Spine Surgery
 

I recently went for spine surgery. I was reading the AME requirements, and it clearly stated that any disease of the bone or joint was disqualifying. I find that very hard to believe since 80% or more of us over age 40 have degenerative disc disease.

Have any of you reported degenerative disc disease and still passed? I also had lumbar facet degeneration. Any of you reported and still passed?

The main question would be whether the actual formal operative report would be brought to the AME or not?

Would a simple helpful letter from my surgeon be better? In that case, does the AME usually ask for the formal report anyway.

Of course, I'll ask my AME! I am thinking that a letter would be all the AME is allowed to demand,and that if I can pass the tests in the exam,then I passed. Yes No?

Check with ALPA's AME. I called them this summer, as I was going to have a procedure done on my hand. They said good to go, and I recently renewed my Medical. Reported the procedure; no problems.

Not sure if spinal is different, though.

yes degenerative joint disease aka 'getting old' is prevalent and disqual if a significant defect is revealed on your physical exam. 'frozen shoulder' 'can't turn neck' nothing new here

I take "significant defect" to mean that during the exam for my medical with the AME, a defect is found. Defect like you stated. A physical impairment like not being to walk on my heels and toes.

I think you also mean that a "physical impairment" is not spinal degenerative disc disease in itself, but rather something the AME may diagnose during the exam related to actual movement of my body or stated symptoms made during the exam. Correct?

The RMI and radiologist report of degenerative disc disease and bulging disc would not be disqualifying as long as the operative report states bulge cured or whatever term they use. Yes?

s

yes ... no worries

FWIW

One of my good friends had surgery for DDD, and more than one. He was out of flying for almost 2 years before he got his medical back.

I don't know the exact details, but from him I know it's possible to get your medical back.

Unusual Word
 

One of the original Physicians treating me used the word Dysethes. Meaning unuaual sensation. I have been advised that it was better for me not to have that word on my record. The actual problem was closer to Sciatica running down the back of my leg.

Have you ecperienced that Dysthesis was a word that would cause more concern? Thanks.

no biggie (spelling): dysesthesia

Flight Check
 

I did pull up an alleged AOPA page that stated that people with degenerative disc disease will have to take a flight check. The article ran this together with people with prostetics. I am not sure this article was correct.
So, is it possible to get past the AME with degenerative disc disease without a flight check or special issuance? This is of course with a letter stating narcotics no longer used, and operative report from Doctor. Further check by AME to ensure through axam that all is OK. Yes? No?
You did answer my earlier post. I am just clearing up that an AME may issue on the spot without the added threat of flight check or special issuance.

yes ame can issue ... unless you have to crawl into exam room!