wannaflybob

Thank you very much for the reply. Definitely not the best news, but good to know where I stand. Unfortunately, my pain and range of motion have deteriorated, so things are looking worse. Will be getting the MRI soon and will know more. Thanks again

Thank you both! Deaddebate, do you know if it's fairly easy to get a waiver for microdiscectomy on FCIIU, assuming asymptomatic?

Please help, I am really stuck. In March I lifted something wrong and hurt my back. Since then, I have had sciatica down my right leg. I have been taking it easy and been doing physical therapy for 1.5 months, but I'm not seeing much improvement. I am able to walk, run, etc. with no issues. I feel my pain when I bend my lower back with my right leg straight (touch toes, etc), or when standing up after sitting. It is pretty intense pain. I was really hoping it would resolve on its own before OTS, but I'm losing faith and I'm not sure if I could endure all of OTS with this. I'm a Civ RPA select from 12OT03 and am supposed to leave for OTS in November. I already have an approved FCIIU. My ortho is convinced it's a herniation, but we have not taken an MRI yet. I'm considering getting the MRI and then pursuing the epidural injection and/or microdiscectomy surgery. The other part of me wants to stick it out and see if I'm better before OTS, but then I may be in more trouble for waiting so late if it does not heal. My fear is that the herniation, and the surgery to fix it, are disqualifying for flight physicals, although waiverable. How likely am I to get a waiver on my FCIIU if I'm asymptomatic after surgery? I'm really depressed that I could possibly lose the career I have worked so long and hard for because of a small injury that is correctable. Any help is greatly appreciated