I am currently waiting for spots to open in April, and I have ADHD. I was diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago. That was when I was 14. It took a lot of time for the Medics in Toronto to accept my doctor's note on me having ADHD back in December 2009. What I did, I weened off of the Concerta (methylphenidate), took 1 pill every other day, every 3 days, once a week. Then I stopped. My doctor kept up to date with my activities and what-not, and I am all set.
I have been off my medication a full 2 months, with great success!
ADHD and ADD are being thrown around a lot these days.
And about the CF medical standards, I think they are right. I have no objection to their Medical Standards. I remember getting a letter in late November saying I was not Medically fit for the CF due to my Medication. :-\ "Well that's not that damn fair to me."
So, I stayed determined to join the CF. I didn't stray off nor become discouraged. I called the Medics in Toronto and asked them if there was ANYTHING I could do to become medically fit. They said I needed an official letter from my doctor saying that I am excellent when I am off my medication.
It had never made so much sense before in my life. So that's what I did. I got a letter from my doctor saying that I was going to be taken off of my medication. I faxed that to Toronto and they replied saying I needed to be off my medication for AT LEAST 3 weeks. I said to myself, "Ok, fine. Let's do this."
I waited about 22-23 days and went to see my doctor. I got an updated letter from my doctor saying I was all clear for medication; I am doing just fine. I faxed that to the Medics in Toronto and I got a phone-call saying it got sent up the pipe to Ottawa.
(All of these events happened from Late November 2009 to December 23rd, 2009)
January 21st, 2010. I receive a letter from RMO Ottawa Medical Officer saying, "I am pleased to inform you that you now meet the common medical requirements for both the Reserve and Regular Forces."
I was overjoyed, and now I wait until April for Infantry Positions to see if I can get into the Reserves.
P.S. I originally signed up for a Military Co-op at my school, but I did not make it due to position cuts. I decided to see if I could join the Reserves - Infantry without the co-op.
Cheers,
Zach McCurdy, Age 17
Canadian Forces Applicant