It was that time again. Had to go in for my annual FAA medical exam.
I’m only required to have a second class but I usually get a first class for various reasons. For one, the insurance companies are more likely to approve me if I have a first class. Also, I found out another excellent reason, as is told below.
Turned out to be a good thing too.
The EKG
One of the “features” of the first class medical is the EKG that is sent directly to Oklahoma City as it is being done. Obviously the FAA is concerned about pilots with heart problems.
My AME’s assistant was setting up the EKG connections as we joked around a bit. She started the EKG and a concerned look came over her face. “Just a minute” she said, “I think I messed it up. Doctor can you look at this?”
The doctor came over and said, “Huh. Let’s try it again.” They ran the test again, looked worried and took the paper over in to a corner for consultation.
The Initial Evaluation
The doctor came over to me and said, “John I am stopping the examination. I am not removing your medical but I am not continuing the renewal. I want you to go see a cardiologist. We are getting an indication of Atrill Fibrillation, or AFIB as it is called. It is not unusual in someone your age but it does require a special issuance. There are also some undertones on the EKG which should be looked in to. Please go see a cardiologist ASAP.”
The Doctor
I went to see a local cardiologist recommended by my primary care doctor. He said he wanted to do a couple of tests. We did an Ultrasound, and one of those 24 hour heart monitor thingies. When discussing the results with him he said, “Listen I know you don’t like CT Scans but we really need to do one. The Ultrasound shows a possible irregularity in your Aorta. Please get it done.”
Well the CT scan shows some enlargement of the Aorta. It was not in a particularly bad spot but it is something that could be dangerous if it split open.
The Result
I was originally told there was absolutely nothing I could do except have open heart surgery. By the way, that operation, aside from being incredibly invasive and dangerous, is going to cost in excess of $250,000. Finally my Primary Care doctor admitted to me that if I lost weight and exercised regularly, it could be possible to reduce the size of the Aorta.
Finally
So after six weeks of exercise and dieting, I have lost 25 lbs. The most recent inspection shows that the Aorta is reduced considerably and “may not require surgery right away.” I think they really want that quarter million dollars!
I think it can all be summed up though, by the conversation I had with my cardiologist:
“John you are a lucky man. You detected this in time to address it before you had an attack. God must be watching over you.”
I said, “Nah just the FAA!: