IgAN

[Unregistered]

I am 18 and was recently diagnosed with IgAN. I have no signs or syptoms and my creatinine level in my blood is normal.

What are my chances of getting into the military? Has anyone done it?

[DoriSchatell]

Hi Unregistered,

If you don't have any symptoms, and your blood creatinine level is normal, I'm assuming that your IgAN was found because there was protein in your urine? This is something the military would test for when you have a check-up, most likely.

Here is an article I found that said the standards for the military are not absolute--sometimes the same illness can get people turned down one day but someone else with the same problem could get in the next day. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/intmedstandards.htm

And here is the page on urologic and kidney conditions http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/urinary.htm. This has a lot of medical terms, so if you need some help understanding it, post another question.

[Unregistered]

I dont know if this will help, but i am 19 and also have the disease. I was told that as long as the Protein and blood loss is still small and non visable you should be ok, providing Renal function and Blood pressure is normal.

I was also advised that for entry in the Army (I live in the Uk) they normally perform a biopsy to prove that you are in the early stages of the illness and that it doesnt affect you on a daily basis. I would think the military is similar.

Id ask your consultant, and if they dont know get a second opinion elsewhere.