Photo By Cpl. Ashton Buckingham | Hospitalman 1st Class, Jamie Sclater, 34, a native of Annandale, Virginia, does warm...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Petty Officer First Class Jamie Sclater, a hospital corpsman, is preparing to set the bar at the upcoming San Diego Swim Masters at The Salvation Army Kroc Aquatic Center November 23, 2014, by training with his swim coach following a recent surgery.
Throughout his career, Sclater has driven himself to accomplish grueling training in both Marine and Navy facets that have set him apart from his fellow corpsmen. After returning from his fourth deployment to Afghanistan in late 2011, Sclater was faced with a challenge that would change his course.
While training to earn a spot alongside the Navy SEALs, Sclater went on a road march followed by a seven-mile ruck run in the sand. Sclater’s drive pushed his body to the breaking point when the L-4 and L-5 vertebrae in his spine almost ruptured.
The following years were spent getting back in the fight. Sclater kept pushing himself so he could re-join his fellow comrades. Unfortunately he didn’t recover as planned and ended up re-injuring his back.
Sclater spent the remainder of his recovery time training and competing in events such as Wounded Warrior Trials, and Wounded Warrior Games.
The Annandale, Virginia, native underwent a total of four surgeries in the last two years, explained Michael Kleinert, a water sports specialist with Wounded Warrior Battalion-West and Sclater’s swimming coach.
Although Sclater isn’t able to ruck along with Marines, his focus and determination are now showcased in the low-impact environment of the pool. He continues to recover from his surgeries and set goals for himself in the water.
“On November 23, only seven weeks out from surgery, he will be returning to competition,” said Kleinert. “He has a great opportunity to break three American records in the short course meter SB9 breaststroke events. The focus right now is to make a run at some American records and prepare for the World Championship Para Swimming US Trials in Toronto in March.”
Sclater has been designated for artificial cervical disc replacement to restore segmental motion and disc height. Surgeons placed small spacers in between the vertebrae in his upper back. This most recent surgery was similar to the fusion Sclater underwent on his lower back earlier this year.
In addition to multiple surgeries, Sclater suffered from severe muscle atrophy degeneration in his chest and arms.
“I thought I had shoulder injuries or something, but it wasn’t until I got out of the pool that my coaches started noticing I had severe muscle atrophy, which is the degeneration of muscle tissue, throughout my ‘pec’ and triceps,” said Sclater.
The ruptured and compressed nerves in his upper back caused Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, which led to the muscular degeneration. Surgeons removed two herniated discs, replacing them with spacers to compensate for his injuries.
“We were both frustrated, but he is so strong mentally, he just willed himself through the training and into games,” said Kleinert. “That was a big obstacle to overcome and really showed his toughness. He refused to back down or let his fellow Marines down.”
Setting small goals over short periods of time improves motivation for the task at hand as opposed to staying stationary, said Sclater. Surpassing goals provides the confidence needed to push even farther.
“I think that’s the biggest challenge after each one of these surgeries is starting at square one again,” said Sclater. “I know what recovery is about and I know what that starting block is all about. I know how important it is to get back into it and stop moping around and feeling sorry for yourself.”
Rehab after each surgery is time to reflect on lessons learned from prior recovery, said Sclater. It’s important to pay attention to the body’s healing process, not push it too hard and listen to guidance from doctors.
There is no established record for the 200 short course breaststroke, so the idea is to participate and swim it without disqualifying and that will set a record as opposed to breaking one, said Sclater.
“I am exceptionally humbled and honored to be a part of this program,” said Sclater. “I just hope to make everybody proud regardless of whether or not I set or break any records. I’m just going out there and having a good time, I hope I represent the Navy and the Marine Corps the best I can.”
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.20.2014 18:23 |
| Story ID: | 148414 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | ANNANDALE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 259 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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