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RCU SHIP 04 DIV 741

Information

RCU SHIP 04 DIV 741

 

Seamen Recruits are here getting medical treatment for minor injuries. FIT DIV is also in this area. 

Location: RTC Chicago, IL
Members: 203
Latest Activity: Jul 20, 2023

It's hard not knowing! That is the purpose for this group. Most likely if you are here your SR has had trouble keeping up or not passed a PFA due to some sort of minor medical issue. Often it stress fractures bringing SR's here. Know this when you don’t get a call that is a very good thing. Calling them is not a good thing and it can negatively impact your SR to have his or her “Mommy“ calling!  They are harder on them in this DIV than any other. They want them up and out. The best thing you can do is sends tons of mail. Send scripture and motivational mail. I know my SR said reading the Bible was considered a sign of weakness here. When you get a tearful call motivate. Stay positive and encourage you SR. This is a small detour to greatness and getting the I'm a Sailor call!  Recruit family and friends…“Navy mom friends are the best“…to send your SR mail as well.  NMH for you all!!

Discussion Forum

NOT KNOWING

Started by Navyvet. Last reply by Navyvet Jul 13, 2021. 2 Replies

My daughter left June 30, 21 ended up being sent to the ER before going to RTC to have her gall bladder removed. She left the hospital on July 5th and is now in RCU. I have not heard from her to see…Continue

Looking for an explanation of the RCU process- please share your insight!

Started by KarinD Mar 18, 2021. 0 Replies

My son was sent to the RCU unit on 3.8.21 for having an inhalant in his medical record for treatment of bronchitis/pleurisy when he was 15 yrs old.Would someone be kind enough to explain the process…Continue

Hello

Started by Katrina Dec 13, 2019. 0 Replies

My SR just came into the RCU from hospital..the good news he is recovering, The 'mom' thing is "OMG"...normally so healthy...eek! I don't know the process, and of course want to know that full…Continue

Hello

Started by Katrina Dec 13, 2019. 0 Replies

My SR just came into the RCU from hospital..the good news he is recovering, The 'mom' thing is "OMG"...normally so healthy...eek! I don't know the process, and of course want to know that full…Continue

Comment Wall

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You need to be a member of RCU SHIP 04 DIV 741 to add comments!

Comment by Jill on May 15, 2012 at 1:49pm

MK: Your emotions are very normal, and very much like us mom's too.  We just want to be able to talk to them, and touch them, just like we've done all their lives.  One thing the Navy is good at: teaching patience, (even to those of us who thought we already had it, and discovered otherwise...) Keep the mail going, and even when you're saying the same things over and over again, never let up, even when they're in a good mood, and even when you've just talked to them, and even when you don't feel like it, even if they tell you you don't have to, etc....  And keep in mind that there is an end to this, and communication will get easier over time, just keep writing for now....  :)

Comment by Patrick's Mom on May 15, 2012 at 12:51pm

Jill, thank your so much for sharing that beautiful story.  I count myself very blessed, as I know first-hand what walking WITH GOD and WITHOUT GOD is like, and believe me the latter was NOT a very pretty picture.  I don't EVER want to be without Him and His presence in my life again.  To know He's with me every day, loving, guiding, encouraging me and hearing my prayers is a gift beyond anything I could ever dream of or hope for.  To pass this knowledge and love of the Lord onto our children, I believe is truly the greatest gift we can give them here on earth.

Oh, and btw Jill, thank you for your kind words about my (and Sharon and Janet) continuing to be here although our sons have finally moved on from RCU in one way or another.  Like I've told Janet, I feel so invested, and care so much for each of you and your SR's.  Continuing to be of support is something the Lord has laid on my heart.  I can't quite imagine NOT being here with you, and continue to pray for healing for all.  The prize of chocolate the size of a football field is certainly not necessary, but WOW!  Would I love it!!!  How did you know?!  LOL

