Tendonitis and FAA 1st. Class HELP Please!
12-20-2008, 02:51 AM
#1
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Posts: 15
Tendonitis and FAA 1st. Class HELP Please!
Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum and I'm glad you guys have put together this wonderful community for all fellow aviators.
I need your opinions on the following. I'm a general aviation pilot and will be starting CFI school next month (January).
I have a regular office job which makes me use a computer all day and given the repeated use of the computer I developed pain in the right side of my right hand and lower elbow region. My employer, since 13 months ago, put me off work due to not wanting to worsen the condition (November 2007). Since then I have had several Nerve conduction studies and physical therapy to fix a possible tendinitis issue. During this last 13 months I felt no change until now. I'm finally loosing the severity of the pain and I have lost completely that swollen feeling I had on my hand. Also have lsot that lack of sensation or grasp.
I will be going back to see the doctor next Monday (my companies doctor for work) and will share with him, finally, this good news that the condition is getting better and also to get the results of an MRI he had done of me recently which I hope are good as well.
Having said this. Not having been formally diagnosed with tendonitis but even if that were indeed the cause of the pain, and now that Im feeling better and getting ready to return to work soon, and the medical tests to back it up...........will it make me fail my next medical exam with the FAA AME?
IM SOOOOO Concerned you guys! I grew up flying and my live revolves around putting money aside to climb up the ladder of my ratings and dont want to be grounded.
Anyones input? Should I worry?
Also I recently renewed my 1st. class medical last June and honest to GOD I forgot to mention to the AME that I was off work due to pain on the hand (keep in mind I'm under no pain medication so I guess I didnt see anythign to report and forgot). So Last week when I realized my mistake I gave the AME a call and spilled the beans. He claims even if I would of told him about it, if i showed him full use and strength of my hand and the good test results he would of approved it right there and then.
He said I have two options, wait to report it as a past and taken care of condition on my next medical or to get a letter from the doctor treating me stating that I came to him for pain issues but now its gone (once im all better 100% of course) and that he would send it to Oklahoma to be put on my file so the FAA doesnt think I lied or anything. He said it would basically be a technicality to proof Im not hiding anything. He said it shouldnt be a major issue.
Well guys, I'f you guys are not hating me yet with this LONG!!!!! post please give me your input. Im a little paranoid and after noticing I didnt mention it the last time on the medical has me not sleeping well at all. Im so paranoid I'm even saying......."What if the FAA checks me once in a while to see if Im out on workers comp or hurt?"
Please, please let me know what you think?
I need your opinions on the following. I'm a general aviation pilot and will be starting CFI school next month (January).
I have a regular office job which makes me use a computer all day and given the repeated use of the computer I developed pain in the right side of my right hand and lower elbow region. My employer, since 13 months ago, put me off work due to not wanting to worsen the condition (November 2007). Since then I have had several Nerve conduction studies and physical therapy to fix a possible tendinitis issue. During this last 13 months I felt no change until now. I'm finally loosing the severity of the pain and I have lost completely that swollen feeling I had on my hand. Also have lsot that lack of sensation or grasp.
I will be going back to see the doctor next Monday (my companies doctor for work) and will share with him, finally, this good news that the condition is getting better and also to get the results of an MRI he had done of me recently which I hope are good as well.
Having said this. Not having been formally diagnosed with tendonitis but even if that were indeed the cause of the pain, and now that Im feeling better and getting ready to return to work soon, and the medical tests to back it up...........will it make me fail my next medical exam with the FAA AME?
IM SOOOOO Concerned you guys! I grew up flying and my live revolves around putting money aside to climb up the ladder of my ratings and dont want to be grounded.
Anyones input? Should I worry?
Also I recently renewed my 1st. class medical last June and honest to GOD I forgot to mention to the AME that I was off work due to pain on the hand (keep in mind I'm under no pain medication so I guess I didnt see anythign to report and forgot). So Last week when I realized my mistake I gave the AME a call and spilled the beans. He claims even if I would of told him about it, if i showed him full use and strength of my hand and the good test results he would of approved it right there and then.
