One other word of advice-

Don't go to an AME until you have consulted with other Non-AME doctors. Remember, although an AME is the person that you're going to have to go through to get a medical, they are not there to help you get your medical. Ultimately, they are there to ensure that you meet the FAA standard for medical qualification.



That doesn't mean that a GOOD AME won't help or offer assistance. It is important to realize though that an AME is legally bound to report your condition and the information that he/she has about it to the FAA. CAPIP is right in that eventually you will need to talk with an AME to get your medical. That said, simply going into an AME without getting your ducks in a row can result in a timely, costly, and frustrating experience simply because your form gets checked "Yes" to stroke and then sent on to Oklahoma City. Trust me- if you proceed without caution and diligence, you will end up with problems. Once that happens, it's entirely out of your AME's hands, and it's often too late to take "preemptive" measures that you might have been able to before hand (through a place like AOPA or Virtual Flight Surgeons.

If you really want to fly for a living, take some time and consult with a NON-AME medical professional that is familiar with FAA procedures for special medical certification. There are even some places out there where you can provide your situation anonymously and still receive advice on how to proceed.

The old adage that you should have one doctor to do your FAA stuff and another that doesn't know you're a pilot for your regular health stuff is a good one.