Sinus surgery as a kid

[Zach21]

When I was about 5 years old I had surgery on my sinuses to correct Sinusitis and I havent had any problems for over a decade. Is this disqualifying? I dont have any documents clearing me of the problem, but I would be able to get one if needed.

I tried to use the search option but didnt find anything useful, any help would be appreciated.

 

[scoober78]

We aren't flight Docs....I don't think anyway...:icon_wink This is the best we can do. This section should include your condition but, if it doesn't, chances are someone at NOMI is the only one who can answer your question. Section 6.2 is the one you want.

http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/NAMI/WaiverGuideTopics/pdfs/Waiver%20Guide%20-%20ENT.pdf

 

[NozeMan]

When I was about 5 years old I had surgery on my sinuses to correct Sinusitis and I havent had any problems for over a decade. Is this disqualifying? I dont have any documents clearing me of the problem, but I would be able to get one if needed.

I tried to use the search option but didnt find anything useful, any help would be appreciated.

I have a friend from NROTC that got waivered for having sinus surgery because of sinusitis. Took a while for all his paperwork to pass, but it worked out for him. Just make sure all your information is filed correctly so they can make an accurate assessment.

 

[feddoc]

Being asymptomatic will be key to no problems with NOMI.

You will likely have to get an ENT consult, then request a waiver. Assuming that you have had no problems since, things should go your way.

 

[Goober]

Agree with all posted above. I'm begging you though, give them all the info they need to make an accurate judgment. You don't want to screw around w/ sinuses and flying. I've known folks who ended up needing some serious work done after losing pressurization while flying w/ questionable med status. Not trying to be a fatalist about this, just be straightforward about it w/ your examiner. Odds are as Feddoc stated that if you're asymptomatic, then NOMI will give you the A-ok.

 

[MIDNJAC]

be afraid (seriously, I would be ready for a delay on your package) but that said, a good friend of mine got waivered a couple months ago for sinus-related issues. The only problem was that it came from his own pocket when he had to go see a "specialist" for a recommendation. It was then sent out to BUMED 32 for review and proceeded to get lost for 4-5 months in a pile of stuff in our unit YN's inbox.

ALSO (another "that-said") one of the LT instructors at my unit didn't make it through Primary due to some sinus problems associated with a nose injury he had playing rugby at the boat school. Not sure if it was inability to valsalva or what (he didn't ellaborate), but he was having enough pain just flying around in the T-34 that he had to stop and ended up lateral transferring to the nuke community. Something to think about, and I would concur that you should be up front and honest with your examiner.

 

[MIDNJAC]

Being asymptomatic will be key to no problems with NOMI.

You will likely have to get an ENT consult, then request a waiver. Assuming that you have had no problems since, things should go your way.

oh yeah, to the OP, believe what the "doc" ^^^ says, he was right on the money w/ a question I had a few months ago w/r/t my physical

 

[NozeMan]

I had an ENT consultation as a part of my NOMI physical when I got down here. I was sent over because of some bad allergies, and sinus infection/bronchitis last spring. I was very up front about my medical issues look at it this way:

You lie/hide it, go on in your career and seriously injure yourself in a blocked sinus situation. If you are OK, the docs will say so.

 

[Zach21]

Thanks for all the info.

Even though it was 17 years ago I got worried when I looked at the medical document and it said chronic moderate sinusitis. This helps out.

 

[feddoc]

Since it has been over a decade since you have had problems, that hardly qualifies as chronic. I think your sinus issues of that long ago will not be a problem.

Agree with others who said don't hide it...your health (and integrity) are more important.