He said I have two options, wait to report it as a past and taken care of condition on my next medical or to get a letter from the doctor treating me stating that I came to him for pain issues but now its gone (once im all better 100% of course) and that he would send it to Oklahoma to be put on my file so the FAA doesnt think I lied or anything. He said it would basically be a technicality to proof Im not hiding anything. He said it shouldnt be a major issue.
Well guys, I'f you guys are not hating me yet with this LONG!!!!! post please give me your input. Im a little paranoid and after noticing I didnt mention it the last time on the medical has me not sleeping well at all. Im so paranoid I'm even saying......."What if the FAA checks me once in a while to see if Im out on workers comp or hurt?"
Please, please let me know what you think?
12-20-2008, 08:51 AM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Posts: 215
Do what your Doctor says and treat it as a past condition, or get the letter from your Doctor saying you were treated and things are back to normal.
I would just disclose on my next medical.
Were you flying with this condition that went unreported? If not I wouldn't worry about. Just clean up the paperwork trail.
I sat at home with a broken elbow in 2004 for 4 months. When I went back to work I reported the injury to my AME and reported the injury/surgery etc on my medical history. The Doctor noted that I had good range of motion and that was that.
I would just disclose on my next medical.
Were you flying with this condition that went unreported? If not I wouldn't worry about. Just clean up the paperwork trail.
I sat at home with a broken elbow in 2004 for 4 months. When I went back to work I reported the injury to my AME and reported the injury/surgery etc on my medical history. The Doctor noted that I had good range of motion and that was that.
12-20-2008, 09:40 AM
#3
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,252
BE CAREFUL!
Your biggest potential problem is that you lied on an FAA medical form and then admitted to it! That is not an FAA administrative issue, that is a federal felony (people have gone to jail for this under certain circumstances). Legally there is no such thing as "forgetting"...only "lying". You REALLY need to talk to a laywer BEFORE you talk to your AME of the FAA, or fill out another medical app.
I understand the AME was saying he could smooth it over with the FAA...odds are that he is correct. But there is no guarantee on that if the wrong fed gets a look at your case...better safe than sorry. The FAA could revoke (not just supend) all of your pilot certs for this, and then refer you to the justice department for your criminal charges.
Your biggest exposure woud be if you were flying during the period when you had this problem...if you self-grounded, you are in better shape. But I am 99% sure that a decent lawyer could arrange everything so you do not have any issues in the future.\
The FAA recently did criminal charges against a number of pilots in California who were drawing social security disability...they did this by matching federal databases. But worker's comp would be a state issue, and I'm sure the FAA doesn't have the resources (or the authority) to look at every state/local database.
I think your risk of getting in trouble comes from admitting it after that fact...the good news is that it looks like you have good intentions so I don't think anyone will hold it against you. But you want to do everything you can to protect yourself.
Your biggest potential problem is that you lied on an FAA medical form and then admitted to it! That is not an FAA administrative issue, that is a federal felony (people have gone to jail for this under certain circumstances). Legally there is no such thing as "forgetting"...only "lying". You REALLY need to talk to a laywer BEFORE you talk to your AME of the FAA, or fill out another medical app.
I understand the AME was saying he could smooth it over with the FAA...odds are that he is correct. But there is no guarantee on that if the wrong fed gets a look at your case...better safe than sorry. The FAA could revoke (not just supend) all of your pilot certs for this, and then refer you to the justice department for your criminal charges.
Your biggest exposure woud be if you were flying during the period when you had this problem...if you self-grounded, you are in better shape. But I am 99% sure that a decent lawyer could arrange everything so you do not have any issues in the future.\
The FAA recently did criminal charges against a number of pilots in California who were drawing social security disability...they did this by matching federal databases. But worker's comp would be a state issue, and I'm sure the FAA doesn't have the resources (or the authority) to look at every state/local database.
I think your risk of getting in trouble comes from admitting it after that fact...the good news is that it looks like you have good intentions so I don't think anyone will hold it against you. But you want to do everything you can to protect yourself.
