Can my unit make me attend AT after surgery & with a doctors note?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 23:33:17 -0400

So Ive been a pretty bad wisdom teeth experience for about the year. They’re all 4 in, the bottom 2 are severely impacted, decayed, and get infected often. It’s extremely painful everyday. I wasn’t able to go to a regular dentist because of the infection, novocain would not numb anything. I had my PHA in January and they saw how bad they were and just vouchered them out. Since I have to be out under anesthesia and the infection is still there, they had to find a specific oral surgeon to do the surgery. 6 months later they finally found a oral surgeon but it’s 2.5 hours from my house. My appointment is July 9th, my problem is that I leave for Annual Training July 10th. With the extent of the surgery, my dentist has already told me the pain is going to be bad. I will be on bed rest minimum of 4-5 days, 0 to light duty after those days, no ACH, no gear, lots of rest, I will be on a few different medicines for pain and infection, & I will not be able to drive 24-48 hours after surgery. He said he will write me a note stating I could split the 1st week to avoid pain, stress, and infection. I’ve let my chain of command know everything about the split and they have told me there is no way I’m getting out of AT even with the doctors note. They said I would have to POV to the AT site the next day after surgery after 24 hours is up. Can they make me go after my surgery and with a doctors note? I’m concerned about infection and bleeding with being out in constant 100+ degree heat for 2 weeks and no safe food to eat. My body doesn’t do well with surgery already. Anyone offer me some advice?

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 13 at 2021 11:49 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 23:49:07 -0400

The note from you r Doctor is only a recommendation to the Commander. I suggest that you start with your NCO Chain of Concern and explain it just like you did here. If it does not get you a deferment, it may get you assigned to duties that you can handle. Good Luck

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 14 at 2021 12:39 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:39:23 -0400

LTC Private RallyPoint Member SPC Private RallyPoint Member Your preparation for that extensive dental surgery should include having good ice packs to apply afterwards. The ones provided by the dental surgeon are minimal. Please have several ‘real’ ice packs, FROZEN, on hand to assist in reducing the swelling you will experience. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin, have a thin cloth to prevent ice burn. USE ICE ! Take the pain meds before the pain is overwhelming. Best wishes.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 14 at 2021 12:21 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 12:21:53 -0400

Have you worked with your medical staff at your Command? They should be able to help connect the dots and provide a military medicine POV to concur with the doctor's note . If nothing else they should be able to assist in making adjustments as needed to provide you the care you need to recover.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 14 at 2021 12:44 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 12:44:09 -0400

That is more than a note

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 14 at 2021 11:49 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 23:49:58 -0400

Just writing to say that you are in my thoughts, and wish you only the best moving forward. I hope you are okay.