Oct 30, 2010, 5:22 PM
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It's Been Great, but an MI cut me down
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I've been doing tandems for eleven years, and last Saturday I got to find out what a heart attack feels like. I dodged a bullet, but I'm now the owner of some foreign material in my Right Coronary Artery. I've put my tandem rig up for sale, and resigned myself to solo jumping for the rest of my days.
Does having a stent ban me for life, or not? If I see the light and follow Doctor Orders is there ever a chance of getting a medical?
Oct 30, 2010, 6:05 PM
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Re: [efs4ever] It's Been Great, but an MI cut me down
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I was wondering if you were going to have to stop the tandems, and I'm sure someone will have an answer for you on that. The REAL question now though, is how are you gonna pick up chicks since you won't be able to use that "let me strap you on the front of me and throw you out of an airplane" line?? ...
Oct 31, 2010, 9:50 AM
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Re: [efs4ever] It's Been Great, but an MI cut me down
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That is a shame. We appreciate seeing you at Couchfreaks. Take care of yourself and I would think you could get back in it.
I know a TI that had coded with a torn aorta was revived and taken care of in ER, that still got his medical years later. It just takes some time I think and proof that your fitness is managed.
take care, Hixxx
PhreeZone (D License)
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Oct 31, 2010, 11:06 AM
Post #5 of 17
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Re: [efs4ever] It's Been Great, but an MI cut me down
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Here is the FAA's take on Stent's:
PROTOCOL FOR THE EVALUATION OF STENT IMPLANTATION A six-month recovery period shall elapse after the stent implantation to ensure recovery and stabilization. 1. Copies of hospital/medical records pertaining to the requirement for the stent to include make, implant location, length and diameter, admission/discharge summaries, coronary catheterization report, and operative. 2. A current cardiovascular evaluation, preferably by a cardiologist or specialist in internal medicine, shall be obtained. This evaluation must include an assessment of personal and family medical history, a clinical cardiac examination and general physical examination, an assessment and statement regarding the applicant's medications, functional capacity, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, motivation for any necessary change and prognosis for incapacitation during the certification period. 3. A report of fasting blood sugar and a blood lipid profile to include: total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. 4. A current maximal treadmill stress test. All stress testing should achieve 100 percent of predicted maximal heart rate unless medically contraindicated or prevented either by symptoms or concurrent medication, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers (spec. diltiazem and verapamil), or digitalis preparations. These medications should be discontinued for at least 48 hours prior to testing in order to attain maximal stress and only after consulting with the attending physician. An applicant will be expected to demonstrate a minimum functional capacity equivalent to completion of Stage III of the standard Bruce electrocardiographic exercise stress test protocol. Tabular report, interpretation and actual electrocardiographic tracings should be submitted. Tracings must include a rhythm strip. A full 12-lead ECG should be recorded at rest (supine and standing) and during hyperventilation while standing, one or more times during each stage of exercise, at the end of each stage, at peak exercise, and every minute during recovery for at least five minutes or until the tracings return to baseline level. It is the responsibility of each applicant to provide the medical information required to determine his/her eligibility for airman medical certification. A medical release form may help in obtaining the necessary information.
Oct 31, 2010, 12:30 PM
Post #6 of 17
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Re: [efs4ever] It's Been Great, but an MI cut me down
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I've been doing tandems for eleven years, and last Saturday I got to find out what a heart attack feels like. I dodged a bullet, but I'm now the owner of some foreign material in my Right Coronary Artery. I've put my tandem rig up for sale, and resigned myself to solo jumping for the rest of my days.
Does having a stent ban me for life, or not? If I see the light and follow Doctor Orders is there ever a chance of getting a medical?
The AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc) has a very good "medical" portion on their forum. If you would like to get your medical back it would probably help to discuss it with the doctors there. You can get a free 6 month aopa membership by indicating interest in becoming a student pilot with no further commitment.
Oct 31, 2010, 1:11 PM
Post #7 of 17
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Re: [efs4ever] It's Been Great, but an MI cut me down
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A TI in this area had a heart attack (I don't know detail/severity) not too long ago. I don't think he had stents put in, but I'm not sure.
He is/was in the process of getting his medical reinstated. Phree's post is really similar to what he described having to do. Blood chemistry has to be good, and a max rate stress stest has to be passed.
It isn't an automatic retirement anymore.
Good luck on returning, if that's what you wish to try for.
Oct 31, 2010, 4:19 PM
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Re: [wolfriverjoe] It's Been Great, but an MI cut me down
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I'll be sixty on Thanksgiving. I was in the process of winding down, anyway, so that will probably be the end. I plan on extreme lifestyle changes, and the result might be the type of energy I need to re-surface. In any case, I'll still be in the air solo.
Oct 31, 2010, 6:22 PM
Post #9 of 17
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Re: [efs4ever] It's Been Great, but an MI cut me down
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I'll be sixty on Thanksgiving. I was in the process of winding down, anyway, so that will probably be the end. I plan on extreme lifestyle changes, and the result might be the type of energy I need to re-surface. In any case, I'll still be in the air solo.
Hi, I'm sorry you had an MI. It sounds like you only needed one stent, correct? That's actually very good. I've seen patients need three or more. If your attack didn't do too much damage. You might be fine to return to tandems in six months. I'm saying this because it sounds a bit like you think it's a foregone conclusion. Modern cardiology can do wonders, friend. Give your body some time to heal. Best of luck.
Nov 2, 2010, 11:40 AM
Post #16 of 17
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Re: [efs4ever] It's Been Great, but an MI cut me down
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A minor heart attack does not have to end a TI's career. The last TI - that I trained - suffered a minor heart attack a year before I trained him. Fortunately, his girlfriend rushed him to the hospital at the first sign of heart problems, so muscle damage was minor. He changed his diet, lost 20 pounds and was cleared to return to the sky within a year. And he flew well during all of our evaluation dives.
