Yes, I generally agree with pilotpip. But if it does become a long drawn out testing period, remember that you CAN start flying that does not require a medical. Find a local glider operation and get a private glider license. Or even better try and find a relatively close school that has powered aircraft that qualify under the light sport rule, and train for a sport pilot license (again, no medical needed). Once you have either of those and your medical issues worked out it won't be too big of a step to get powered private.

As for flight time, if you fly powered light sport aircraft the time is fully countable toward your total requirement for the airlines. As for gliders that is debatable. Some people say the airlines don't give it credit, others say they generally do. It may varry between companies and hiring needs. As for FAA certificates all the time you log in gliders can be eventually counted toward powered licenses.