<p>Well, I posted on this thread earlier abbout having really bad shin splints before basic so I decided to let everyone know about my current problem. I let them heal before basic but I guess not properly. On the 5th of July I felt some incredible pain in my right leg during the run on the terrazo…nothing like ive felt before and I just fell to the ground. After several trips to the clinic and being told I just had really bad shin splints I knew it was something else because I have had them before. When they took me to the hospital to do a bone scan, they found that I had developed stress fractures in my right tibia and a stress reaction, on the verge of fracturing, on my left tibia. The same day I was diagnosed with strep throat from bad chills, fever, and an extremly inflammed and red throat. So by all means I was in a very bad state of mind. That same day they told me I was going to have to be turned back for medical reasons because I would not be able to continue BCT. Does anyone have any advice for me? What should I do in this year to help “find myself” and make my decision on coming back?</p>
<p>First, take deep breaths. It is scary, but you just need to believe it will work out. Not to be preachy, but after being with Bullet for 20+ yrs(this includes college) we have seen our world turn upside down in a few seconds, and as soon as we have our bearings it turns right side up again. You just need to believe in yourself and understand the military career is the best roller coaster ride you will ever have.</p>
<p>Second, get yourself into a college, preferably one with AFROTC, this way you can get your commander to support you. Believe it or not many det commanders are thrilled to have one of their own transfer to the AFA, it is motivation for all of the cadets.</p>
<p>Third, I question the help "find myself" and make my decision on coming back. Only you can decide if the AFA is the right fit for you or if the AF is the road you should travel. There is nothing wrong with you, if you say I want to go another route for my commission. I've been there checked the box, and now I see that I would enjoy AFROTC better. There is also nothing wrong in saying after 3 weeks I realize I don't want to live this life for the next 9 yrs. </p>
<p>You will grow in maturity this yr, and will be a different person next year. For right now get yourself healthy, get into school, start the process to return. Believe me tomorrow will be a better day.</p>
<p>wmfalcon12 first I'm going to refer you to this thread. You will find at least 2 other classmates in the same boat. It helps to have that support.</p>
<p>Second you have an opportunity now to make your doolie year much less stressfull at least Academically. You can use the year to go to your local CC and take the Physics, Chem, and Calc classes in a low pressure environment. If you choose to return you can vaildate those classes or take the ones USAFA places you in but either way you'll be ahead Academically. </p>
<p>You will have Tricare available to help get your legs fixed. You have a stress free year to rehabilitate. You don't have to worry about the admissions process becuase your spot is waiting for you. </p>
<p>Hope this helps</p>
<p>Yep, listen to ds52262 - it's great advise. And re-read that link/post line he pointed you to, as my advise is hiding on there already (my son was a 2011 turnback that ended up not making it back, but went AFROTC instead. </p>
<p>Enjoy the extra year with your family, work hard at the local college, take the tough courses so you are ready for them wherever you end up going next year, and stay in touch with the cadets you made freinds with at BCT. Support them with letters and packages like you would have wanted to be supported. They will give you advise on what to do next I'm sure too (though filter it - they'll be living the he ll that is first year, but in the end I think they'll tell you it was worth it. :)</p>
<p>Good luck with the legs. Make sure to get your doc to recomend you to a TIRCARE facility - not all PT places take that insurance. Or if you can't find one locally hopefully mom and dad have good coverage - get what you need and get back to AFA if that is what your dream is.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>DKnightfam</p>
<p>Long time lurker and first post...<br>
First, thank you all for the incredible information and time that goes into keeping everyone informed with the AFA experiences, knowledge and insights. </p>
<p>Two weeks before my son was to report to the Air Force Prep, he breaks his leg in an organized recreation activity at a Church camp in Florida. Another camp attendee rolled up his ankle and popped the fibula about 4” above the ankle. They were not goofing around; it was just a crazy accident. </p>
<p>We got him back home and quickly got him to an orthopedist that put him in a hard cast and a subsequent surgery to install a plate and screws to secure the alignment. It was successful and he gets the sutures out today and will be in a boot for 4 weeks. </p>
<p>We contacted the AFA and his recruiting coach not sure how the conversation would go, but they were very understanding and supportive. </p>
<p>His spirits are good. He is saddened by the fact that the buildup and preparation to this point are gone, but on the bright side, he’s happy he has an additional year to bulk up and keep preparing for the tough academics. He is set on AFA and this incident reaffirmed his commitment to push forward. His mom and I are ok because he’s doing ok. He’s a good strong Christian young man and knows there are higher plans in all of this that we just don’t see yet.</p>
<p>We contacted the NCAA and a local college and he will be enrolling in 3 classes to keep his study / academic skills fresh. This had been an emotional rollercoaster for him and the rest of the family. </p>
<p>So, now I'm back to buying the 6 gallons of milk he goes through every week… For this next year, I’m making him a “bubble boy” 6 months prior to reporting. </p>
<p>For all the other families that are facing a turn-back, our heart and prayers are with your families also. Best of luck to all.</p>
<p>I hope all goes well!</p>
<p>Just remember in a yr from now you are going to miss buying that milk ;)</p>
<p>We are here for you all too. Bufo...about two weeks before basic my son had a really bad collision on the baseball field playing with his legion team...and he wracked up his left shoulder. The orthopedic surgeon we saw said he needed several months of rehab to get back into shape for basic...so the AFA turned him back.</p>
<p>It was an emotional blow...but my s has made the best of it and has enrolled in the state university where lots of his hs buds are. He is using this time to weight lift and run and get into great shape. He also feels good about trying out college classes without the stress of PT. He's taking an AFROTC class as well..."just in case". But...like the others who have posted here...this has made his resolve stronger to go next year...and I've come to believe he'll be much better prepared academically, physically, and emotionally when next June comes.</p>
<p>Best of luck to all of you, and if we can help in any way...please PM us.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Although I haven't experienced it, I know that it could be a blessing in disguise. Another year of preparation before going through the rigors of life at the Academy. Time to get into shape physically, and expericence college courses. It also gives you a another year with your family. By no means am I saying that it is a good thing, but it may be good in the long run. Either way, good luck, and I wish the best for you, and everyone who has been turned back.</p>
<p>I saw this a number of days ago and am still sad for you. I suppose it is possible that your doc did not catch the fractures and you had them all along so your spring rest just postponed the inevitable. </p>
<p>Good advice posted above. Try and see a doc who is used to treating sports type injuries. Also, there is much good information out on the net, just make sure you are on a reputable site.</p>
<p>Keep your dream alive!</p>
<p>SD</p>