interstitial cystitis :'(

[Tokyo007]

First off Doc I want to thank you for responding to these questions to not just me but to everyone.. you help many many pilots out there (including a poor no insurance pilot like me)

Anyway long story short, i've been sick for a few years..wasn't sure what it was, I know I had a UTI when it started and then after getting antibiotics I had an allergic reaction that put me in the ER room 2 nights.

I got hung up with a GI specialist who was convinced it was "IBS" that was the problem. This whole time I grounded myself because I wasn't comfy flying until I figured out what the problem was. I'm sure some of you know, sometimes visits between specalists can be spread out months, and mine lasted years chasing and looking into the wrong area.

Found out my Gallbladder wasn't doing well (16% rate) and I had it removed in August. I thought that was the end of it but still my abdominal pains continued.

Well finally a urologist after tests/cystoscope/ct scans the whole bit is convinced I have interstitial cystitis but the scope didn't really show much but irritation. Took steriods for 6 days and felt a million times better..but it flared right back where it was at the end of the medication.

So the plan is to start "Elmiron" asap soon as the doctor gives me the prescription here soon, and i've read from other aviation sources that it is approved case by case as long as it doesn't effect flight duties. The only positive thing i've read about this, is some people online on message boards have beaten this into remission and eat a special diet, but others never get success from the medicine or diet... but searching around the FAA/AME guide I can't find anything on this condition or the official stance the FAA has.


So my questions (I'm scared to ask honestly..): Ever ran into other pilots with this? My career over before it started? 300 hours and right before a CFI checkride and this happens to me This like a death sentance flying wise? I'm not worried about the gallbladder but the cystitis in the bladder/urinary tract has me worried..

Thanks!
**was going to pm this.. but search showed nothing showing up with this condition so to help others in future this is public.

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

It is approved on a case by case basis. You will need to submit the medical records from the urologist to the FAA in OKC and ask for a review of the file and a Special Issuance medical certificate. If you need help go to
http://www.faaspecialissuance.com

Interstitial cystitis is a very painful and debilitating disease. There is no known cause and the treatment works sometimes. If Elmiron works, be thankful. I have treeated several cases over the years and it is like the heartbreak of psoriasis.

 

[Tokyo007]

Thanks Doc,

yeah i'm sort of in a real bummed mood at the moment - I have to try since i've invested so much money into this aviation deal.. and an expensive battle at that $98 for an office visit and $288 for a months worth of Elmiron..I hear it takes a month to 3 months to work. I'm also doing herbs ect.

but one reason i'm optimistic; my symptoms do not exactly match - like many people have to use the restroom a million times a day and I don't.. I just have pain/nausea on my lower left side near hip (I also think the left urinary tract is more involved than the bladder), i'm 30 and male which isn't common (mostly women get this) and I think it was caused by an allergic reaction to Flagyl to begin with. SO I *HOPE* and pray this works and the side effects are..zilch. *crosses fingers*

but thank you for the info and that link, I will for sure be using it if it works! thank you.