Guest Otto Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 I'm a rated airlift pilot in the Air National Guard (8 years) and after 32 years of perfect health, I suddenly started having achy joints in my hands and feet several months ago. It was never bad enough to affect my flying but I decided to mention it to my family docter as I could tell something was not right. He refered me to a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with psoriatic arthritis. He put me on an anti-inflamatory called sulfasalizine which seems to have taken care of the problem. I feel fine but after investigating the air force regs, I'm wondering if I have a prayer of getting a waiver for this condition. Has anyone had any experience with this or have any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest doctidy Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 We've waived Sulfasalazine many a time and have waived psoriatic arthritis as well. Sounds like you are in a multiplace aircraft as well. I think you have a better than average chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Otto Posted June 5, 2006 Share Posted June 5, 2006 You have seen psoriatic arthritis waived in the past? I looked up Psoriasis in AFPAM 48-132 and it did not sound encouraging. In section IV (Waiver Considerations) under USAF experience, it says "no aviators with associated arthritis received waivers". Am I reading this incorrectly? I hope so...this has been stressing me big time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest doctidy Posted June 5, 2006 Share Posted June 5, 2006 I queried AIMWTS...the aeromedical waiver database. And yes, I have found that the AF has waived rated aviators, including pilots, for psoriatic arthritis treated w/ Sulfasalazine. Positive waiver will depend on "the rest of the story". Were you really looking at AFPAM48-132 or the Waiver Guide. The Waiver Guide was last updated in '99. AFPAM 48-132 was probably updated around the turn of the century and isn't available electronically! My query is as of today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Otto Posted June 5, 2006 Share Posted June 5, 2006 I had a photocopy from AFPAM 48-132 that came from our wings medical group...not sure what the date is on it as I only have two pages! Thank you for taking the time to look up that information. It sounds like I should roll the dice and keep my fingers crossed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Deuce Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 I did a search relating to degenerative back arthritis but did not have much luck finding any related information. I have just been diagnosed with mild degenerative back arthritis. I'm only 23 and I'm concerned this might be a show stopper for me. Is this a DQ? what would be the odds of a wavier? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest P27:17 Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 Duece, Arthritis of the spine, any type is DQing. A waiver would probably depend on the symptoms, treatment, and the dibilitation of the disease. I'll defer to one of the docs on chances for a waiver... Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest doctidy Posted December 2, 2006 Share Posted December 2, 2006 As long as it isn't associated w/ a disease process...Reiter's Syndrome, Ankylosing Spondyloarthritis, etc (a chance to throw out the big words!!)...you should be okay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I don't exist Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 My flight doc suspects I've got rheumatoid arthritis. He's referred me to an off-base clinic, but is he not supposed to send me to Brooks? Anybody else diagnosed with this and still flying? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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