The Doctor is in! Ask a Flight Surgeon!

[feddoc]

Quick background: Selected SNA for commissioning in May 2011. For the past couple years I've had seasonal allergies and took OTC meds (Claritin, Zyrtec) to combat the runny nose/itchy eyes. I dutifully noted such on my medical questionnaire during my physical exam and the FS dutifully checked me out for problems. I did look at the waiver guide and know that allergic rhinitis is NCD--the FS just needs to go through the following checklist (I've noted my status with each):

1. Symptoms, if present or expected to recur, must be controllable with any combination of
topical nasal steroid sprays, approved antihistamines, montelukast (Singulair), or nasal
cromolyn.

Never used Singulair but the OTC nasal sprays work like a charm.

2. A Waters' view x-ray of the sinuses must show no evidence of acute or chronic mucosal
disease (mucus retention cysts are the exception).

This was taken during my medical exam--I have yet to hear results. The FS did not find any evidence of mucosal disease when he checked me out visually, however.

3. A nasal examination using a hand-held magnifying otoscope with large speculum must
show no evidence of mucosal disease such as polyp(s) or purulent drainage. If in doubt,
seek ENT consultation. Your nasal examination is best done several minutes after
spraying both nasal cavities with a decongestant nasal spray.

Again, no evidence of any polyps. He did note that I have narrow nasal passages, meaning that a mild allergy could cause me to become easily congested (so that's why...)

4. There has been no use of allergy immunotherapy (AIT) within the past 12 months

I have never used allergy immunotherapy

Other notes: The FS also did an additional blood test to see if I'm allergic to anything specific (heard no results yet). He said he doesn't like using Waters' view x-rays for this type of thing and advised me to be ready to come back to Great Lakes for a CT scan of my sinuses (I've heard nothing back yet).

My question is: Is no news good news at this point or should I be panicking? If I should be panicking, what can I do to help this process along?

Thank you for your time.

I think you will be ok...nothing unusual so far. However, make sure the FS is aware of your OTC meds.

 

[feddoc]

Hey Doc,

I have a quick question about Post Nasal Drip. I was told that it is incurable as of now, and it's something that has been bothering me for several years.

Will this ailment alone hold me up during a medical screening? It doesn't interfere with my every-day abilities, but i'm rather ignorant on the subject.

Thanks!

I see no reason why it should be an issue. Allergies, maybe?

 

[TAMR]

I see no reason why it should be an issue. Allergies, maybe?

For my sake I sure hope it is as simple as that. It also occurs equally as much in the North Dakota winter, so something tells me that's not the cause unfortunately.

 

[feddoc]

Ra

For my sake I sure hope it is as simple as that. It also occurs equally as much in the North Dakota winter, so something tells me that's not the cause unfortunately.

Have you seen an ENT specialist?

 

[Beefalo]

Doc,

Do you think it would be worth applying for a waiver even if the waiver guide says otherwise? I had PRK and am seeing 20/20 but was -8.50 in my left eye prior and the guide says no less than -8.00. I am wanting NFO and I heard in some cases they are more lenient than for pilot applicants. I read in a recent all hands article an NFO who lost a leg and still qualified so im thinking anything is possible....

 

[feddoc]

Yes, I do think it is worth it.

 

[Beefalo]

Thanks Doc! Im active duty and had it done by a Navy ophthalmologist at a DOD facility so hopefully that will help.

 

[Civilian]

Hello, I am a marine ocs hopefull, and was wondering if you could tell me if hormonal issues are disqualifying and/or waiverable. Specifically referring to low testosterone or over-production of estrogen. I read through the NAMI guide and only saw information regarding diabetes and thyroid issues. Thank you. I did a search that yielded nothing, If I overlooked something you have my apologies.

 

[feddoc]

I have never seen hormonal issues become a show stopper, at least not in the context of your post.

BTW, please give Marine and OCS the respects due those groups. Thanks.

 

[Civilian]

[

I have never seen hormonal issues become a show stopper, at least not in the context of your post.

BTW, please give Marine and OCS the respects due those groups. Thanks.

I'm more than a little ashamed of myself for that slip up. Thats what I get for rushing. How would hormone replacement therapy be looked at? Thank you for the assistance.

 

[Gatordev]

I have nothing productive to add to this thread, however...

Callsign: "Shim."

 

[Civilian]

Honestly, having a Callsign would mean I was selected, made it through OCS, and was somewhere on my way to being winged. If that's the case they could call me "Mangina" for all I care. On a serious note though, I haven't been diagnosed with anything yet. It has however been suggested a minor hormone imbalance would explain some symptoms I have. It's been recommended I have blood work done to check. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't going to disqualify myself for something I could easily live with. Almost forgot, I want to be clear I have man parts only.

 

[feddoc]

Well, #1, I would not have broadcast it here...but, there is nothing wrong with it. Some folks are born with blue eyes or red hair, etc. Some folks have low hormones; no much different. However, be careful about who you give this info to. People will always give you crap about it.

That being said, I don't see any issues with it.

 

[noisko]

Hey doc, recently I have been diagnosed with a slight case of scoliosis. Ialso have been diagnosed with a loss of lumbar lordosis. Apparently my spine curvature is losing its shape. This has caused me to have an extremely tight lower back and spasming muscles when running or other physical activities. It mildly hampers my abilities to perform said activities due to more of a discomfort, ache, constant lower back fatigue. However, it is possible to push through the pain. Do you think this will DQ or NPQ me from possibly attaining an air contract for the Marines?

 

[feddoc]

Mayb

Hey doc, recently I have been diagnosed with a slight case of scoliosis. Ialso have been diagnosed with a loss of lumbar lordosis. Apparently my spine curvature is losing its shape. This has caused me to have an extremely tight lower back and spasming muscles when running or other physical activities. It mildly hampers my abilities to perform said activities due to more of a discomfort, ache, constant lower back fatigue. However, it is possible to push through the pain. Do you think this will DQ or NPQ me from possibly attaining an air contract for the Marines?

Maybe a DQ/NPQ...what degree is the scoliosis? Have you read the waiver guide?