SlumTodd_Millionaire
Most Hated Member
I haven’t threatened anything. Merely wished something.
People like you are why someone I know almost died of a highly treatable form of cancer. People who aren’t MDs need to shut the hell up about medicine.
Sinusitis so bad it is killing me! (incapacitating in flight!)
- Thread starter TexasFlyer
- Start date
I haven’t threatened anything. Merely wished something.
People like you are why someone I know almost died of a highly treatable form of cancer. People who aren’t MDs need to shut the hell up about medicine.
wheelsup
Well-Known Member
Well in this thread I specifically advocated for using drugs when needed. How you relate that to someone who refused treatment for cancer, well, hey I can't help you there.
TexasFlyer
Living the Dream (well at least trying to)
Oh my. My forum has got out of control. Simmer down folks. Please. And remember. I do appreciate and read every comment as it gives me things to think about and in some cases ask my doc about where some meds may be an issue or may treat a symptom but not be a solution to the problem. So thank you everyone.
At this point. A few appointment changes. I have a Primary Care follow up and ENT in April (moved up from May). And in May have one general Neurologist to see and one Neurologist to see that specializes in headache medicine. After those appointments are all complete I been told to forward the medical records from the Allergist, ENT, and both Neurologists to ALPA AME to see their thoughts. At that point I will make decisions.
My biggest concern is what Jetn67 said. The docs may just treat my symptoms and may not treat me.
At this point. A few appointment changes. I have a Primary Care follow up and ENT in April (moved up from May). And in May have one general Neurologist to see and one Neurologist to see that specializes in headache medicine. After those appointments are all complete I been told to forward the medical records from the Allergist, ENT, and both Neurologists to ALPA AME to see their thoughts. At that point I will make decisions.
My biggest concern is what Jetn67 said. The docs may just treat my symptoms and may not treat me.
TexasFlyer
Living the Dream (well at least trying to)
Update. Specialists referring me to more specialists. How many more?
* I have 5 different specialists to see in May now on my schedule (all initial visits).
* Plus an MRI set up since CT Scan did not show all the ENT needed to see; she seen a concern that requires the MRI.
* Plus a follow-up with my ENT after the appointments and MRI for her to make conclusions.
* Plus follow-up with my PCP so he can compile all this info and keep reporting to the insurance companies that keep sending form after form for him to fill out. And I am about ready to request no more forms since the doc charges 25 bucks per page and paying 200 bucks a week for forms to keep being filled out with the same info over and over again is plain stupid when it is clear I have appointments set through the end of May and no conclusions will be drawn before that timeframe.
So total of 8 appointments in May on my schedule!!! At some point I assume the specialists will be done referring me to other specialists and start making decisions. I am not happy with what the ENT wrote on what she suspects at the moment as it includes several disqualifying items for a medical. She also told me I can expect 6 to 8 months of not flying at this point since it will take some time to conclude the proper treatment, which will likely be surgery but she hates to start there unless necessary. She will know more after I see the other specialists and they compile their results or further testing suggestions. So hopefully in 5 weeks from now I have more info and better news. As for now, I am going broke from co-pays and paperwork fees as the disability check pretty much only covers medical costs... glad I have a decent savings account but getting concerned it may not be enough!
* I have 5 different specialists to see in May now on my schedule (all initial visits).
* Plus an MRI set up since CT Scan did not show all the ENT needed to see; she seen a concern that requires the MRI.
* Plus a follow-up with my ENT after the appointments and MRI for her to make conclusions.
* Plus follow-up with my PCP so he can compile all this info and keep reporting to the insurance companies that keep sending form after form for him to fill out. And I am about ready to request no more forms since the doc charges 25 bucks per page and paying 200 bucks a week for forms to keep being filled out with the same info over and over again is plain stupid when it is clear I have appointments set through the end of May and no conclusions will be drawn before that timeframe.
