I will not give up.

[CrazyBrave83]

Hey all.
Been a little while since I posted last.
Some kinda bad news, but it really isn't 'bad' yet.
I was roofing on the weekend and I dunno if it's the reason, but my knee is sore as hell when I extend it. I really f*ckin hate this because the knee is the reason I got disqualified back in 2000...and I don't want it to ruin the window that has now opened. I guess I just wanted to post to update you guys, and also to say this.

I won't let the knee stop me.
The only way I'm leaving the DEP is in a stretcher or a bodybag.
Same with the only way I'm leaving PI.
I will crawl during runs.
I will limp during drill.
But I WILL NOT quit.
I don't care if I can taste nothing but blood
So much as there's a little hint of success mixed in.

I'll keep you guys updated on what goes on with the knee.
Still shipping Dec. 1st, 2003.


-Poolee Sullivan

[USMC-FO]

Hey kiddo....

Have you been told specificly what the issue is with the knee?

If not you should find out. If it is a torn minisicus that is easily repaired. I do not know if a repaired knee would continue to cause you problems in joining our Corps but I am sure there are those here that could give you that info.

Good luck.

[CrazyBrave83]

Thank you for the input, Cpl.
The funny thing is that my knee has been repaired (two surgeries, one reconstructive, one arthoscopic). Back in Oct.2000, I tore my ACL/Medial Meniscus, and used my hamstring to replace the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. The second surgery was done to remove screws that were used to bolt the cartilage down but backed out. I was unoffically disqualified because of this by my former recruiter (SSgt. Jason Dew), over the telephone, a few days before I was scheduled to go to MEPS. In April I went to MEPS with my new recruiter (SSgt.Dew's term ended), SSgt.Erik Boos. I was cleared, after much prodding by the CMO. I guess they think my knee can hack it. I do too...it's just sore as hell, is all...and it gets me down to levels I didn't know possible when I think that my dream may once again be torn apart. But no one ever said this road was easy. As they say, if I wanted easy, I shoulda joined the Air Force.

Still in the fight.

[USMC-FO]

Well as I said good Luck.

Since your off to PI in December I suspect you'll find out very quickly how the knee will hold up.

Keep you spirits up and continue to keep you eyes on your dreams. You certainly appear to have your goals set and well focused.

[crew]

Sullivan,

Ice it.......get an xray..could just be a muscle or lig...and a r/o on an xray will leave no doubts......keep up that spirit :D

[CrazyBrave83]

Roger that, Crew. Only thing that sucks is that I have no med-insurance. I'm no longer a student and I'm 19 so I have no medical coverage. I'm gonna get it checked out some how, some way.

And the spirit? It'll far outlast my knee.

Thanks.

[crew]

Sullivan,......I know your spirit is tougher than most knees, sorry about the insurance...but, you can still go through the ER and go on indigent status..(sounds awful , but it's there for those who have no insurance)..you can't be refused treatment, which would include an xray......don't.. not go because of the insurance....please get it checked if you can.......we need you in Corps...and all your body parts, tough guy.;)

[crew]

that was.....we need you..in the Corps...:D

[CrazyBrave83]

I've been running to work everyday, I don't have a car anymore. It's about 3 miles to work, and my knee hasn't been bothering me for a while now...maybe it was just a phase? I hope it stays strong! Any other Marines or Poolees on the site here that have suffered knee injuries? any tips to get the knee 110% boot camp ready?