One of my close friends had the same problem last year. I took over the matter, told the school, i was my friend's sponsor and we walked up to the the advisor's office.
I told the advisor that my friend had told you then, am telling the same thing now, and submitting the same documents (treatment records from the doctor/hospital).
Most importantly, I said we will apply for re-instatement, but the school will have to give my friend a letter stating that she as an advisor FORGOT to enter this kid's situation in the system. Why would 'we' suffer for the school's forgetfulness? Of course, i told the same thing in a very genuine, ver cordial manner, without raising my tone or tinting it with anger/anxiety or remorse .
That meant lot of trouble was coming their way. Some ten phone calls later (as we sat in her office), our status was resolved right away! If they want it, the school does have a way. You have to make them do that way without offending them. Another kid from Wichita did go to Mexico in 2008 and got his visa renewed for something similar. But in both these cases, our side of the reason was very very very genuine. I hope your reasons are genuine too.
Hope you can try this tactic. Good luck!