So total of 8 appointments in May on my schedule!!! At some point I assume the specialists will be done referring me to other specialists and start making decisions. I am not happy with what the ENT wrote on what she suspects at the moment as it includes several disqualifying items for a medical. She also told me I can expect 6 to 8 months of not flying at this point since it will take some time to conclude the proper treatment, which will likely be surgery but she hates to start there unless necessary. She will know more after I see the other specialists and they compile their results or further testing suggestions. So hopefully in 5 weeks from now I have more info and better news. As for now, I am going broke from co-pays and paperwork fees as the disability check pretty much only covers medical costs... glad I have a decent savings account but getting concerned it may not be enough!
SlumTodd_Millionaire
Most Hated Member
Sounds like you have some serious health issues that need to be addressed. How long you won’t be flying should be the last concern, as flying will likely only make it worse.
Go get your real estate license and make the best of your down time.
Go get your real estate license and make the best of your down time.
TexasFlyer
Living the Dream (well at least trying to)
Almost 3 months now. Still going to more testing. Have everything from an Upper Endoscopy and a full Brain and Sinus MRI in June to a 2 day Sleep Study and Psychological testing in July. I had to add a shrink to the agenda since I literally been having anxiety/ panic and depression from this mess. Also I have endless appointments with the ENT, Neuro, Gastro, Sleep Specialist, and my PCP (some scheduled as far out as September for follow-ups and testing!!!).
A few docs have said they can't help as the root cause is beyond their specialty. Two allergists and one ENT all rather quickly said surgery will not solve a chronic issue like mine. But my original ENT from April is still assessing though all those tests I mentioned as she is not giving up yet on determining if she can help.
I may be adding a holistic doctor who is an actual DO but focuses on treatment outside traditional meds whom I been referred to. Of course my insurance won't pay for her, and the possible treatment is not cheap. But nearing the point of trying to do that since if a few grand gets me back to flying, it would be worth it! Flying is my dream and I fought hard to attain it. Not giving up without a fight!
Anyway. The consensus so far seems to be chronic sinusitis that can not be controlled and is compounded by barometric changes and since it is chronic even the surgery may not work. Hence more testing and second opinions now in progress to figure out a final answer. My PCP did say if no one else can figure it out, he has suggestions but will hold off on making them until the specialists come to a conclusion.
Also, FMLA is now exhausted. Short term disability continues but is a pain with all their required updates and paperwork. Insurance max out of pocket for the year is also almost met! So every penny of disability plus some has gone to my medical bills and I am watching my savings dwindle. Thank god I am a Dave Ramsey fan and debt free with a good amount of savings, or else I be screwed!
So that's my update. Next update I suppose will be sometime in July or August once these folks know what is going on. Been told by my PCP who said it best. They are just looking for that "Ah-Ha" moment that shows them the root cause. And if they can't find it, he will then direct me elsewhere.
A few docs have said they can't help as the root cause is beyond their specialty. Two allergists and one ENT all rather quickly said surgery will not solve a chronic issue like mine. But my original ENT from April is still assessing though all those tests I mentioned as she is not giving up yet on determining if she can help.
I may be adding a holistic doctor who is an actual DO but focuses on treatment outside traditional meds whom I been referred to. Of course my insurance won't pay for her, and the possible treatment is not cheap. But nearing the point of trying to do that since if a few grand gets me back to flying, it would be worth it! Flying is my dream and I fought hard to attain it. Not giving up without a fight!
Anyway. The consensus so far seems to be chronic sinusitis that can not be controlled and is compounded by barometric changes and since it is chronic even the surgery may not work. Hence more testing and second opinions now in progress to figure out a final answer. My PCP did say if no one else can figure it out, he has suggestions but will hold off on making them until the specialists come to a conclusion.
Also, FMLA is now exhausted. Short term disability continues but is a pain with all their required updates and paperwork. Insurance max out of pocket for the year is also almost met! So every penny of disability plus some has gone to my medical bills and I am watching my savings dwindle. Thank god I am a Dave Ramsey fan and debt free with a good amount of savings, or else I be screwed!
