Scripted call on P-day 1 or 2.

[bethvac65]

My son arrived at boot camp the night of August 13 and at 5:30 on August 15, I received the dreaded scripted call "Do not come to my graduation, I will note be there. I am sick/injured and will be given a new graduation date". That's it. First of all, I had never even been given an official graduation date - he had just arrived! I hadn't even gotten his box yet.

The next morning, August 16, I received a phone call from someone wanting to schedule a neurology consult for my son. I explained that he is in boot camp and she said "oh no - I called the wrong number". She was supposed to be calling RTC but saw my number first. I tried to press her for information but, due to HIPAA, she was not very forthcoming. First she said he had a headache. Then, it sounded like that was just her opinion so I pressed her further. She then said something about "weak" and he "fell". I asked "did he pass out?" and she said "yeah..." but there was a bit of a language barrier so I am not 100% sure that this was all accurate. 

So now my imagination is running wild. How could he have passed out when he had only just arrived? Aren't they basically just doing paperwork at that time? Good grief, if he passes out from doing paperwork, what is going to happen when he starts training? I should mention that nothing like this has happened to him before. He is not a star athlete by any means but he had the 1.5 mile run down to 11:30 before he left, with very little effort. Had his push ups and sit ups where they should be. He is not overweight (5'11" 145 lbs). I know he does not eat right - loves junk food, hates fruit and vegetables. He can actually go an entire day without eating and not think twice about it because he "just wasn't hungry". If he actually did pass out, I think it was probably due to not eating / dehydration.

But then why the neurology consult? That seems like overkill, unless he hit his head and has a concussion or lingering headache. This not knowing is KILLING me. He sounded good on the phone and when I asked if he was ok, he said yes. But I'm terrified that he will end up separated - and that will break his heart. Also, who knows how long it will take to get the neurology consult? The longer he sits around, the worse his running time will be. I'd hate for him to fail his initial PFA because he sat around in Ship 4 and became deconditioned. 

If you read all of this - thank you!  I'm a nervous, rambling mama!  Today is Sunday so I am praying to hear something from him.

[Sarah's Human]

Hi BethV—

I’m going to predicate this with the absolute certainty that the Navy will go overboard if someone thinks something might be wrong neurologically.

That said, if he needs a neuro consult it wasn’t just a headache. If he passed out and they couldn’t find an explanation in RCU, they will call a civilian specialist to make absolutely certain he’s okay.

As for his run time, he’ll have the opportunity to fix that if his time increases due to a stay in RCU.

My boy finished the second half of the run on a completely severed fibia and spent five month in RCU. He saw a civilian orthopedist weekly.

We got the call six days before graduation. It was a tough time for all of us but we made it through and though my boy had to change his rating for a time he’s still working on getting back.

Hang in there. I know the particular level of hell you’re inhabiting and it’s sooooo hard to just think straight sometimes but you and your son will be okay.

I hope you get a call today. If so, update us when you can. Oh, and try not to cry when he calls. I can’t say I didn’t have sniffles here and there but do try.

((((((((Beth))))))))

[bethvac65]

Thank you so much. Praying that there is a reasonable explanation for whatever happened and that it's not something that will result in separation. It's so hard...I've never been in a position where I couldn't just call somebody to try to find out what's going on with one of my kids.

[Sarah's Human]

It’s hard enough knowing they’ve chosen a profession that isn’t exactly safe. Then you’re hit with being completely out of the loop when they’re injured/ill. I almost fell into a neurotic state!

As another mom told me: Semper Gumby!

Hang tough. Your son will need you to keep his spirits up. To do that you need someone to vent/talk/cry with. That’s why we’re here!