Will my medical history and job references hurt my chances?

[pacificmx45]

First of all, sorry about the long post, but these questions have been plauging me for over 2 years now. I appreciate any help, even if you only want to read half of it :D

I just graduated college with a CJ degree. I'm planning on applying to the pennsylvania state police within a few weeks. However, I believe I may have some problems.
First off, my medical history. In the past 2 years, I hurt my shoulder at work as a soda vendor and was diagnosed with multiple directional instability. I DID NOT claim workman's comp or anything of the sort. Basically, my shoulder wasn't being held in its socket like it should have been. I was recommended physical therapy to remedy the problem. However, even with insurance I could not afford the $20 per session 4 times a week, for 3 months. Instead, I fixed the problem myself with light weight lifting at home. I haven't been back to the doctor since.

Perhaps the more serious condition was something called sleep paralysis(I woke up in bed and could not move for ~30 seconds). I experienced this a few times 3 years ago and decided to go to the hospital. After a multitude of tests, the EEG revealed that I had "a rare seizure disorder". I never once had a seizure EVER. It's my personal belief that the hospital staff had no idea what it was. It turned out Google did They sent me home with some pills that I refused to take, and the problem remedied itself with time. Simply put, I refused to be thrown in the loop of doctor referrals, prescription dependency etc for what I felt to be a false diagnosis. However, I would think the word "seizure" is somewhere on my records and I don't like the thought of that.

Now for my job history. I began working off the books with my father's landscaping buisness when I was 12. (should this be mentioned to show my work ethic?) At the age of 14 I landed the glorious job at a fast food restaurant where I worked until the age of 18. I then worked off the books with a mason for a year (Should I mention?) After that, I worked for a soda company for approx. 3 months before the shoulder injury occured. I then, and am still currently working back at the fast food joint for the past 8 months currently looking for a job closer to the field.
Will my medical history and job history, specifically fast food, hurt my appearance? Thankyou

[mcsap]

ALL will have an effect. The medical part is the true unknown. And we wouldnt accept your " self curing" diagnosis.

Will a doctor sign off in writing that you are 100 % capable of performing the duties of a police officer ? And said doctor needs to know your ENTIRE med history.

Lying or hiding medical info on your background will be a big DQ.

[pacificmx45]

I do believe a doctor would sign me off, just have yet to have it done. If I were to take another EEG the problem would not show up as it has not re-occured. As far as the multi directional instability goes, it was diagnosed literally by the specialist pulling my arm out of the socket, which took almost no force at all. That too, will not happen again as I was able to lift a 225lb barbell off of the ground. So hopefully, I can get that sorted out. As far as the job history goes, I have never quit a job or been fired. In one case the place went out of business temporarily, and the other was due to injury. Would having "fast food" listed in my job history for 5 years make me look like the stereotypical 6 brain cell teenager? Wouldn't that be discrimination? Would they do it covertly? Thanks again.

[Roger Dat]

Working off the books is an issue as well, not so much when you were working for dad but the 1 yeas as a mason may cause an issue, you didnt disclose income and didnt pay taxes for that year. Not necessarily a DQ but something that needs to be disclosed and will be looked at.

[mcsap]

I had a " labral tear " in each shoulder which weakened my shoulder being held into proper place. It never popped out but could have. Surgery corrected both.

It isn't what YOU think that matters , it is what a doctor says. We dont't want someone whose shoulder could come out of joint if twisted the wrong way without any weight on it ?!

Your choice of employment is not critical. Your performance there is of importance. It is also time to spill all on your hidden employment etc because if they find ANYTHING out afterwards that you " negelcted to cover" you'll be canned on the spot.

You did what you did and you are who you are. Deal with it , learn from it and hopefully you can make yourself into a decent candidate.

[pacificmx45]

It isn't what YOU think that matters , it is what a doctor says. We dont't want someone whose shoulder could come out of joint if twisted the wrong way without any weight on it ?!

I understand what you are saying. That is why I posted this topic. What I said though, was that I believe my shoulder is repaired and I also believe a doctor will agree..hopefully at least.