Medical certificate and droping the pants....

[pgcfii2002]

They have always made me turn my head and cough...but never stuck anything up my butt.

 

[JCJ]

Ok, so I went to get my medical certificate renewed the other day. I went to a new doctor, because I just recently moved to this area. Everything was the usual, until he told me to drop my pants and shorts. I was kind of stunned as asked him to repeat what he just said and I herd correctly. So I drop my pants and the Dr wants me to take off my underwear. So I did. Next he tells my to lay down on the table with my legs dangling off of the end…..He’s the doc, so I did. After that he starts rubbing my testacies for little while…..He told me he was checking for tumors. Then does the coughing thing.

Anyways my question is, has anyone ever had that done to them? I have never had to drop my paints for a medical certificate. It all sounds kind of strange.

(disclaimer - I am not an AME. I am a physician and a pilot)

This sounds a little strange the way you describe it. However a complete genitourinary exam should include palpating the testicles for tumor (should only take a second as testicular tumors are not subtle) and the "turn-your-head-and-cough" check for hernia and possibly a rectal exam.

Testicular cancer is a disease common in the relatively young and is easily diagnosed by testicular exam. It is also easily treated with a very high cure rate. It is very possible your physician was just being thorough for these reasons.

I don't believe that these exams are required for FAA medical certificates. But if you went for a thorough physical, and wanted to get your medical in addition to having a thorough regular physicial, then I would expect this to be a part of your exam. I agree with the thought of a prostate check starting in the mid-40's (rectal exam and PSA blood test). I also agree that your AME should usually not be your personal physician becasue of a potential conflict of interest between their duty to you as a patient vs. their duty to the FAA.

If you seriously think something inappropriate was done during your exam, PM me and I'll advise you how to proceed.

 

[gear goes down]

Funny stuff. I had an AME ask me to drop my pants and then look for what seemed to me to be an uncomfotable amount of time...that was the last time I used him. The next AME didn't even have me take my shoes off.

Gear Goes Down...your not located in CO by any chance?

Nope, not in CO.

Well, i guess a lot of you had your pants dropped. I have only had 4 medicals before and never before had to do that, just thought it was strange... I just went to this guy because he was 150% cheaper than the others in the area.

 

[bobs98tlr]

Ive had 3 and all included the drop....Only in the room for 5 minutes or less for each.

 

[Jet_Dreamer]

So I drop my pants and the Dr wants me to take off my underwear. So I did. Next he tells my to lay down on the table with my legs dangling off of the end…..He’s the doc, so I did. After that he starts rubbing my testacies for little while…..

did he PAY YOU?

 

[RichardRambone]

I had one just today. Dropped trou and coughed almost every time. No fingers up the arse however. In and out in 10 minutes. Thats 9 dollars a minute.

 

[phishn@daves]

Nope, not in CO.

Well, i guess a lot of you had your pants dropped. I have only had 4 medicals before and never before had to do that, just thought it was strange... I just went to this guy because he was 150% cheaper than the others in the area.

Did you think it was strange that while he was asking you to drop trou, he was also taking out his false teeth? I did too, but it appears he was just taking my temperature. Well, that's what he told me.

 

[Gofish]

Funny...I had an AME do the "stink finger"...he was a little chubby man with really fat fingers...a most unpleasant experience.

I've since found a new AME who isn't as thorough.

In all seriousness, if the AME found a tumor or something...you'd prolly thank him.

 

[Midnight Flyer]

Funny...I had an AME do the "stink finger"...he was a littlechubby man with really fat fingers...a most unpleasant experience.
I've since found a new AME who isn't as thorough.

My AME told me to bend over and he proceeded to do the "finger thingy" The next thing I know, both of his hands on my shoulders while he was still doing the finger check.. WTF!!

 

[Gorilla]

I've said it before, the day I am asked to drop trou by an AME is the last day that I use his services. Save that stuff for the family doc.

Maybe JCJ can correct me (and I invite him to)... the digital rectal is an exam for prostate problems, correct? An enlarged prostate is easily detected, not so sure about prostate cancer.

 

[midlifeflyer]

One of my AME's asked me to drop my pants and while doing the testicular exam, asked me what I did for a living. NO WAY I was telling him in that position!

 

[Webslinger]

Can anybody tell who to use for a First class medical in SAT. (fast and easy)

 

[tracearabians]

I drop my pants in the doc's waiting room. Just to impress the nurses.... Bouy....

SO DO I ! SURE BEATS THE HELL OUT OF LOOKING AT BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS MAGAZINES !

 

[JCJ]

I've said it before, the day I am asked to drop trou by an AME is the last day that I use his services. Save that stuff for the family doc.

Maybe JCJ can correct me (and I invite him to)... the digital rectal is an exam for prostate problems, correct? An enlarged prostate is easily detected, not so sure about prostate cancer.

Digital rectal exam (DRE) is an exam of all the structures that you can feel with the examining finger. The prostate gland is one of those, and checking the prostate is a major reason for the exam. A physician can usually tell if the prostate gland is significantly enlarged. An enlarged prostate gland with no nodules is usually Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) and usually is not prostate cancer. A prostate nodule felt on DRE may be prostate cancer, and usually requires a biopsy (office procedure, but not a lot of fun). Usually the gland is not as enlarged in cases of prostate cancer. It is also possible to have prostate cancer that can't be detected on DRE, or feels like BPH, which is why older men should have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test done periodically.

DRE is also important to check for cancer of the distal rectum (the part that is closest to the anus and can be felt with the finger) or cancer of the anus.

If you're over 40 or so, it's a good idea to have one done every couple of years or so.

 

[stingray]

I have never had an AME do the rotor rutor or make me cough. Yes those things should be checked every now and then, but should be left to your regular GP at regular appropriate times.
You Have your AME
and you have your GP.
Let your GP refer you to an appropriate specialist if needed
Use your GP for all things medical, other then your FAA Medical, including I hurt my pinke finger. Get the point!!!!