Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/20/2010

Question
Sir,

I was diagnosed with colitis nearly two years ago. The medicine I currently
take is an approved medication for all branches. I am however having trouble
with recruiters. The second I tell them about the colitis, I immediately get a
"No, sorry. Can't help you." It is currently controlled with medication, and I am
able to have such proved by my MD. Any help on the steps I can take from
here?

Answer
Mike,
You are not allowed to take prescription medication with you to OTS.  That's because you're only allowed to keep prescription medicine in your room that's approved by the military.

As you have learned by now, never volunteer information to your recruiter.  is indeed a disqualifier, but it's very difficult to prove you have it.  Your civilian medical records are not required to join the military, so most people in your case simply don't admit having it.  Tell your recruiter you were mistaken, you have IBS and the doctor checked you for Ulcerative Colitis, that's where you heard the term, and see what happens.

I'm by no means encouraging you to be dishonest but I'll tell you what many other people in your situation do.  As you have learned by now, never volunteer information to your recruiter.  Ulcerative Colitis is indeed a disqualifier, but it's very difficult to prove you have it because they don't give you a colonoscopy.  Your civilian medical records are not required to join the military, so most people in your case simply don't admit having it.  Tell your recruiter you were mistaken, you have IBS and the doctor checked you for Ulcerative Colitis, that's where you heard the term, and see what happens.

Then they show up at OTS with a bunch of nicotine patches, which are non-prescription and not only allowed but highly encouraged for those who wish to stop smoking.  Several studies have shown that the nicotine patch helps treat active ulcerative colitis.

After they've been in for a year or so they go to a military doctor and let him "discover" and treat their Ulcerative Colitis.

Sneaky, but it works for them.  It's up to you if you wish to try that route.

Good luck in whatever you choose.
Colonel H