Hypothyroidism?
07-30-2008, 09:28 PM
#2
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Joined APC: Apr 2005
Position: 757/767
Posts: 1,128
Originally Posted by Alister1
Will this condition hinder my chances to get a first class medical? I am taking medication for it. Other than that I am good shape.
Good luck
Last edited by brownie; 07-30-2008 at 10:42 PM.
07-31-2008, 06:40 AM
#3
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Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
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Originally Posted by Alister1
Will this condition hinder my chances to get a first class medical? I am taking medication for it. Other than that I am good shape.
USMCFLYR
08-01-2008, 07:19 PM
#4
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Joined APC: Jul 2007
Posts: 64
I found this topic interesting as I have hypothyroidism. I also got a nice letter in the mail from the FAA saying that I "did not qualify for a 1st class under part 67. (scared the crap out of me) Then the next line said that I did qualify under part 67 for a special issuance and the letter they sent had a new medical and a 6 year authorization for special issuance 1st class medical.....I'm still kinda bugged that I have to have a special issuance over taking synthroid.
08-02-2008, 06:22 AM
#5
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Joined APC: Feb 2007
Position: MD80 Captain
Posts: 165
Originally Posted by TchNgo
I found this topic interesting as I have hypothyroidism. I also got a nice letter in the mail from the FAA saying that I "did not qualify for a 1st class under part 67. (scared the crap out of me) Then the next line said that I did qualify under part 67 for a special issuance and the letter they sent had a new medical and a 6 year authorization for special issuance 1st class medical.....I'm still kinda bugged that I have to have a special issuance over taking synthroid.
I've had hypothyroidism for about 15 years now... Never once had a special issuance medical. I've been taking synthroid the entire time..
12-07-2008, 02:00 AM
#6
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Position: ERJ CA
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Originally Posted by Chperplt
I've had hypothyroidism for about 15 years now... Never once had a special issuance medical. I've been taking synthroid the entire time..
The current FAA Aviation Medical Examiner's Guide seems to suggest, however, that it's possible to avoid the special issuance process if the applicant presents evidence of normal thyroid levels via a report of lab results:
The use of thyroid replacement therapy following diagnosis of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is not disqualifying if the applicant appears clinically euthyroid pending receipt of confirmatory laboratory tests.
Last edited by Blackwing; 12-07-2008 at 02:20 AM.
12-07-2008, 06:27 AM
#7
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Update:
I got my 1st class medical in November. I presented the AME with all of the paperwork from the military, complete with lab results over a period of time. I had not trouble getting my medical. In future applications I was told to write "condition previously cleared by the FAA" and there shouldn't be a problem.
USMCFLYR
I got my 1st class medical in November. I presented the AME with all of the paperwork from the military, complete with lab results over a period of time. I had not trouble getting my medical. In future applications I was told to write "condition previously cleared by the FAA" and there shouldn't be a problem.
USMCFLYR
04-21-2010, 02:44 PM
#8
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Joined APC: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,459
Does anyone have any experience with suddenly learning they are Hypothyroid as an active airline pilot? A blood test just came back showing I am Hypothyroid. I self grounded myself and my family doc started me on Synthroid. My AMEs receptionist (they won't let me talk to the actual DOCTOR without booking an office visit for $55 - What the... ???), and a flight surgeon at Alpa aeromedical are both telling me I will be grounded for at least 6 weeks until my bloodwork shows my hormone levels normal and stable, but when I read the FAA AME guide it seems to indicate they can issue a special issuance authorization (a temporary medical) to keep me working until my lab results come in. Has anyone been down this road before?
04-21-2010, 07:05 PM
#9
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Originally Posted by sulkair
Does anyone have any experience with suddenly learning they are Hypothyroid as an active airline pilot? A blood test just came back showing I am Hypothyroid. I self grounded myself and my family doc started me on Synthroid. My AMEs receptionist (they won't let me talk to the actual DOCTOR without booking an office visit for $55 - What the... ???), and a flight surgeon at Alpa aeromedical are both telling me I will be grounded for at least 6 weeks until my bloodwork shows my hormone levels normal and stable, but when I read the FAA AME guide it seems to indicate they can issue a special issuance authorization (a temporary medical) to keep me working until my lab results come in. Has anyone been down this road before?
As you read before - I dealt with this in the military - so MAYBE the FAA would be different, I'm sure someone will be able to lead you to the right answer there. But yes - I had to wait 6 weeks after every change to my medication to show that I was stable until I could get my waiver. I was told that it took 6 weeks of the meds to take effect fully - and you have to be free of all effects. I was down for 6 months - so if you are only donw for 6 weeks - then be very happy!
SI UNTIL your tests come back. I doubt it - but then again I'm not an AME - so good luck if you can get that.
USMCFLYR
04-22-2010, 06:57 AM
#10
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Joined APC: Apr 2005
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Posts: 1,128
Originally Posted by sulkair
Does anyone have any experience with suddenly learning they are Hypothyroid as an active airline pilot? A blood test just came back showing I am Hypothyroid. I self grounded myself and my family doc started me on Synthroid. My AMEs receptionist (they won't let me talk to the actual DOCTOR without booking an office visit for $55 - What the... ???), and a flight surgeon at Alpa aeromedical are both telling me I will be grounded for at least 6 weeks until my bloodwork shows my hormone levels normal and stable, but when I read the FAA AME guide it seems to indicate they can issue a special issuance authorization (a temporary medical) to keep me working until my lab results come in. Has anyone been down this road before?
Good luck
