Kidney Stones

[charterpuke]

A friend of mine was just diagnosed with his second case of kidney stones. First case was about six years ago. Has anyone had a second case of stones lately? If so, how long before you were able to get your medical back? I heard it can take a long time.

 

[Varig]

He should be drinking at least 2 liters of water a day. Most cases of kidney stones are due to dehydration. I hope he is ok.

VF

 

[charterpuke]

He is OK, but is worried about getting his medical back.

 

[radarlove]

The restriction is on not flying if you have a stone, I don't know that it matters if there is more than one in a row. Maybe it does, but the chances are that if you get one, you'll get two (or more).

 

[Jetmann]

Have him check this website

Looks like if it is the normal kind and there is proof of only one ie. x-ray/ct scan it is just a matter of faxing in to the FAA for them to clear him. Anything other than that could be more involved


http://aviationmedicine.com/article...layArticle&articleID=49&navID=67&contentID=67

 

[Hamburger]

Call ALPA medical. They'll take care of everything. No sweat.

 

[GRAAB HIRBOUBI]

I had a second occurrence last year. Once I passed it, it was a matter of a scan (Proof of No Stone), letter from urologist, and going to your regular FAA doc. It's not a 6 (after the stone passed) month ordeal like it was. July 08 FAA changed policy allowing locals to grant medicals if stone has passed. Before the change it was 4 to 6 months AFTER the stone passed.

 

[stall022]

I second what GRAAB said with a slight caveat that they must pass naturally or I believe can even be broken up with sound then passed, but If they require surgery to remove then he will be out for awhile.

 

[701EV]

I'll third what GRAAB HIRBOUBI said.

I had my first stone in 82. I get one or two every couple of years. No big deal. Drink LOTS of water!

 

[rigger]

Don't say a damn thing about the stone, don't lie but don;t say ANYTHING!!!!

 

[Cometman]

Don't say a damn thing about the stone, don't lie but don;t say ANYTHING!!!!

I agree. I had stones for the last 20 years. I get them about once every 5-6 years. If you do not get them while working you should never mention it. Hopefully you do not use your FAA doctor as your regular doctor. Keep them seperate. Your regular doctor should not be involved with anything to due with the FAA.

 

[Paul R. Smith]

I had a kidney stone back in 98 and I lost my medical until I could get the doc to send my AME an X-ray showing no current kidney stones. My AME then had to fax in the x-ray to the feds for bureaucratic masturbatory review. It took a bit more than a week. Now I have to fill out my 1st class application with the kidney stone box checked, but its "previously reported".

 

[chignutsak]

On the topic of drinking more water, does the mineral content make a big difference? That distilled water tastes pretty nasty!

 

[Dude]

Caution!

I would be careful about what you say and to whom. One of our pilots (WN) lost his medical-for good. He had recurring stones and the Feds pulled the medical and he is on LTD.

The Feds have a history of making a decision based on medical opinions from the 1940s. Once you've raised a red flag, it's hard to lower it when all is clear.

 

[radarlove]

Have your friend go here. This prevents 90% of kidney stones.