12-20-2008, 01:54 PM
#4
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Posts: 15
Originally Posted by 74plb
Do what your Doctor says and treat it as a past condition, or get the letter from your Doctor saying you were treated and things are back to normal.
I would just disclose on my next medical.
Were you flying with this condition that went unreported? If not I wouldn't worry about. Just clean up the paperwork trail.
I sat at home with a broken elbow in 2004 for 4 months. When I went back to work I reported the injury to my AME and reported the injury/surgery etc on my medical history. The Doctor noted that I had good range of motion and that was that.
I would just disclose on my next medical.
Were you flying with this condition that went unreported? If not I wouldn't worry about. Just clean up the paperwork trail.
I sat at home with a broken elbow in 2004 for 4 months. When I went back to work I reported the injury to my AME and reported the injury/surgery etc on my medical history. The Doctor noted that I had good range of motion and that was that.
About flying, I only flew twice on 2 one hour flights to do my flight review. Other than that no, no other flying. Also when I flew those two flights, it was when I had no pain as my hand was hurting on certain ocassions not 100% all the time.
Since I have a 1st class medical and dont plan on going to the airlines for at least another 3 years or so due to finishing school and getting more hours I was just going to let it fall to third class privileges and in another 4 1/2 years when I go to renew it for another 1st or 3rd, you think maybe then I should take the paperwork as a well past condition. It would be liek 3 years behind me by then.
12-20-2008, 01:59 PM
#5
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Posts: 15
Like I said above I flew only twice for flight review purposes. A total of 2 hours in 13 months. Those flight were when I was not in pain also. Keep in mind I was not under any medications for pain. Even the ones that were prescribed to me I did not take.
Jail? Im not stealing from anyne though. Man you got me super worried!
Jail? Im not stealing from anyne though. Man you got me super worried!
Originally Posted by rickair7777
BE CAREFUL!
Your biggest potential problem is that you lied on an FAA medical form and then admitted to it! That is not an FAA administrative issue, that is a federal felony (people have gone to jail for this under certain circumstances). Legally there is no such thing as "forgetting"...only "lying". You REALLY need to talk to a laywer BEFORE you talk to your AME of the FAA, or fill out another medical app.
I understand the AME was saying he could smooth it over with the FAA...odds are that he is correct. But there is no guarantee on that if the wrong fed gets a look at your case...better safe than sorry. The FAA could revoke (not just supend) all of your pilot certs for this, and then refer you to the justice department for your criminal charges.
Your biggest exposure woud be if you were flying during the period when you had this problem...if you self-grounded, you are in better shape. But I am 99% sure that a decent lawyer could arrange everything so you do not have any issues in the future.\
The FAA recently did criminal charges against a number of pilots in California who were drawing social security disability...they did this by matching federal databases. But worker's comp would be a state issue, and I'm sure the FAA doesn't have the resources (or the authority) to look at every state/local database.
I think your risk of getting in trouble comes from admitting it after that fact...the good news is that it looks like you have good intentions so I don't think anyone will hold it against you. But you want to do everything you can to protect yourself.
Your biggest potential problem is that you lied on an FAA medical form and then admitted to it! That is not an FAA administrative issue, that is a federal felony (people have gone to jail for this under certain circumstances). Legally there is no such thing as "forgetting"...only "lying". You REALLY need to talk to a laywer BEFORE you talk to your AME of the FAA, or fill out another medical app.
I understand the AME was saying he could smooth it over with the FAA...odds are that he is correct. But there is no guarantee on that if the wrong fed gets a look at your case...better safe than sorry. The FAA could revoke (not just supend) all of your pilot certs for this, and then refer you to the justice department for your criminal charges.
Your biggest exposure woud be if you were flying during the period when you had this problem...if you self-grounded, you are in better shape. But I am 99% sure that a decent lawyer could arrange everything so you do not have any issues in the future.\
The FAA recently did criminal charges against a number of pilots in California who were drawing social security disability...they did this by matching federal databases. But worker's comp would be a state issue, and I'm sure the FAA doesn't have the resources (or the authority) to look at every state/local database.
