All of you out there, I need some advice, BADLY.

[Dichotomy]

right read my edit above.. I don't think you have to wait until you're 34 or 44

Please keep in mind that I would suggest you get the best advice from a medical professional as to what you need to and can do.

[DREDIOCK]

Originally posted by Serenity
Not for about 20-30 years. Its possible, but surgeons wont do it until a certain age.

20-30 years???

How old are you?
2?

Go see a doctor that specializes in athletic injuries.

If they can rebuild a knee well enough for a player to play in the NFL they can fix you up well enough to join the service.. certainly the Hare Force

[cav58d]

Register at http://www.jetcareers.com for the forums, and post in the "ask a flight surgeon" section...There are a couple active military and civillian docs that should be able to answer your question.

And before you get all freaked out about potentially not being able to fly, let me ask you...Have you ever taken a discovery flight, or been at the controls of an aircraft?  If not I recommend you do that ASAP and make sure it is for you.  I know many people who have ate slept and breathed aviation, but when they finally got in a cockpit, they realize its not for them...Not to say that would be you, but it's something to consider, and if was you, it's nothing to be ashamed about.

Also think about the long term deal of you getting into aviation...It's a field that is underpaid, has very low job security, and will have you away from you loved ones about half a year if not more until your 60.  Just something to consider.
I know a lot of guys who swore when growing up they would be fighter/airline pilots, and after a couple years, they realize hey...I can go out in the business world and make A LOT more money, and buy their own airplane and fly for a hobby.

Don't mean to be negative, but just pointing out some serious issues about the not so glamorous side of aviation, that a lot of people try and not talk about before its too late.

[Serenity]

Im going to try to get a second oppinion, and ive got my uncle and cousin on the phone, (Both surgeons, ones on the national board, the other just starting out). As they've explained it to me, most civilian doctors will not do that kind of surgery until youre out of your 20s, for 'liability reasons'. Right now, im kinda scared, and obviously not thinking too clearly, because as I said, I cannot imagine a life outside of the military, and the way the two docs they brought in put it, its VERY unlikely I will be in a condition to join the service.

And cav, yeah, ive solod already, got about 40+ hours flight time. I love it.

[CAP1]

Originally posted by Serenity
Basically Stang, whats wrong is that, Ive grown 6 inches in a year. And my dad has been working me like a dog, so all that growth and no rest. My body has broken down pretty badly in general, but my knees, mainly my left knee, has grown into the wrong place. Its moved to the left, and twisted. So, its VERY painful to move my left knee, and it randomly just stops supporting my weight. It drops right out from under me, seizes up, and I fall. And it got a LOT worse two weeks ago, because the muscles holding it where it was were overstressed and apparently sepparated partialy from the knee, meaning I need a brace now just to be able to walk. And, its beyond easy repair because when it first happened my dad didnt want to take me to the doctor because he was too busy fighting with my mum to give a damn about my health. So, the two options are excerscise it and hope, or surgery. Im too young for both. They wont even let me do the physical therapy yet, because they dont want to stunt my growth. Im 5'11. Im tall enough. My parents have said, and so have I, I dont care about stunting my growth, I want this FIXED!!! But they wont even let me begin the therapy until my body has 'fully matured', so it will be two or three years before they do anything about it. And surgery wouldnt be an option for at least 20 or 30 more years. I dont mind the pain. I was raised to ignore pain and push on through, so im damned good at that.



edit: Dichtotomy, im 14. Ill be 15 next saturday.

first off.........happy birthday dude.........

now.....check with more than 1 doctor. they can do absolutley AMAZING things these days, and at the ripe old age of 15, whatever they do, you'll heal quickly and  completley. persevere, and NEVER let anyone tell ya that ya can't do something, because you CAN. chances are good that if you see a knee surgeon, they've seen your condition before, and can correct your problem..it may still take a few years, but then it'd be worth it for ya too!!!!


good luck, and <>

john<<1ltcap>>

[Dichotomy]

You have my sincere best wishes serenity.  We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers around here.

I'd take a hundred kids with your attitude and goals over 1 that want's to sit on their butt and play nintendo all day.

young man

[USRanger]

Bad knees? Hell, sounds like your ready for the airborne son!:aok