1ProudMom, I have to be honest with you, and tell you from what you've posted, I personally believe something stinks.  I would have my daughter MOST DEFINITELY question why they initially thought she had stress fractures (which I believe would indeed show on an x-ray), and then change the diagnosis to tendonitis and tell her it was a "pre-existing conditon".  If she's uncomfortable with that, and they continue to talk with her about separation, there is an "appeal" process I would highly encourage her to pursue.  Like I said, something doesn't feel or smell right here.  My heart also breaks to know of her crying and being so depressed.  Prayers are certainly being lifted for her and you!  Please continue to update us on her journey.

tracy, so sorry to hear of your son's fractures and move to RCU.  My son had multiple stress fractures as well - 2 in one leg and 3 in the other.  These darn things are so hard to heal from, but the doctors there are very good, and I'm sure will take good care of him.  As others have said, keep the letters and encouraging cards coming - he'll need them now more than ever!  As for you, please visit here often.  Hopefully we other Moms who have sat where you now sit, can provide you the encouragement you need to help you through.

Debra, so sorry things are so tough for you and your son right now.  Do you know specifically when he is set to come home yet?  My heart broke to hear that he said he'd take a cab home from the airport.  He needs to see YOU now more than ever, even if he's trying to be big and strong and not say it.  I'd definitely move heaven and earth no matter what time he arrives to be there to meet him.  Praying God will make the way for you and your family, and you will have an amazing homecoming and reunion with him when that day arrives.

boomMom, thanks for sharing a bit of your history.  Wow, you ARE a native Hawaiian!  That's neat!  I've been there twice - once in the late 70's and once in the early 80's.  I absolutely LOVE it!  I'm hoping my husband and I will be able to make a trip there one day, as he's never been, and it's obviously been many years since I have.  My ex-husband (who's also been there with Patrick) has joked a bout what a nice place that would be to visit if Patrick does indeed get stationed there!

Continuing to pray for healing for all, and for a continued fabulous trip for Janet and family with their beloved Sailor!

Hugs,

Karen

Comment by boomMom on May 15, 2012 at 11:05am

<sniff, sniff!> Beautiful, Jill, just beautiful! Thank you!

Comment by PNSCTNMom on May 15, 2012 at 11:01am

Wow!  Jill you have taken my breath away!  Thank you for reminding me of my purpose in life.

 

Comment by Jill on May 15, 2012 at 9:29am

Good morning everyone: I know we've got some Mom's really going through some tough times right now, but rather than comment individually, I wanted to share something that I have carried in my purse with me since my SR was a baby.  It has given me much comfort over the years, and I hope that it does the same for all of you: 

The young mother set her foot on the path of Life. "Is the way long?" she asked. And her Guide said: "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed with them in the streams, and the sun shone on them, and life was good, and the young mother cried: "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this".

Then night came, and storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle and the children said: "Oh, Mother, we are not afraid for you are near, and no harm can come." And the mother said: "This is better than the brightest of days, for I have taught my children courage."

And the morning came and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary, but at all times she said to the children: "A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and when they reached the top, they said: "We could not have done it without you, Mother." And the mother, when she lay down that night, looked up at the stars and said: "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of difficulty. Yesterday I gave them courage, Today I have given them strength."

And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth - clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: "Look up! Lift your eyes to the light." And the children looked and saw above the clouds an Everlasting Glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness. And that night the mother said: "This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God."

And the days went on, and the months and the years, and the mother grew old, and she was small and bent. But her children were strong and tall and walked with courage. And when the way was hard, they helped their mother; and when the way was rough they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond the hill they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And the mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know that the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them."

Comment by boomMom on May 14, 2012 at 9:00pm

tracy03 - I'm sorry to hear about your son's injuries. Don't worry too much; RCU will take care of your SR. The first thing you need is information, and the best advice that I can give is to read the back posts. Go as far back as Jan. 2012 because that was as far back as I went when I first got here in March, and there is a LOT of information between then and now! Just don't stop writing to him because these letters and cards are like a life line to our recruits! Find out what Phase he is in and there is info in the back-posts that will explain to you what those phases mean in terms of your son's treatments, okay? So, read up, and if you have any concerns or questions, or you're just down in the dumps, just post and any one of these wonderful ladies will be willing to help you! I'm glad you found us!

