Several years ago I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. I went to the base ER with severe abdominal pain and was given an ultrasound to confirm the doctor's diagnosis. I did not have a colonoscopy and I did not have surgery. I woke up yesterday with a dull pain in my lower abdomen and the pain progressively got worse as the day went on. The pain would get to the point that it would take my breath away and then subside after about 30 seconds. I did go into the hospital today and the doc prescribed pain meds and antibiotics. He wants me to get a colonoscopy to determine if surgery is needed.

My question, if a reoccurrence does happen I know that it's more likely to happen again. If surgery is or is not needed, with the diagnosis and the reoccurrences more likely, how is that going to affect my flight physical? Is it a game ender? I've read about pilots who have returned to flight status after surgery, but I assume this is on a case by case basis.

 

don't let the FAA tail wag the health dog. ground yourself ... go get Rx including surgery ... heal up get off painkillers etc ... get note from treating MD ok to resume full flt duties and report all at next AME exam

a actual case: 'applicant
returned to flying after having a
normal colonoscopy, approximately
six weeks after his initial attack of
diverticulitis. Over the next two years,
he experienced two recurrences, one
of which required hospitalization and
a hemi-colectomy. He subsequently
returned to flying after the colostomy
was reversed'

 

I was diagnosed with diverticulitis many years ago and I found out that if I refrained from eating certain foods such as all types of corn, including popcorn, blackberries and raspberries, I did not experience any flair ups. Just stay away from foods that could inflame the "pouches", that may solve your problem. Also, try to reduce any stress in your life. I have not experience any problems retaining my medical. Try these ideas before you consider surgery. Just my 2 cents.