splenectomy and the medical exam

[Stellardark]

Hey I was just wondering if I could still be accepted into aviation without a spleen. I had it removed in the sixth grade because I was born with spherocytosis (basically my red blood cells are shaped like balls not donuts and the spleen breaks them down and slowly keeps expanding). Would this keep me from passing a medical exam of any kind? Besides slightly more difficulty in fighting a few sicknesses and the need to seek antibiotics with a fever over 102 degrees their are no other effects. I've also always dreamed of applying for the astronaut program if I become a navy pilot. I was wondering if my lack of a spleen would keep me from passing the astronaut medical exam.

 

[Veovis]

K this the one question I don't think anyone can say "use the F%#kin search tool" Holy original question batman!

 

[nittany03]

Google "NOMI aeromedical waiver guide;" that's all I can say. Paging feddoc and Rugger . . .

 

[feddoc]

Go here.



http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/nomi/nami/arwg/Documents/Waiver Guide - Hematology.pdf

Waiver possible.

 

[Stellardark]

First off I know thats a tough question to answer but thanks for taking some time to look into it.
The article on splenectomy says that

"Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis after splenectomy, provided there is full recovery from the condition necessitating the operation."

Well my blood is still funny shaped. Although that doesn't necessarily affect me, it still remains unchanged. Can someone look into spherocytosis to see if that would change anything? Also when exactly do you apply for waivers?

 

[feddoc]

First off I know thats a tough question to answer but thanks for taking some time to look into it.
The article on splenectomy says that

"Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis after splenectomy, provided there is full recovery from the condition necessitating the operation."

Well my blood is still funny shaped. Although that doesn't necessarily affect me, it still remains unchanged. Can someone look into spherocytosis to see if that would change anything? Also when exactly do you apply for waivers?

Go back to the link above and see if your hematocrit falls within acceptable ranges.

The huge issue here is that IF your RBCs have a funny shape, the Oxygen molecules may not adhere to them as they should....which could lead to a hypoxic condition.

 

[torpedo0126]

K this the one question I don't think anyone can say "use the F%#kin search tool" Holy original question batman!

Hes got four posts and a January join date, its okay...

I remember my first thread. I asked if it was okay to wear brown shoes after I got commissioned. I was subsequently online slammed.