I had back surgery (microdiscectomy & laminotomy of L5/S1) last August 2009 and am scheduled I have ANOTHER back surgery (3 level fusion with laminectomy – L3, 4, 5, & S1) in 2 weeks and was wondering if anyone knew of who I might contact to help get my medical back that I let expire after being one of the FlexJet 85 that was furloughed.

Oh, and one other small thing: I had a cardiac cath done because of chest pain and an overzealous wife a month after the August 09 surgery that showed NOTHING. They didn’t stint me, found clean arteries and I was given a clean bill of health. Also, 3 days after the cath the plug in my leg dislodged, but I got to the hospital where they re-plugged me. I have had no problems since then. Subsequently I was put on Vytorin for cholesterol. 2009 was a bad year! Did I mention that they dropped me on the floor off of the OR table during my Aug 2009 back surgery?

I know when I fill out the usual form that I will be getting a certified letter from OKC telling me the obvious. I’ve always been truthful and have no desire to be dishonest. I’m not an AOPA member, so any suggestions or recommendations?

I think you'll need a full cardiac writeup - there's a form on AOPA's site. PM me and I can steal it from the website, since you're not a member. Basically, a BP history, meds, blood work results, probably an EKG, and a letter from your Dr. saying there are no adverse side affects from the Vytorin.


Don't know about the back stuff. If your overzealous wife caused the chest pain, I think I might want to meet her

I've tried to have all of the paperwork with me prior to my AME visit, perhaps saving OKC involvement. I'm class 3 medical and on BP and cholesterol meds. I'm not sure how the cath procedure affects this. Document, Document, Document.

Aviationmedicine.com which will come up as virtual flight surgeons.

They are out of the DEN area and also operate as alpa areo medical for the 121 guys. The best $45 you will ever spend to tell you how to get your docs in order to keep your AME happy.

Best wishes for getting back on your feet!

In the Dallas/Plano TX area we have Dr. Stephan Kramer. He is a Senior AME, knows cardio, knows the OKC/FAA procedures since he has been 'on the waiver board' and truly a life (medical) savior. I used him when people told me it would be 6 months or more before I could fly again after an ordeal...not wife related! In two months i was back waiver in hand and Class 1. I never got 'denied' in the process. Great guy, very recommended by previous clients and VERY REASONABLE.

x2 Virtual Flight Surgeons.

Once you jump through some hoops you should be OK on the cardiac issue since the invasive came up clean. But that somewhat depends on what symptom caused you to get the cath in the first place. If you had no symptoms other than your wife told you to, you will probably need a psych eval

The back issue probably depends on having enough pain-free mobility/range-of-motion to fly, without risk of sudden changes in the condition.