I think your risk of getting in trouble comes from admitting it after that fact...the good news is that it looks like you have good intentions so I don't think anyone will hold it against you. But you want to do everything you can to protect yourself.
12-20-2008, 04:30 PM
#6
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,252
Originally Posted by Elcapiperu
Like I said above I flew only twice for flight review purposes. A total of 2 hours in 13 months. Those flight were when I was not in pain also. Keep in mind I was not under any medications for pain. Even the ones that were prescribed to me I did not take.
Jail? Im not stealing from anyne though. Man you got me super worried!
Jail? Im not stealing from anyne though. Man you got me super worried!
12-20-2008, 05:40 PM
#7
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Posts: 15
Thanks Rick for your input. I will take your advise seriously. Since the AME gave me the option to give him the letter to fax over to Oklahoma or declared it as a passed condition on my next medical then I will have to decide on either or. I think if teaching doesn't require me to have a 1st or 2nd class medical then I will renew my medical in another 4 1/2 years so maybe then if I declare it, it will definitely be long gone and the FAA could see that its not recurring (hopefully). I think I may be leaning towards that so it doesn't sound like I'm parading around with too much info like you said about incriminating myself.
The conversation with the AME was unnoficial and he is a really god guy and I dont think he would report me behind my back or anything. He has known me since I was 19 I think and im 26 now. In all honesty he said he or the FAA wont really care much unless of course I was not reporting for example a heart condition or something.
Anyhow Rick, if I do decide to wait for my next medical in 4 1/2 years I will still consult with an attorney so I could be stepping on strong grounds and not have to be nervous like I'am now.
Thanks guys!
The conversation with the AME was unnoficial and he is a really god guy and I dont think he would report me behind my back or anything. He has known me since I was 19 I think and im 26 now. In all honesty he said he or the FAA wont really care much unless of course I was not reporting for example a heart condition or something.
Anyhow Rick, if I do decide to wait for my next medical in 4 1/2 years I will still consult with an attorney so I could be stepping on strong grounds and not have to be nervous like I'am now.
Thanks guys!
12-21-2008, 10:22 PM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Posts: 215
Originally Posted by Elcapiperu
So you reported the condition even before needing to renew the medical? Just so they could update your file? That is probably what I will do then. I will gather my nerve conduction tests and add the MRI results that came out well and get a letter from the DOC for the AME stating that I'm back to normal so he can send it to Oklahoma. So you dont think Oklahoma will receive the letter and say they will revoke my medical? I dont think so right? If I'm voluntarily noting the case and also showing them proof of my recovery to 100% normality.
About flying, I only flew twice on 2 one hour flights to do my flight review. Other than that no, no other flying. Also when I flew those two flights, it was when I had no pain as my hand was hurting on certain ocassions not 100% all the time.
Since I have a 1st class medical and dont plan on going to the airlines for at least another 3 years or so due to finishing school and getting more hours I was just going to let it fall to third class privileges and in another 4 1/2 years when I go to renew it for another 1st or 3rd, you think maybe then I should take the paperwork as a well past condition. It would be liek 3 years behind me by then.
About flying, I only flew twice on 2 one hour flights to do my flight review. Other than that no, no other flying. Also when I flew those two flights, it was when I had no pain as my hand was hurting on certain ocassions not 100% all the time.
Since I have a 1st class medical and dont plan on going to the airlines for at least another 3 years or so due to finishing school and getting more hours I was just going to let it fall to third class privileges and in another 4 1/2 years when I go to renew it for another 1st or 3rd, you think maybe then I should take the paperwork as a well past condition. It would be liek 3 years behind me by then.
Good luck with what you decide to do.
12-21-2008, 10:58 PM
#10
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Posts: 15
Originally Posted by 74plb
I sat at home for four months unable to work because of my injury. My company Doctor signed me off as ok to work. At this point I received a new FAA medical that reflected my surgery/Doctor visits. I disclosed my *new*history on this medical.
Good luck with what you decide to do.
Good luck with what you decide to do.
Thanks again guys. I'm new to this forum and I'm appreciative of vast information on the forum.
