Medical Review: Specialist Memos ?
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I have a back pain problem for a long time(10months) and I have been going for specialist appointments for check-ups and physiotherapy. All the check-ups and physiotherapy are all on my own and are not referred by MO. So I suppose the camp MO has no records about my problem at all.
However, I am not exactly attending the check-ups and physiotherapy sessions regularly as the appointments are on the weekdays which is quite inconvenient for me since I am still serving NS. It is not possible to book out as and when I need for such appointments. Hence, the entire diagnosis process took a long time.
Previously, the specialist gave me a memo which stated down pes and change vocation. The memo wasn't submitted as I thought I would try to see if I can go on with the training. Last month, I went for a X-Ray and MRI scan on my lumbar spine but the specialist could not find out what was wrong. The specialist told me that back problems are often complicated and I could possibly have tight hamstring and weak back that cause the chronic pain on my back. He also gave me another memo stating to excuse strenuous activities for 6 months.
Recently, I am permenantly posted to a unit and training and exercises are much frequent, which seems to be aggravating the pain on my back but I am still enduring. It is so bad that sometimes I couldn't even stand still and I am feeling that my back is so weak that I must quickly sit down or I may fall. The pain even causes me to have difficulty sleeping. I haven't submitted the 2 memos to the MO yet as I am wondering what would happen next and if my unit commanders would be unhappy as I am newly posted and then the next thing is to have medical conditions. I don't wish to be condemned at the start since I am just posted to there and have another one year plus to go.
If say I were to submit the 2 memos(1 stating downpes and change vocation, and the other stating excuse strenuous activities 6 months) and with MRI report showing no problem, what could the possible out come be?
Thanks.
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FYI, PES is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PULHHEEMS.
1) Go to Govt/Private Specialist.2) Consult specialist, and do whatever medical check ups required. E.g. physical exam, blood test, x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan.
3) Specialist gave a finalised clinical diagnosis.
4) Get the specialist to write you a memo which is to be given to SAF MO. Those who can and are willing to spend some more money can get him/her to write you a specialist report, which is more precise and detailed.
Note: For not to waste time and money, please be more direct yet humble. Request the specialist to write about reviewing of PES and medical board / anything specific such as any excuses to your conditions.5) Book an medical review appointment using the eHealth module @ www.ns.sg (for NSman Reservists).
Just go down to your camp medical centre (for NSFs).
Call CMPB @ 6373 1340 to request another PES review (for Pre-Enlistees after CMPB Checkup).6) Make a trip down to the respective unit camp medical centre. Give the MO whatever supporting documents you have in hand. E.g. Specialist memo/report (most usually the case and highly recommended), x-ray films, CT/MRI scan report, blood investigation lab report... etc.
7) MO will decide whether you are deemed eligible for KIV downgrade, according to the criterias set in the "PES Bible" directive. E.g. Diagnosis, Extent of Diagnosis, Degree of Diagnosis/Injury/Illness/Disease...etc.
8) If deemed so, you will sign an undertaking note of medical board, whereby your case statement will be prepared for discussion at the monthly medical board meet (usually at the Formation/Division HQ) with another NSF CPT MO, and the Chairman (SAF Regular Medical Doctor of MAJ rank and above). Your Medical Board result will be post mailed to you by your respective NSHRC (Formation NS Hub).
Time and time again, the questions for downgrade is repetitive. So this serves as a general SOP for Medical Board.
Extracted from here:
NSmen must update their NS HRCs if they should develop any new medical condition or if their existing medical condition has worsened which might affect their ability to perform their duties during ICT. Arrangements will then be made for them to attend a medical review at the SAF medical centre to assess their fitness for NS.
The NSmen MUST bring along all investigation results and memorandums from his external physician/specialist during the medical review. Depending on the outcome of the medical review, the NSman may be given a medical certificate to defer him from ICT, be scheduled for a medical board to downgrade him if his medical condition is significant, or referred to a restructured hospital for further investigation. In the event that the medical officer determines that the NSman’s medical condition will not affect his ability to participate in the ICT, he will allow the NSman to attend the ICT. -
Originally posted by vEr5e:
I have a back pain problem for a long time(10months) and I have been going for specialist appointments for check-ups and physiotherapy. All the check-ups and physiotherapy are all on my own and are not referred by MO. So I suppose the camp MO has no records about my problem at all.
However, I am not exactly attending the check-ups and physiotherapy sessions regularly as the appointments are on the weekdays which is quite inconvenient for me since I am still serving NS. It is not possible to book out as and when I need for such appointments. Hence, the entire diagnosis process took a long time.
Previously, the specialist gave me a memo which stated down pes and change vocation. The memo wasn't submitted as I thought I would try to see if I can go on with the training. Last month, I went for a X-Ray and MRI scan on my lumbar spine but the specialist could not find out what was wrong. The specialist told me that back problems are often complicated and I could possibly have tight hamstring and weak back that cause the chronic pain on my back. He also gave me another memo stating to excuse strenuous activities for 6 months.
Recently, I am permenantly posted to a unit and training and exercises are much frequent, which seems to be aggravating the pain on my back but I am still enduring. It is so bad that sometimes I couldn't even stand still and I am feeling that my back is so weak that I must quickly sit down or I may fall. The pain even causes me to have difficulty sleeping. I haven't submitted the 2 memos to the MO yet as I am wondering what would happen next and if my unit commanders would be unhappy as I am newly posted and then the next thing is to have medical conditions. I don't wish to be condemned at the start since I am just posted to there and have another one year plus to go.
