An opinion on reactive airway disease

[mxracer19]

Hey guys, I asked a similar question before, but since then my situation has changed a bit. I could really use an opinion as I'm not sure what to do...

Im applying for PLC. I have to get PRK, I have a history of a lacerated spleen and a lacerated liver...both have completely healed without a problem and there was no invasive surgery. I had a hernia that was patched up 5 years ago with no problems since. And lastly, I had a childhood reactive airway disease that I've grown out of. Here are the details and my question...

I stopped using my inhaler 5 years ago, but I've had one laying around the whole time. I told this to my recruiter. He said he would have to submit my info to MEPS before I went through. I'm waiting on my med history from a hospital for my spleen and liver. In the meantime, I took a spirometry test. All above 95% and my peak expiratory flow was 129%. The catch is this...The doctor that diagnosed me retired and the medical records stating my condition were destroyed since he was a private specialist. There are no records of an inhaler in my medical history from my family doctor. I JUST found that out. My spirometry was clear. I don't have any problems. Since records don't exist and it doesn't bother me anymore, should I ask my recruiter not to mention asthma in my pre-meps packet? I already have quite a few things that they have to approve, I don't need another one. Do any of you know whether or not the MEPS paperwork specifically asks about allergic bronchitis, or is it just "asthma"? I technically did not have asthma. If you guys think I should not include the respiratory part in my packet, and my recruiter isn't willing to go along with that, should I find another recruiter? It would be rediculous to be turned down from serving for something that doesn't bother me anymore and I fear if MEPS says no, it will all be officially on record and that won't leave me any leeway.

I know this subject was discussed elseware on the site, but I could really use an opinion, and those are hard to personalize..I appreciate the help guys...

Thanks alot,
Matt

 

[jfulginiti]

Holy s#!t dude..... how many times have you wrecked and/or fallen off a cliff? I have no answers for you. Good luck!

 

[feddoc]

Matt, my advice is to never, ever waiver on your integrity. It would be a pitiful start to a career that many of us retired geezers miss dearly.

Secondly, the waiver guide says: "Waivers for aviation applicants can be recommended if the individual has been asymptomatic for five years.....". (go here for further info http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/NAMI/WaiverGuideTopics/pdfs/Waiver Guide - Respiratory.pdf )

Sooooo, IF you were diagnosed with asthma, there is still hope. AB should not be a problem....especially since you say you have been asymptomatic since childhood. Do you have copies of your spiro test? Keep them if so. Inhalers, by themselves, are not a big deal. It may help if you can get a specialist to say you are free and clear of asthma and/or AB.

Bottom line is don't fib, learn how the system works and make it work for you...and do the right thing.

 

[STLEngineer]

And get ready for a Methacholine challenge from NOMI if not earlier.

NOMI made me get one while I was at Navy OCS (for the NAMI-whamy flight physical). I had statements in my medical history that I had asthma. Never "diagnosed" but hypothesized (in writing ) by my childhood doctor. I didn't have a problem, but unfortunately, a classmate of mine failed it.

http://www.asthmallergy.com/methacholine.htm

 

[STLEngineer]

I had a spirometry test done to get my final select, but they still wanted the full Methacholine challenge at NOMI.