So that's my update. Next update I suppose will be sometime in July or August once these folks know what is going on. Been told by my PCP who said it best. They are just looking for that "Ah-Ha" moment that shows them the root cause. And if they can't find it, he will then direct me elsewhere.
SlumTodd_Millionaire
Most Hated Member
Your Insurance won’t pay for her because she’s a quack. Stick with real medicine.
This doesn’t make any sense. The entire purpose of sinus surgery is to treat chronic sinusitis.
Beefy McGee
Well-Known Member
@TexasFlyer thinking about you man.
FYI, I flew with a lot of CAs who had sinus issues when they flew the old 200s. I had it too when I first started. The first few months, by the time we got to cruise altitude I would be absolutely stuffed up and unable to breathe except through my mouth and with pressure building in my ears. Only thing that worked for me was real Sudafed and Flonase or Nasacort. Took a while to build up some immunity to it (I think that’s what happened) but I still fly with the cockpit vents closed most of the time.
Point being, I definitely think some of our planes definitely are “sick planes” with crud in the ventilation systems that affects us. Mostly old 200s but some 700s. You can smell the funky vents.
I still get a flareup once in a while, usually when we hit a lasting few days of humid weather but no rain to knock out all the airborne pollen and pollutants. Just the kind of days where I want to open those smelly vents.
None of this anecdotal stuff probably helps your situation much, but you are not alone. Sounds like you’ve got a worse problem or reaction compared to most of us. I hope you can get it cleared up and get back to work soon!
FYI, I flew with a lot of CAs who had sinus issues when they flew the old 200s. I had it too when I first started. The first few months, by the time we got to cruise altitude I would be absolutely stuffed up and unable to breathe except through my mouth and with pressure building in my ears. Only thing that worked for me was real Sudafed and Flonase or Nasacort. Took a while to build up some immunity to it (I think that’s what happened) but I still fly with the cockpit vents closed most of the time.
Point being, I definitely think some of our planes definitely are “sick planes” with crud in the ventilation systems that affects us. Mostly old 200s but some 700s. You can smell the funky vents.
I still get a flareup once in a while, usually when we hit a lasting few days of humid weather but no rain to knock out all the airborne pollen and pollutants. Just the kind of days where I want to open those smelly vents.
None of this anecdotal stuff probably helps your situation much, but you are not alone. Sounds like you’ve got a worse problem or reaction compared to most of us. I hope you can get it cleared up and get back to work soon!
TexasFlyer
Living the Dream (well at least trying to)
Was told surgery is to fix acute sinusitis. It will not cure chronic sinusitis. It will only help temporary until it returns since surgery will not help inflation, aggravation from barometric changes, and a post nasal drip caused by both those chronic factors. So over a short time, the sinus issues I get as a pilot will return. Hence, can't be cured.
SlumTodd_Millionaire
Most Hated Member
That’s literally the opposite of the truth. I’m beginning to wonder if you’re actually seeing these experts. Acute sinusitis is treated with medication. A competent surgeon won’t even consider surgery unless it is a chronic condition.
NickH
Uber Driver
So my Wikipedia and WebMD based medical degree confirms ATN is correct. You might want to double check if your recollection is correct.
Were you told this by an alternative 'medicine' quacktitioner?
TexasFlyer
Living the Dream (well at least trying to)
Told by the Nasal and Sinus Institute of Florida and also confirmed by Sher Allergy Specialists (although he is not an ENT like the other folks are). Barometric induced sinus can not be resolved unless you stop changing the baro pressure substantially 3 to 6 times a day 4 days a week.
The conversation went more like this. So this way you can infer what you want from it.
So surgery will cure this?
No. Surgery is not a cure as chronic sinusitis can not be cured, but it can be managed with surgery.
