Aviation Medicine

Does a Cyst on my head make me ineligible to apply/being selected to UPT?? If not, does having it removed have any type of consequences on my chances of being selected??

What is the reg on braces during OTS and Flight Training and are the invis-align braces allowed?

When i took my FC1 the first time I was called back to retake another cholesterol test. I was told it was "higher than what the AF likes to see". Anything over 200 and you need to come back. I had 224. I retook it a week later and it was 199. Today, 7 months later, I tested myself with some kit I bought at Walgreens and it was 234. I'm off to OTS in Nov and SUPT soon thereafter. Is this something that could get me in trouble at Brooks or OTS?

I've been told that I have shin splints, which are tiny stress fractures in your shins. I run almost everyday, and take ibuprofen when my legs are sore. It's not a problem on most days, but sometimes it can be painful after a hard workout. I have my FC1 in September. Does anyone know if this will be a problem?

Just wondering what the normal pulse rate range is and if they check at the flight physical. My blood pressure is fine, but the trainer at the gym told me my resting pulse is 90 and that it is high for someone who works out. I maintain a healthy lifestyle overall, so it doesn't make sense to me - have worked out regularly for years and haven't eaten red meat in 10+ yrs. Anyone know the range they are looking for?? Thank you. (90 is when I am relaxed - I imagine at the physical I will be nervous, so I am concerned it will be even higher) -Lauren

Flight Doc, I'm not sure if I have a hernia or what, but I've had an ongoing soreness and slight swelling in my groin area (between my right leg and bellybutton) for a week now. This started after lifting some heavy boxes. Could I have a hernia or what? I'm worried about going to the flight doc because I don't know how long it would take to come off DNIF for a hernia repair surgery if I do have one. If I don't decide to go in to the doc, can I fly with it or will I end up causing something more serious? dude1

I'm just now in the process of applying for OTS and UPT. Does anyone know if having a vasectomy will complicate your flight physical? I haven't had one yet, but I'm considering it. Thanks. -turtle

Does that sound like something that could be a potential disqualifier? My teeth are very temperature sensative. I only brush my teeth with warm water, too hot hurts, and too cold hurts. Thanks.

Flight Doc, I've read some of your other posts on allergies, but am having a hard time determining whether or not I will be DQ'd or waivered. I've had seasonal allergies since I was a child. I've gotten prescriptions and even did allergy shots for a few years. I've been allergy and prescription free for about 8 years now (I'm 24). I can cut grass, play softball in Spring etc. with no problems. I started the allergy shot routine after age 12, but I'm pretty sure my first visit to the doctor about my allergies occurred before age 12. Would I be waiverable? Otherwise, I have perfect vision and no history of any other medical problems. I'm hoping this one thin…

Will having them disqualifiy me from flight training? I have no symptoms at all (no pain or discomfort), but they are noticable on a small portion of my left thigh. Also, if I get them removed via Endovenous Laser Therapy (for the mere fact of passing the physical since they don't bother me at all), will having had this procedure disqualify me? Thanks [ 30 March 2003, 12:02: Message edited by: akondog ]

Hello all, I have a heart murmur that's due to moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation. I did not have to request a waiver to get my class I FAA flight physical. It's an asymptomatic condition that does not require treatment. Is that condition waiverable to be a pilot? Is a waiver even needed? Thanks. Alex

I hear that if you have cavities will you not have a shot for a pilot slot? Is this true? Thanks.

Question, I have a small hemmoroid that i can't seem to shake. I have been using cream, and i dont even have any dicomfort, but it is still there. Are hemmoroids dq for flying or are they ok. I've heard they are dq and am worried that something as minute as this might get me? Thanks

Doc, I have Hashimotos disease (hope I spelled that one right) and I am about to send applications out for UPT slots in reserve units. The condition has been treated for quite some time now, so my question is can a waiver be issued for non-rated individuals prior to entering UPT? Also, should I disclose this info immediately or wait until I get a slot? Does the Air Force even have to know about this condition? Thank you in advance, weis5on

Flight Doc: When I went through the physical at MEPS prior to enlisting the doc had us all do the valsalva (sp?) while he look in our ears. I was'nt able to do it in one of my ears and he said that it was okay as long as I wasn't going to have a flying position. Now that I'm aiming to get a pilot slot I'm thinking I need to be able to do this. I've heard that it can be mastered with practice but I haven't been too successful. Any help is appreciated.

