Heart rate too fast...

[Knicky (Ship14Div351)]

Howdy ya'll, I introduced myself in the Hobbies section so I won't do it here. I had a question that I cannot seem to find much information on from the spouse side of things (which is hard). I wanted to know if anyone else's future sailor has dealt with this issue and so what happened?

My hubby went to MEPs last week. He passed the ASVAB with flying colors (can pick just about anything he can think of, did so well), he made it through the duck walk (which I had warned him about having had done it myself long ago), he even made it through the paranoia of the background questions and the prodding of needles and doctors alike. However, he was temporarily DQd because his heart rate wouldn't go down. His blood pressure was perfect they said, but his heart rate was too fast. He believes that most of this was from nerves since his family was rather poor and they almost never went to the doctors so he had never had blood drawn before or an EKG or anything of the sort. Additionally, every time he would get settled down to relax and let his heart slow down someone would walk in and poke at him, or he would have to get up to do other things before they would drag him back to try again.

Finally they told him to pack it up, they gave him a sheet that his personal physician has to check his pulse three times a day, every hour, for two days. I think he will be able to pass this just fine since he has gone to seen our personal doctor a few times before this so he should be much more relaxed. What I want to know is:

1. Will it be forever in his file? Will it bar him from advancement (or becoming an Officer) in the future?

2. When they check again before leaving to basic/ at basic training, will they try to kick him out if his nervousness gets to him again?

3. How long does it take after turning the physician form in before he can go back to MEPs?

The recruiter said to NOT mention white coat syndrome as that would require a psychiatric evaluation to make sure he doesn't have serious anxiety. I don't think he does, he just got very nervous and excited about how well he was doing...up till that point anyway.  Thank you all for any advice or feedback. I appreciate it a lot. I want to set his mind at ease by hearing from others who have had this happen and still made it in! 

[Angie]

1)...no it won't affect anything if he gets approved to join.

2)..yes and they have lots of medical while in bootcamp...if he can't get over this they will not allow him to join, also if he does get to join and gets to bootcamp and the same things happen yes they will send him home.  They can't have people who get nervous over little things in the Navy.  If he can't handle the pressure of just getting regular medical stuff done, how would he handle a fire or flood?  Odds are he wouldn't be able to and would cause medical issues.

3) could be weeks, could be months

If he hasn't been diagnosed with something, why would anyone say that someone may have it.  Unless your husband has been diagnosed with that syndrome, he doesn't have it

Recommend you and your husband start making a back up plan for your lifes and careers as the Navy is VERY Stressful

[Knicky (Ship14Div351)]

All valid points, thank you for being brutally honest! So many people tip-toe around these types of issues. Honestly if he is unable to get in he will simply continue with the job he already has...or start looking for a new one. We aren't in desperate need for him to get in, he just really wants to do something he feels is "worth" doing. His current job isn't very satisfying in that way. He is supposed to see his physician next week so we will see how it goes from there. Thank you again!

[BunkerQB]

One of the things that will stress him out would be being away from you and his loved ones.  Thank him for wanting to do something worthwhile (I assume he means serve his country); however, it would not be good for either him, his family or the Navy if he gets riled up just getting a medical. This does not mean he won't have a fulfilling life. He just has to figure out alternative plans. Don't let his background be a hindrance. You are a smart girl. The two of you can rise above the poverty level of his family. Believe in education. Keep going forward. Don't let anyone tell you two that you can't achieve your goals. Many of our leaders (corporate, athlete, political, social) are from very poor backgrounds. Many immigrants like my family came to to USA owing people money for sponsoring us, for passage. You can make it.

[Knicky (Ship14Div351)]

LOL and thank you. He simply isn't used to going to the doctor because he had never really went before (plus the whole physical...pulling on stuff...he wasn't expecting it, the recruiter didn't give the specifics). We both have college degrees and he currently works, as do I. But he want's to serve our country and make our daughter proud. He isn't wanting to join the Navy for the money or the benefits, his current job already provides for that.

Sorry, I just felt I had to say that because everyone seems to assume we are trying to join because of not having a job, or healthcare, or education...he simply wants to give back to our country.

[Jo1]

Knicky,

That is great that your husband wants to join the Navy to give back to his country.  It's nice to read stuff like that.  Good luck with everything and I hope everything works out for both of you.