So then I will no longer get dizzy and headaches and nausea and infections every 90 days if I do the surgery?
We don't know if surgery will be the answer, but it does help in most cases.
So if I have surgery there is a good chance over the next year or five I am sitting back here after having another unsafe situation on the flight deck and being sick on a regular basis again?
This is a possibility.
So the surgery is not a cure, it is an educated guess that may or may not work since this is barometric triggered?
That is correct.
I am not one to gamble. So I will look for other alternatives right now, okay?
Okay.
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TexasFlyer
Living the Dream (well at least trying to)
So. Sure. Surgery may or may not work. It's a gamble. Which is not a good enough answer for me. Hence why seeking other avenues.
I am a professional. Professionals do not put passengers and crew at risk. I may drive like an idiot, ride a motorcycle with no helmet, and bike ride in shorts and flip flops. But I will never put my crew and can passengers at risk due to me being unsure if I am safe to fly or unsafe to fly. I am a Captain so when I return I hate to become incapacitated with some new FO just off IOE, much less anyone for that matter. But especially a new one. Just takes me having the issue again and then 10 min later we fry a pack or blow a can. I am sure the new FO is trained, but I rather not risk it. That would not be professional and it is also against the law if not 100 percent certain you are safe to fly.
And on a more selfish note. I never ever want to feel that 11 day headache of stabbing knives I had again or have that vertigo and nausea and have mucus coming out eyes and strands of yellow and blood red snot chunking out of my nose with no prior warning! I will never forget the amount of pain I was in for 2 weeks! And this comes from a guy who list part of a foot and had skin graphs years ago in a motorcycle wreck (this sinus pain hurt more than the pain of losing part of my foot and going through skin grafting). So this sinus deal is no joke!
I am a professional. Professionals do not put passengers and crew at risk. I may drive like an idiot, ride a motorcycle with no helmet, and bike ride in shorts and flip flops. But I will never put my crew and can passengers at risk due to me being unsure if I am safe to fly or unsafe to fly. I am a Captain so when I return I hate to become incapacitated with some new FO just off IOE, much less anyone for that matter. But especially a new one. Just takes me having the issue again and then 10 min later we fry a pack or blow a can. I am sure the new FO is trained, but I rather not risk it. That would not be professional and it is also against the law if not 100 percent certain you are safe to fly.
And on a more selfish note. I never ever want to feel that 11 day headache of stabbing knives I had again or have that vertigo and nausea and have mucus coming out eyes and strands of yellow and blood red snot chunking out of my nose with no prior warning! I will never forget the amount of pain I was in for 2 weeks! And this comes from a guy who list part of a foot and had skin graphs years ago in a motorcycle wreck (this sinus pain hurt more than the pain of losing part of my foot and going through skin grafting). So this sinus deal is no joke!
SlumTodd_Millionaire
Most Hated Member
Okay, now the truth comes out.
Get the surgery. It will change your life. I speak from experience.
Get the surgery. It will change your life. I speak from experience.
zx6rrider
Well-Known Member
Haven't followed the entire post but sorry to hear you still don't have a clear answer. On the topic of your disability running out; have you thought about trying to get on at Flight Safety or a similar simulator training facility? Might be a way to keep a paycheck coming and stay on your game. Not sure what that would look like as far as taking a "leave" from your current company without quitting.
Gonzo
Well-Known Member
Most Dr's go to surgery first because it makes them a lot of money and they don't have to deal with the after issues.
@TexasFlyer did you get into see Dr. Lanza or are you seeing Dr. Solyar? Either way you are in some of the best hands in the US.
TexasFlyer
Living the Dream (well at least trying to)
Yes. Solyar is my ENT
TexasFlyer
Living the Dream (well at least trying to)
Yes. But I can not take what he prescribes for my migraine. He wants me on Depakote for 6 months and then revisit. That is not FAA approved. So that dos not solve the no fly issue.
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