Meds at OCS

[neumero4te]

Hi all, long time reader, first time poster here..

I'm headed to OCS on Sep 08 and I had a question about medication that I was hoping someone might be able to help with. I take an over the counter medication for heartburn and really can't get by without it for more than two days or so. Should I wait and talk to a doc at OCS and get put on something there or possibly try to get something prescribed and take it with me... or is there another option?

 

[kevoGTO]

If it's OTC and it's not on the forbidden list, just bring it along and don't look at it twice. Doubt they'll bother it.

 

[PropStop]

i used TONS of Alieve to get through OCS (bad shin splints and a very, very nasty ingrown toenail). Don't get caught with it...

honestly, to be legit, get it from the Navy. Let them know ahead of time. If they do a "Health and Wellness Inspection" and discover it you're going to find yourself getting healthy and well with Gunnery Sgt. Hardcore, United States Marine Corps.

Funny thing is, after some quality time with the afore mentioned gentleman, I neither felt healthy or well...

 

[MasterBates]

If it's OTC and it's not on the forbidden list, just bring it along and don't look at it twice. Doubt they'll bother it.

Please don't be spouting what they will or will not do, unless you can either quote the OCR or have been to OCS yourself.

Good way to cause a lot of pain for OC Random.

 

[tiger84]

I'll second that. While I wasn't subject to a health and wellness inspection at OCS they do happen and if you have any contraband, whether it be a candy bar or prohibited meds, you will get beat hard. The only meds you are allowed to have are those dispensed by the pharmacy at branch medical. If it's something you can't live without I would make a point to tell someone that now so it doesn't cause you more pain down the road.

Please don't be spouting what they will or will not do, unless you can either quote the OCR or have been to OCS yourself.

Good way to cause a lot of pain for OC Random.

 

[H1Winger]

Your going to get your gear looked at by your Sgt. Instructors, one way or another. Take the OTC meds with you and tell them.( the DOCs or whoever ask). I had buddy in OCC 193 who took heartburn meds and a multi Vit. He was ok'd by the doc, but doesnt mean he did not get crap for it. Do not bring asprin or motrin. the docs will give as needed. I got plenty of vitiman M during OCS!

 

[BigIron]

Do they still do that thing where you have your hands out and front of you and twirl around in your go-slowers? Is that the health and wellness inspection?

 

[tiger84]

I never went through one at OCS but the way they explained it to me was that all they did was search your room/locker. It was pretty much just an excuse to look for contraband rather than actually inspecting the individual for hangnails, etc...

Do they still do that thing where you have your hands out and front of you and twirl around in your go-slowers? Is that the health and wellness inspection?

 

[nugget81]

To add to the discussion, you can have medications prescibed by civilian doctors with you at OCS (make sure you have the prescription.) I was initially (and wrongly) diagnosed with acid reflux by a civilian doctor and had meds with me at OCS. The change in diet quickly alleviated me of any further symptoms. If you NEED them, be sure to take them at appropriate times because you will not be able to take them with food. That, and don't get seen taking them.

 

[BigIron]

Hi all, long time reader, first time poster here..

I'm headed to OCS on Sep 08 and I had a question about medication that I was hoping someone might be able to help with. I take an over the counter medication for heartburn and really can't get by without it for more than two days or so. Should I wait and talk to a doc at OCS and get put on something there or possibly try to get something prescribed and take it with me... or is there another option?

First: Are you sure your indigestion / acid reflux is not disqualifying? Taking certain medications even OTC can down your flying status.

You will have a full physical a day or 2 after arriving @ OCS. You possibly will be given another prescription that is logged in your medical record at that time. If you have a med with you upon arriving, it will need to be prescription. OTC meds will be taken away with all of the other contraband as you are checking in. Getting caught with unauthorized medications will land you AND your OCS-mates in a world of hurt. Goodbye liberty.

 

[insanebikerboy]

Just hope you have a health and welfare like the one we had in boot camp. The RDC's came in while we were at chow, tossed every single thing in our division space. When I say toss, they actually tossed our racks over, pushed our lockers over, and threw our crap all over the space. It took us almost 8 hours to get it back together, and we were still finding each other's shirts and skivvies up until we left.

Lots of fun.......have fun if you get one like that!

 

[cdrsniper]

That sounds like enlisted life!!!

 

[Godspeed]

I wouldn't show up with it, personally. You'll have several evolutions that could jeopardize yourself, and your classmates should you bring contraband (outpost, etc). Once your class secures and you pass RLP you'll be able to get away with much more.

Class 19 got caught with a few powerbars about 2-3 weeks ago. They were in their 5th-6th week and had to trash pack everything back into their seabags and move everything back in to squad bay. (If you haven't been to OCS, read 'biggest pain in the ass ever').

Branch medical was great to me. I had pink eye and they gave me some prescription motrin (wasn't even in pain). Your 'medical body' will have forms that you can fill out for basic meds, such as motrin, cepracol drops, robatussin, athletes foot medications, and random other stuff.

I wish I could speak intelligently of your condition, but i'd find out if they'll prescribe you some or not. If it is something that could raise a red flag with medical and possibly disquallify you, i'd certainly take it with you and not tell a soul.

I told NOMI that I had taken Claritin in the past. Big mistake. They had to do a series of sinus X-rays which had to be evaluated by a radiologist, and blah blah blah for me to get cleared for flight. And that was because I had taken a medication in the past.

Hope this helps.

 

[neumero4te]

First: Are you sure your indigestion / acid reflux is not disqualifying? Taking certain medications even OTC can down your flying status.

I have no idea. I put it down on the forms for the phys at MEPS so someone knows about it.. Any idea where a list of meds prohibited for flying is? (read next post.. I found some more info)

Also, when you apply to OCS do they evaluate you based on what community you've requested or is it just a baseline thing?

 

[neumero4te]

P.S.. Just found the NOMI website and went to the wavier guide (http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/NAMI/WaiverGuideTopics/index.htm). If you click on Gastroenterology section 7.10 is acid reflux. I've never actually been diagnosed with anything and that's part of the reason why I skated through MEPS, but anyway it says it's waiverable and if I have to I'd rather get this all out in the open at first and get whatever wavier I need if I can rather than try hiding it my whole career. I won't last long without meds, but just a pill every day or every other day is generally fine.

To confirm though.. During the physical will I have an opportunity to bring this up and get a prescription?

Thanks for all the answers.