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Nervous Student and Pepto Bismol?

Discussion in 'Ask A Flight Surgeon' started by meritflyer, May 13, 2007.

  1. meritflyer Well-Known Member

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    Doc,

    I have a student who is a great pilot but has a "nervous stomach". Sometimes just taxiing out, we have to turn around so he can use the bathroom. We've had to come in on a haul ass basis so he can use the bathroom. He says he gets so nervous/excited prior to flight, it makes him have to go.

    He's tried Pepto and Immodium prior to flight. Sounds to me like he has maybe a little IBS but apparently during the day or when he's not flying, he's fine. He told me that real greasy food really messes his stomach up so he avoids it the day of our lessons.

    Any thoughts or suggestions?
    meritflyer, May 13, 2007
    #1

  2. My Flight Surgeon Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner

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    It is just nerves. He needs to avoid eating for 6 hours before flying. I would also suggest he look into some self-relaxation techniques, yoga, etc. to help him work with his anxiety.

    Is your wife all better?
    My Flight Surgeon, May 13, 2007
    #2

  3. meritflyer Well-Known Member

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    94.3% better. Just coughs up a lung at night in her sleep.
    meritflyer, May 13, 2007
    #3

  4. My Flight Surgeon Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner

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    That will clear up in a week of so.
    My Flight Surgeon, May 13, 2007
    #4

  5. meritflyer Well-Known Member

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    Thanks again for your help Doc.

    Like said, offer to take to the skies is always on the table.
    meritflyer, May 13, 2007
    #5

  6. My Flight Surgeon Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner

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    Thank you.
    My Flight Surgeon, May 13, 2007
    #6

  7. Kristie The cats meow.....

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    breathing exercises really help with things like that! maybe if he sat in the seat for a five minutes before taking off and just closed his eyes and took deep breaths he could start seeing the signs and correct it before taking off.

    pepto won't help with that.
    Kristie, May 14, 2007
    #7

  8. meritflyer Well-Known Member

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    Seriously, the guy gets the runs just thinking about the fact there isnt a toilet within 30 minutes of taking off.
    meritflyer, May 14, 2007
    #8

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