Comment by boomMom on May 14, 2012 at 8:30pm

1ProudMom, I'm sorry to hear this very disconcerting news! A big hug for your SR-daughter and you!! {{{{Mom and baby-girl}}}} I'm ashamed to say that I might have a double-standard when it comes to sons vs. daughters, because I feel like telling her to come home so that I can hug her and tell her that everything is going to be alright! Yikes! That's sooo opposite of what I told TyelersMom about her son!! But I'm using my own son and daughter in these situations and I would tell my daughter to come home. I understand what you're saying, though, about her giving up when it gets too hard. But it doesn't sound like this is something she can control. Do you think she can ask for a second opinion within RTC? Ask her! Tell her to fight this or, at least, don't just nod her head and accept THEIR decision until she's satisfied that they have looked at all the possible causes of whatever is wrong with her feet! It doesn't even sound like there was an xray taken. How can they say "multiple fractures" and then turn around and say, "not fractures"? She should make them convince her that she deserves to be separated! Go get 'em, baby girl!! Sorry, ProudMom, I got a little carried away. Hang in there, mom! Hugs and prayers for you and your SR!

Comment by Debra11 on May 14, 2012 at 8:07pm

Jill, thanks for the encouraging words, I really needed them today.  My son didn't call yesterday and I didn't think he was going to call today, but he just did.  Apparently some people got in 'trouble', so he couldn't call yesterday; no big deal, it was just MOTHER'S DAY!  

Anyway, his spirits were not great when he called Saturday night; we were all going out to dinner and I think he felt kind of alone. In fact, we were talking about him coming home and my picking him up at the airport; he told me not to worry about it, he would take a cab.  We're about 1/2 hour from the airport, taking a cab really isn't a great idea and there are plenty of people to get him if I couldn't.  I just hope he's not shutting down and getting depressed.

1ProudMom, I share your frustration with the differences in diagnosis.  Without being too forward or rude, from what's happened to my son and to others I've read about leads me to believe that a) some doctors are good, some not so good (as in civilian life) and b) some are following an agenda that may or may not be in the best interest of the recruit.  It breaks my heart that your daughter is so upset and that she's crying all the time; that really sucks!  I, too, am worried about the future of my son, he says he wants to re-enlist when he's totally healed; I hope that works out for him.  I don't have any words of wisdom, as I'm feeling discouraged and upset as well.  I guess we all need to stay strong, and believe that everything will work out as it's meant to be.  

Comment by 1ProudMom on May 14, 2012 at 7:24pm

Wow, the last week sure has been a roller coaster (and feels like it's been more like a month)! 

I, too, got a call yesterday (yay!).  However, my daughter tells me that the doc that is treating her is now saying that he thinks she might have tendonitis rather than stress fractures (last week they told her multiple stress fractures).  He said if it is tendonitis it would have to be the result of a previous injury and not new to her time in the Navy, therefore, the Navy would not be responsible for 'healing' her.  She will be reevaluated in a week and she said they mentioned possible medical separation.  The funny thing?  She's never had an injury of any kind to her feet (prior to this).  Sounds fishy to me.... She also mentioned that the same doc has medically separated 6 others in the past week due to similar injuries. 

She is very depressed and, frankly, I think just ready for this to be over.  She said she cries much of the time and is very down.  I feel like she's already given up. 

She dropped out of college and quit her job and joined the Navy.  If she comes home, she will be starting all over but I don't think she has any intention of going back to school.  This concerns me for her future.

I'm just very discouraged and frustrated.  I know many of you can relate and I covet your continued prayers.

Comment by boomMom on May 14, 2012 at 6:33pm

Hiya Jillian!

That little tidbit from your son about my son being well was really and truly great news for me! Thank you and thank your boy for me, too! I'll be crossing my fingers, toes, legs, eyes, and whatever else is needed to send your SR the energy that he needs to beat this hurdle! Prayers for you and your son AND magic dust for ALL.........~*+~*+~*+~*+~*+~*+~*+~*+~*+~*+~ @--->--- That's supposed to be a rose for you (my sister gave me one for Mother's Day, but hers looked better because she got to use different colors and font sizes.) Drat!

 

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