Personal question about medical past & getting hired...

[KindaRadley]

I was wondering if anyone can possibly ease my mind. Here's my "past" and was wondering how bad it may hurt me, and if I need to get any sort of "letters of recommendation/clearance". Here goes...

I injured my back in 2001 and ended up having surgery on it (over the past 7 years, I've had a total of 4 surgeries, and 6 infection debreedment surgeries). During that time, from 2001-2005 I was prescribed to Oxycontin, and in the end was at a fairly high dose. I ended up becoming physically dependent upon the pain meds, and was considered to be "medically addicted" (basically meaning that the doctors expected me to become addicted because of the type of medications I was on, and the length of time I was on them). I was finally able to get off of the Oxycontin in 2005, but that was after about 3 or 4 times of going through detox between 2004-2005. The first thing I'm concerned about is that I went through detox 3 or 4 times (every time I got off the medication, my pain came back, and no one could treat the pain, and had a few issues in which I was found unconscious which was due to medication interactions but the doctors though I had overdosed and at one point they thought I was suicidal, which I wasn't. I finally found out recently how the medications were causing me to pass out, and I am able to prove that part.

My concern is that I slightly re-injured my back this past January, and after almost 3 years of being off of the pain medications, I ended up having to start to take them again. I'm dependent on the meds again (if I stop taking them, I withdraw), and my doctor knows that, and currently we are tapering me off of the medications. This, however, isn't going so great for me. What I want to know is if I consider going back into a detox place so that I can get off of the meds quickly, will this hurt my chances of getting hired? I don't want it to come back and bite me by having them think I am a drug abuser, which I'm not. I read online in the medical area under drug addiction/abuse that as long as I "didn't have an issue for at least 2 years", then I was clear. I'm afraid that by me going back into detox, it would end up screwing me over. Is this something where I can simply explain to them like I am now, and be OK (maybe if I got a note from my doctor that states this)?

[Beehive]

If you haven't already, also post your question in the ask a flight surgeon threads and see what they come up with.

From my experience at the physical exam, the doc is going to ask you to provide every record you can get your hands on. The doc will evaluate your situation themself, but they will have to get a final answer from the regional office.
If you have only been prescribed the meds, you still got a chance. If you are getting them off the street(within the last two years) there is no chance you will be considered. My doc told me that anyone that has abused illegal drugs within the past two years will not be considered.

I'm not a doctor, but honestly I don't think it looks good for you. I do suggest going through the process and see what the FAA says. Best of luck

[KindaRadley]

Originally Posted by Beehive

If you have only been prescribed the meds, you still got a chance. If you are getting them off the street (within the last two years) there is no chance you will be considered. My doc told me that anyone that has abused illegal drugs within the past two years will not be considered.

I have only been prescribed the medication. I have NEVER used any illegal drugs in my entire life. I don't abuse the medication, I'm just in a screwed position because it's what I have to take in order to get the pain relief. My back is fine now, which is why I'm getting off of them. Good idea also, though, I will post this in the "Ask a flight surgeon" forum.

[Beehive]

Good news all the meds were prescribed.
If the doctors recorded that you overdosed and was sucidal, it may be a drawback. The FAA may suggest you have an evaluation or two(on your dime) to show that you are not suicidal and maybe to show you're not dependent on the drug.

[ATLTRACON]

I too had the same issue with Oxy a few years back. I had been injured at ATL Tower and, to make a long story short, was forced to stop working for a few years as I lost my medical. When I did come back, initially not as an ATCS, I attempted to stop the Oxy cold turkey (400 mg a day). Felt like I was dying. Finally the withdrawals stopped after about a week+ and I started feeling a lot better.

I went and took my flight physical and because of the injury the Flight Physician had to defer it to the FAA Flight Surgeon.

That is what I would be worried about. Nothing personal Flight Surgeon folks, but I found it very difficult dealing with the Flight Surgeons in the Southern Region.

I would, before you do anything else, speak to your Regional Flight Surgeon, go see him if possible and see what possible difficulties you may encounter.

Good Luck.