If say I were to submit the 2 memos(1 stating downpes and change vocation, and the other stating excuse strenuous activities 6 months) and with MRI report showing no problem, what could the possible out come be?
Thanks.
the camp MO will likely to follow the SOP...
give u excuse MC for a few weeks 1st, then file ur case for a medical board review lor...remember... specialist memos are very important if u wish to seek a medical board review... no medical proof/ evidence, how to downgrade... doctor see where...? of cos he see specialist memos liao lah...
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and TS failed to grab the opportunity to downgrade himself. indecisive...no good...keep thinking whether he can tahan e training but nv think of during the course of 'tahan-ing' he may have worsened his condition...and yet TS still indecisive...what thinking abt being condemed...
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Originally posted by kengkia:
and TS failed to grab the opportunity to downgrade himself. indecisive...no good...keep thinking whether he can tahan e training but nv think of during the course of 'tahan-ing' he may have worsened his condition...and yet TS still indecisive...what thinking abt being condemed...
You are right about me. I was indecisive all the while to report about my condition and thinking that I should persevere. I was also overly paranoid that what may happen to me after I submit my medical condition.
Now that I am feeling worst and get worried, I then start to think about submitting the report again. And as I have just posted to a permanent unit, like you said, I didn't grab the opportunity and chances of downgrading are going to be slim. This is especially the MRI report isn't showing anything wrong to prove my problem.
sigh... Looks like I will have to continue to endure this crazy pain...Now I find myself so foolish...
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Yo, TS, you better go to the MO fast and pass him the memo. Three of my friends last time, one got lower spine problem, went to specialists and review outside but never say, and then do SOC, drills etc, then at end of 2nd year, finally resulted in unable to sleep on the bed due to slip disc. When the next day he really cannot get up from his bed, he was warded to hospital, and never able to get up from bed again. Its not worth it, think SAF is only 2-3 years of your life, and when you finish you are only 25yrs old at most. Do you want it to affect your life after your NS, you still have working life, married life, life with children and 50-60 years ahead of you. Dont be foolish and continue to endure the pain. I dont want to say too much about the other 2 friends I know.
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Originally posted by vEr5e:
You are right about me. I was indecisive all the while to report about my condition and thinking that I should persevere. I was also overly paranoid that what may happen to me after I submit my medical condition.
Now that I am feeling worst and get worried, I then start to think about submitting the report again. And as I have just posted to a permanent unit, like you said, I didn't grab the opportunity and chances of downgrading are going to be slim. This is especially the MRI report isn't showing anything wrong to prove my problem.
sigh... Looks like I will have to continue to endure this crazy pain...Now I find myself so foolish...
And TS, dont worry unnecessarily of getting posted to other units, cause every battallion/brigade's unit got Pes Cs and Ds. They will most likely take you out as infantry men, then ask you become admin clerk with the battalion HQ, or S1, S2, S3 etc. Alternatively, they can ask you to remain in the company, and become assistant CQ, store man, armskote man, etc. You will still be with your friends anyway. -
Other positions they can ask you to do, but yet stay in the same unit is, mess boy, can be specialist mess or officer's mess, private's mess, RSM's RP buddies-guard orderly, COS duties, etc.
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I am so sorry for your friend. And it sounds frightening.
Although according to my physiotherapist that if I were to continue my normal activities I may hurt myself again and decondition it, I doubt I will get down pes to allow me to recover since the MRI isn't proving anything about my back pain.
Moreover, my unit is in need of people and wouldn't let anyone go so easily.
It is frustrating to have the pain and not knowing the cause to it. Then I am stuck to just enduring the pain...
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Crudely, condemned then condemned... this life which you didn't choose to lead is for 2 years, this body that your mother gave you is for a lifetime.. Do whatever you need to do, condemned so be it.. tahan 2 years.. see them outside also don't need say hi
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Originally posted by vEr5e:
I am so sorry for your friend. And it sounds frightening.
Although according to my physiotherapist that if I were to continue my normal activities I may hurt myself again and decondition it, I doubt I will get down pes to allow me to recover since the MRI isn't proving anything about my back pain.
Moreover, my unit is in need of people and wouldn't let anyone go so easily.
It is frustrating to have the pain and not knowing the cause to it. Then I am stuck to just enduring the pain...
can u use some brains to temporary delay the pain...
seek treatment ASAP...
see camp MO with the 2 memos but without the MRI report 1st...
camp MO will definitely give u some excuse status MC for a few weeks 1st... e.g. excuse heavy loads, excuse physical activities...etc.
whether to downgrade u or not really depends on the 2 specialist memos that u still dilly dally kept in hand...
very simple logic... got give, camp MO will review. no give camp MO dont know a single thing at all, the whole medical centre dont have a record...
then suay suay u kena accident, the camp will push 100% all the blame to u for ur fault on not declaring the medical problem... -
Thanks for all the advices.
I will go ahead and declare my medical condition to the camp MO with the 2 memos and see what is next.
I am still seeking treatment of course but just that the specialist couldn't find out what is the exact cause to the problem. And that's why I wonder what could the MO do since this is the case.
Nevertheless, I am still trying to get to the bottom of this to find out the cause of my back pain.
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better do this ASAP s that u wun end up like nightzip's friend paralyze waist down...very scary this one...can't go out meet friends , can't go out meet girls , can't go get married, worse still can't wank ya future gf/wife, lagi worse can't have sex life ,can only expect the girl do 1 person show...
