Hey everyone, I'm making this post to get some potential insight on my situation. I'm 24, with a business degree (2.8 GPA) bad I know; I struggled with online school during covid and my gpa slipped. I started considering applying for SNA early last year. However, I have had some unfortunate issues pop up during my preparation for taking the ASTB-E. I injured my right knee while training and had to have a scope done (Chondroplasty of the patella) and about a month after my surgery, I ended up in the ER with intense side pain. After a host of tests and scans, it was discovered that I had a congenital UPJ (Ureteropelvic junction) obstruction, causing mild hydronephrosis (which is disqualifying). I had to go to a Urologist, who placed a stent to allow regular flow for the meantime, I had issues with the stent and landed in the ER a couple more times. The Urologist had the stent removed to see if it "fixed the problem"... it did not. I landed in the hospital overnight and had to have an emergency stent placed. I was sent for surgery a month later, where I had a laproscopic pyeloplasty. They did renal scans post-surgery and I no longer have hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney w/ water) and I now have normal 100% renal function. Because of the specific condition, I was only able to find one other guy with the same condition in the forums; long story short he was DQ'd multiple times due to his history of hydronephrosis; but after a lot of attempts he was able to get a waiver. He didn't mention any other issues or having a shitty GPA like mine though.
Now, my question is (which is probably stupid) does the combination of these issues completely ruin my chances? I was studying, training and doing all the preparation prior to the 5+ months of health crisis. But at this point, I am pretty much a bottom of the barrel candidate in every way on paper and wondering if it is even worth trying to continue on this path. I lost my job due to the longevity of the kidney process so I was gonna spend the time studying/prepping again, but I think the smart thing is to abandon the dream and move on, try to get a new job and put it behind me. I appreciate any insight.
Now, my question is (which is probably stupid) does the combination of these issues completely ruin my chances? I was studying, training and doing all the preparation prior to the 5+ months of health crisis. But at this point, I am pretty much a bottom of the barrel candidate in every way on paper and wondering if it is even worth trying to continue on this path. I lost my job due to the longevity of the kidney process so I was gonna spend the time studying/prepping again, but I think the smart thing is to abandon the dream and move on, try to get a new job and put it behind me. I appreciate any insight.
