In a beat of the heart, life changes... - Page 2

Jamie · #11 01-02-2010, 05:28 PM

JJ:

I am sincerely sorry to hear about your health issues.

There is a gentleman four hangars down from me who just finished a kit-built cub replica. He was the first person ever to be issued a 3rd class medical while flying with another man's heart in his chest.

Anything is possible, brother.

CidGrad90 · #12 01-02-2010, 06:12 PM

I feel your dread. A few years ago, I went through a divorce, one not of my own wishes (but in hindsight, I am glad it happened). Anxiety got the best of me on a few occassions and my heart would palpitate at an eratic beat. After about the third time doing this, I made an appointment with the doctor. After a thorough exam, including an ECG, I found out I have a condition known as Right Bundle Branch Block. Basically, I have a wire going to a spark plug that is broke in my heart. My doctor is also my FAA medical examiner. After he explained to me what RBBB is and how one comes about getting it, my second question was will this medically disqualify me from flying. (The first question is could I have possibly passed this to my son as a hereditary issue.) I was 36 at the time. After lots of research and since there was no evidence that I did or did not have this all my life, the doctor wrote this off as me not recently acquiring the problem and I still get to fly. I know my story has a happier ending than yours, at least presently, but keep the chin up. With medical progress being what it is, you may just get that E-ticket back.

Maxrate · #13 01-02-2010, 06:58 PM

JJ.

The process to special issuance will more than likely be extensive. I do know of two Captians at the Airline that I work for that hold a class I and have had electro heart issues one has an ICD. Both say the FAA have been thorough but extremely helpful. I also personally flew with an individual that had diabeties that was cleared back to flight status.

Here are two sources that may help in the process of continued medical certification. Pilot medical solutions works with the FAA directly on your behalf, www.leftseat.com. Another good source of information is www.aviationmedicine.com.

God speed and I wish you continued good health.....

N526JS · #14 01-02-2010, 07:05 PM

The docs found that I have Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). My symptoms were a rapid heart beat that usually lasted only a few minutes. Medication (FAA approved) cleared it right up. A stress test and wearing a Holter monitor satisfied the FAA for a third class medical. A friend building another RV has an even more serious arythmia also treated by medications and he has a second class medical. Don't give up.

Kevin Horton · #15 01-02-2010, 07:14 PM

First off, I'm very, very happy to know that you are still alive, and that the condition shouldn't be life threatening. Count your blessings.

Second, take comfort in the fact that the aviation medical systems are evolving, and every year we learn of folks who are flying again who not so many years ago would have been grounded for life. You'll fly again.

An last, make sure you have your priorities straight. Do whatever it takes to get healthy again. Then worry about flying. This is life's version of "Aviate, Navigate, then Communicate".

Good luck. We're rooting for you.

DeltaRomeo · #16 01-02-2010, 08:58 PM

1) Thank goodness you're going to be OK.
2) Don't give up....either Danny or Stan told me of an ATP flying with a donor heart.

Adding you to the prayer list and so grateful again. Thanks for letting us know...

b,
d

Tumper · #17 01-02-2010, 10:18 PM

More prayers...

RScott · #18 01-03-2010, 09:08 AM

Back at work in 4 days--isn't modern medicine great?

I had a balance problem last summer and talked to the FAA regional office (the next level up from the FSDO, but your FSDO can probably get you the right phone number). I found them very helpful, encouraging and supportive. I suggest you start there.

An online resource is the AME handbook, which you can find at:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...edia/guide.pdf

It lists just about every condition and tells the AME what to do about it--issue the cert, deny or refer to the FAA for a decision. It helps to know the medical term for your condition.

rvmills · #19 01-03-2010, 11:08 AM

Jj,

Blessings that you are OK...and you must be one strong dude, with 4,000+ hours in fighters (thanks for your service!), and already back at work after this ordeal.

That strength will get you through, both the FAA paper trail and the path back to health and strength...and the cockpit!

And I too was amazed at how many VAF teammates' lives have been touched by medical adversity, and how willing everyone is to share, in order to lift a buddy up.

Best of luck, hang in there (wing dip on its way), and thanks for that little gift of perspective on what is really important...kissed the wife and kiddos this am!

Cheers,
Bob

N1Flyer · #20 01-03-2010, 12:11 PM

Jj, the good news is your still around to talk about it. The other good news is that perseverance will pay off and you'll probably be back in the air soon, maybe after only a 6 month sit out. There really is no bad news in your event except that it had to happen, a real bummer!

It's been over 20 years since I got my first special issuance (and even held a first class for about 15 years and was an airline pilot.) I think the key is to carefully follow the protocol the FAA requires for testing (they'll provide that information to you), find a cardiologist willing to work with you and meet the FAA's requirements, and an AME who wants to see you flying again. Hang in there and you'll be airborne again and that RV grin will be bigger than ever!

Keep the faith,

Rick