Medical Issue Question

Anon34028

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Hello, I am in the FAA, and I recently found out that I have a genetic mutation that gives me a very high probability (70%) of getting stomach cancer that is hard to detect and usually fatal. The suggested treatment for this mutation is to have a total gastrectomy - removal of the stomach. I've read that you can live a pretty normal life after surgery, just smaller more frequent meals but I am worried about how it would impact my medical clearance. Does anyone have any information on this/know anyone who has had a gastrectomy? My main concern is that if I have to eat or use the bathroom more frequently they would have a problem with me possibly sitting on position for 2 hours. Thanks.
 
Hello, I am in the FAA, and I recently found out that I have a genetic mutation that gives me a very high probability (70%) of getting stomach cancer that is hard to detect and usually fatal. The suggested treatment for this mutation is to have a total gastrectomy - removal of the stomach. I've read that you can live a pretty normal life after surgery, just smaller more frequent meals but I am worried about how it would impact my medical clearance. Does anyone have any information on this/know anyone who has had a gastrectomy? My main concern is that if I have to eat or use the bathroom more frequently they would have a problem with me possibly sitting on position for 2 hours. Thanks.
Your best bet would be send an email to your medical POC (your facility admin guy/girl should have their email/phone), then the medical POC will ping the Regional Flight surgeon (who approves medicals / communicates with CAMI and DC) and provide you the best /accurate information.

Having said that I (as an individual who was in constant contact with my medical POC and Flight Surgeon regarding gene therapy for Hemophilia) would strongly recommend you keep it hypothetical (in the email to the medical POC) until you can provide in writing from your medical professional that it is strongly recommended in order to avoid them yanking your medical as a precautionary measure.

Doing this will allow you to weigh the factors regarding your job and how you wish to proceed. By no means am I saying put the needs of the Agency above your own personal health, from my own experience it is best to approach things from a curiosity standpoint as opposed to the “I have to get this done mentality right this second” and next thing you know you are without a medical and doing admin office work until your year is up and then you do not have a job. This will allow you to come up with a plan of attack and know what the expectations are from the Flight Surgeon to regain your medical once you have the surgery so that there are no surprises and allow you to meet the standard once again with minimal down time.
 
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You could also try contacting AMAS. They have a "confidential" questionnaire and a physician will respond within 2 days to your question.

I know at least 3 controllers that got gastric bypass and kept working but your situation sounds a lot worse. Mid shifts could be an issue if time on position is a problem.
 
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I can't speak for the medical issues directly but I can address the previous responses. If you get your medical back post surgery, the FAA is required to provide you with "reasonable accommodation". What this means is that, they have to provide you what you need to be able to perform your normal duties within reason. What is reasonable? That depends and is up to interpretation.

Basically, your medical clearance is what matters most. Everything else the FAA has to figure out how to accommodate your needs within reason.

If you fail to get your medical back, the FAA is required to get you another job. Again this is within reason. You have to bid on jobs. Could be AJI, AJT, AJO, headquarters, support specialist, etc. On those bids you would have selection priority. But, it might require a move.

In short, do what is best for your health. Don't worry about work. It will always be there even if slightly different.

AW
 
. By no means am I saying put the needs of the Agency above your own personal health, from my own experience it is best to approach things from a curiosity standpoint as opposed to the “I have to get this done mentality right this second” and next thing you know you are without a medical and doing admin office work until your year is up and then you do not have a job. .

Is it 1 year with no medical and your are terminated? I thought I heard 2 years before?
 
Thanks for the info all, I will post an update when I get things sorted out. Better to know now where I can react rather than suddenly have untreatable late stage cancer. Hopefully I can keep my medical if I need to go through the surgery.
 
Let's say your on the border line of being able to read 20/20 with one eye. Is it possible to retake the part of the medical for checking for 20/20 vision at a later time?

Like waiting on a new script for getting contacts or glasses?
 
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