Enlarged Spleen

[Guest thomasau]

I went through my FC1 physical at Wright Pat a few months ago. They determined that I have an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). They said that this is disqualifying until I can determine its cause. Since then I've had 4 rounds of blood work, ultrasound, CT scan of abdomen and pelvis, and a bone marrow biopsy. Besides a slightly enlarged spleen (17 cm), I'm completely healthy. My blood, CT scans, and bone marrow are perfect. Is this waiverable and if so what can I do to help prove my case?

Thanks!

[Guest]

AFI 48-123 6.44.18.7. Generalized lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly, until the cause is corrected.

6.44.19.1.23. Congenital anomalies, disease of the spleen. Chronic enlargement of the spleen.

I only see splenectomy as waiverable, not splenomegaly. Sorry, keep trying to look for a cause, possibly Thalassemia, Leukemia, and Thrombocytopenia.

[Lineback]

I'm having the same problem. I just found out that I have an enlarged spleen. Any more info on this? I've already been selected for OTS and I have a pilot slot...I don't want to lose it because of my spleen! HELP!!!

[JakeFSU]

I know the FC1 is very through, but what test did Wright-Patt do to determine you have an enlarged spleen?

Sorry I can't help.

[Lineback]

I'm active duty enlisted right now, so I did my flight physical at Holloman AFB. In my case, it was an abdominal ultrasound.

I found out some good intel: If the enlargement is not chronic, find the cause and fix it. If the enlargement is chronic, get your spleen removed.

[Kenny Powers]

it was an abdominal ultrasound.

What led them to do this? I am no expert but I am pretty sure that is not standard for an FC-1. Maybe you had some previous condition and it was documented in your medical records? Maybe something from your blood work?

For others reading this, the tests at the FC-1/MFS are pretty freaking basic, even all the eye tests. Unless you have told them about some condition, they aren't going to find something wrong with you unless you had an issue with one of the test, i.e. blood pressure, vision, dental, chest xray, blood samples...but these are all very basic.

Edited July 24, 2012 by Kenny Powers

[JakeFSU]

What led them to do this? I am no expert but I am pretty sure that is not standard for an FC-1. Maybe you had some previous condition and it was documented in your medical records? Maybe something from your blood work?

For others reading this, the tests at the FC-1/MFS are pretty freaking basic, even all the eye tests. Unless you have told them about some condition, they aren't going to find something wrong with you unless you had an issue with one of the test, i.e. blood pressure, vision, dental, chest xray, blood samples...but these are all very basic.

Thanks for clearing that up. I'm already stressing that the Wright-Patt docs will find something random that I had no idea about. Reading the stories on here, such as abdominal ultrasounds and enlarged spleens doesn't help ease that stress.

[Lineback]

What led them to do this? I am no expert but I am pretty sure that is not standard for an FC-1. Maybe you had some previous condition and it was documented in your medical records? Maybe something from your blood work?

For others reading this, the tests at the FC-1/MFS are pretty freaking basic, even all the eye tests. Unless you have told them about some condition, they aren't going to find something wrong with you unless you had an issue with one of the test, i.e. blood pressure, vision, dental, chest xray, blood samples...but these are all very basic.

I had an elevated red blood cell count. This led to a referral with a specialist at William Beumont Army Medical Center in El Paso--he performed some tests, including the ultrasound that came back reporting an enlarged spleen. I'm glad to say that after getting a CT scan earlier this week, my spleen is completely normal...turns out my the ultrasound measurement was off. I'm hoping to have my FC1 resubmitted this week and get a class date soon!

[Kenny Powers]

I had an elevated red blood cell count. This led to a referral with a specialist at William Beumont Army Medical Center in El Paso--he performed some tests, including the ultrasound that came back reporting an enlarged spleen. I'm glad to say that after getting a CT scan earlier this week, my spleen is completely normal...turns out my the ultrasound measurement was off. I'm hoping to have my FC1 resubmitted this week and get a class date soon!

Ah, ok. Good news I guess, good luck resubmitting!

[Lineback]

Ah, ok. Good news I guess, good luck resubmitting!

Cleared...My FC1 has been approved pending completion of MFS. If you have an enlarged spleen, get a CAT scan...If your spleen is normal under the CAT scan, have that documented and resubmit the FC1.