multipilot

Rick - I ran across this website after a google search. I'll have to look into it a bit more.

I did talk to AOPA. The person I talked to said I only have to report the stone (assuming they find one) on my next medical application several months from now and that there is no need to get my AME involved. She mentioned that as long as the urologist says I'm free of stones, I can "self certify" myself for use of my medical privileges.

I did go to the urologist today. She did a urinalysis and said everything looked fine. I haven't had any pain since Saturday. I am going in for an IPV tomorrow just to make sure everything is clear. Hopefully everything is clear and I should be good to go back to work assuming that the AOPA medical person is correct in that I don't have to go talk to my AME.

Thanks for everyone's help

multipilot

Good News -

I went and did an IVP scan yesterday, of which I just found out is negative for kidney stones. I called my AME's office this morning to make sure I was good to go. Unfortunately, my AME is not in the office today and won't be back until Monday. His nurse told me to call FAA Aeromedical. I sucked it up and called. The guy I spoke with said since there's no evidence of stones I should be alright to use my medical privileges and to just report it on my next medical application.

icetime

Multipilot -

Without knowing your age, medical history, family history, etc.., anything online here is total speculation. Being seen by a Urologist was a good move, but unless they deal with a pilot population routinely their impressions and advice are limited. Not by lack of intelligence but lack of knowledge in the Aerospace Medicine realm. I agree with some of the other posts in that you can get back to flying but the hoop process can be exceptionally frustrating. As we all are aware, the back of every medical certificate lets us know that we are to self ground ourselves during periods of medical illness, regardless of cause. The whole concept with grounding someone with renal calculi (kidney stones) is flight safety..... no big surprise here.... If you happened to be in the air with a student and had an "attack" it could have an unfortunate outcome. Your biggest risk factor at this time for having another kidney stone is a HISTORY OF A KIDNEY STONE. Getting into the loop with virtual flight surgeons in Colorado (or someone equivalent) might not be a bad idea if your AME is not a specialist in Aerospace Medicine..... not to suggest that he/she is a bad physician but in situations like yours you want someone who practices in this area exclusively..... Best of luck and hope you never have another stone.....

multipilot

I just got off the phone with the FAA Medical Certification Branch. The guy I talked to was a lot more helpful than the last one. This is what the dude I talked to told me -

All I need to do is submit a copy of my CT scan, IVP scan, and a letter from my treating urologist that answers the following questions:

1. Are there any retained stones?
2. Is the issue resolved?
3. What is the clinical diagnosis/assessment?
4. Is the patient released from care?

I am supposed to fax this info up the FAA Medical Certification Branch where they'll review my case and then send me a letter of authorization (I think that's what he called the letter) in which I am to present to my AME for my next medical.

The good news is, he said I can continue operating under my current medical as long as I am released from care of my treating physician and I have no other occurrences.

veewan

http://www.alpa.org/portals/alpa/mag...dneyStones.pdf

vagabond

Thanks for the link. The last post to this thread was in 2008. I'm pretty sure the OP was able to pass all his kidney stones by now. If not, he's got more serious problems, wouldn't you agree?

rotorhead1026

Still good to have updated information. Having an experienced and savvy AME here is essential. For example, IIRC FAA doesn't always require the latest and greatest diagnostic tests when looking for the possibility of a recurrence, which can be to the pilot's advantage. As always, get expert advice before submitting the medical application.

nader saeed

My dad has kidney stones and I hope I dont have it too in the future

multipilot

Wow, this thread was resurrected from the dead.

Thanks for the link! It's always good to have more information.

Haha, thankfully I was. I consulted AOPA and CAMI prior to my medical appointment for the class 1 and the AME was able to issue it right there in the office (If I remember correctly as it was over 5 years ago now). It definitely pays to be proactive and have all of the information BEFORE you go see your AME. After that whole experience, I've changed my diet, mainly cutting back on sodas, and have been drinking a lot more water. I haven't had any problems since.