Has anyone ever applied for an exception to policy(or know of anyone who has)? I have been selected for a Nav job in the Guard. My physical was excellent except one of my eyes is just beyond the waiverable limits for a class 1A. I know that the ETP is hard to get approved, but I wont know unless I try. If anyone out there has any idea of where in the regs to go to find info about how to proceed with the ETP or has tried it yourself, I would appreciate anything that you may have. Thanks for your time.

I received my FC1 back today from AETC and I was disqualified for the hip to knee measurement (28in). I called the base that I took the original FC1 and they told me to come in and they would do it again. I went in,they did it again and I passed(25 in). I had pretty good idea that something was screwed up because I am only 5'11 and I do not have freakishly low knees. My question is this. When I send my stuff back in to AETC will they recheck the entire thing or will they look at the amendment that says I'm not a freak and stamp it passed. I'm worried because I am running out of time for the upcoming reserve board. Thanks

I'm in a bit of a fix! I always wanted to be a military pilot when I was young, but I gave up those dreams because my vision was just too bad. Now I've had PRK and am going for my PPL and then applying to OTS. After getting into the process I found that asthma was an issue. My problem is that I was diagnosed with asthma as a child, but now that I've been studying up on A.F. and general medical diagnostic criteria, I think I was misdiagnosed! After telling my recruiter my whole story, he thinks it's best that I don't go through a MEPS examiner and just go straight to the nearest base for an FC1. I think he figures a flight doc will be more likely to not just see the …

Hi all, Back when I was going through the motions for the AF Academy, during my physical I had to get a waiver for a polyp in my sinuses. I went to a specialist, and without any grief he said it wouldn't be a problem at all, unless I started smoking a few packs a day. I don't have any problems with it, and am in super health. Soon I am going to be taking a physical for a AF Reserve tanker pilot slot... will this come up again and be a problem?

Dear Flight Doc, I just came from the chiropractor with a diagnosis of slight Scoliosis. The curvature is not really visible but you need to be a professional to see it. The doctor saw it from the front view X-Ray, and also added side view X-Ray is good, the spine looks in good shape... I haven't been flying for 3 years (in civilian of course) and I know that your back is a big deal when flying fighters. The doctor said he will be able to straighten it with exercises and some therapy. But I am wondering, if one day I go thru UPT medicals, should I mention about this at all? I am sure they are checking this... I would appreciate your comments on the situation. …

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My question is simple. I know that having migraines disqualifies you for a pilot position, but I also read that if you have not had a migraine in over a year you can be considered for a waiver. Is this true and have any of you heard of someone receiving a waiver although they have had migraines in the past? If anyone has any info about migraines and waivers or knows anyone how has info about migraines and waivers please let me know. Thanks for your help!

Flight Doc I am currently on flight status (pilot) and have a skin condition called psoriasis. I have not mentioned this condition to the flight docs and it has not turned up on any of my flight physicals. My dad has told me that psoriasis is the reason he did not pass his draft physical during the 60's. My questions are, if I mention this on my next PHA will I get DQ'd? Is there any medicine I can use (other than the several over-the-counter medicated shampoo's avaliable)? [ 18 November 2002, 08:15: Message edited by: Flight Doc ]

Hey FlightDoc (or anyone else intimately familiar with the standards prescribed in afi 48-123).... Will having a prescription for ritalin, as a result of being diagnosed with ADHD while in middle and high school, disqualify me for an FC1? I havent received a prescription since I left high school and am beginning to think it was a mis-diagnosis to begin with since my grades have actually improved post-secondary education (not that all that matters really, or does it?). Also... I'm filling out my paperwork for MEPS and have a few questions regarding the Yes or No responses. Maybe I'm being over-analytical but, questions like "Have you ever had allergies?" ... I h…