic injections through noninfected tissue; taking dental radiographs; placement of removable prosthodontic or orthodontic appliances; adjustment of orthodontic appliances; placement of orthodontic brackets; and shedding of deciduous teeth and bleeding from trauma to the lips or oral mucosa.

My mother has mitral valve prolapse and an artificial valve. She goes to valvereplacement.com to get the latest info on her condition. I realize this doesn't help your 18X question, but you may find it to be a good resource for the future.

You can use the search button and find the resource to answer your own question...
Ultimately...it will be between you, your physician, and the SWC surgeon...

Eagle

Quote:

Originally Posted by houston (Post 195757)

I think you need to re-read the stickies.

AR 40-501.

TR

if it worth saying, it will be quoted.