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Old November 15th, 2007, 22:48   #1
Pilatapus
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Default Getting diagnoses out of FAA system

Last year I got very sick and lost a bunch of weight and started having heart palpatations and other problems. I was refered to an endocrinologist who diagnosed me as hyperthyroid as well as having Addison's disease (adreanal glands stopped working). My thyroid apparently began functioning correctly which we found out after doing a radioactive iodine uptake test. Unfortunately the letter the doctor wrote to the FAA so I could get a special issuance for the Addison's also included a statement about the hypertyroid. This triggered a negative response on getting a special issuance until they received more information on my thyroid.

I got a new doctor shortly afterward because the other wouldn't play ball with the FAA or work with me to get my medical. After getting a special issuance 1st class medical I had to renew it again 5 months later. When I went to get lab work to submit to the FAA my TSH levels were very slightly out of the range specified by the lab. This put the brakes on renewing until I could get my TSH levels within the labs range. My doctor put me on a very small dose of levothroxine to help get me within range even though he wrote a letter to submit to the FAA that I was clinically euthyroid and what I had was subacute thyroiditis that had resolved itself.

Now my question. Is there any way to get the hyperthyroid problems off my special issuance? It is a pain to have to get mutiple labs done just to get a number to fall into the range of 2 other numbers. (Initially I had to go to another lab with a broader range to make them happy) I don't really want to be on the levothyroxine and I'm not sure but, I think my doctor wouldn't have me on it given my almost within range TSH levels if I didn't need it for the FAA.

Am I just stuck with this process to renew every year?
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Old November 16th, 2007, 08:44   #2
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Default Re: Getting diagnoses out of FAA system

They never delete anything. Over time, they may consider dropping the SI but you will have to decide if you want to take the risk of getting off the l-thyroxine and risk losing the SI for now.

I would stay on the low dose l-thyroxine and fly.
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Old November 16th, 2007, 09:34   #3
Pilatapus
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Default Re: Getting diagnoses out of FAA system

Thanks for the response. I figured that may be the answer. What are the risks with long term l-thyroxine use? Am I heading toward a thyroid ablation in the future by taking the pills?
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Old November 16th, 2007, 19:54   #4
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Default Re: Getting diagnoses out of FAA system

No longterm risks. More risk to not take it.
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Old November 16th, 2007, 23:09   #5
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Default Re: Getting diagnoses out of FAA system

Thanks! I appreciate you being on this board and taking time to answer everyones questions. I have learned a lot just by reading your responses.
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