The Doctor is in! Ask a Flight Surgeon!

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

What's the current medical prognosis on melanoma wrt DQ'ing? I've got some moles I want to get looked at by a dermatologist, but am a little concerned on what happens if they come back as a "yup that's cancer".

I would rather get seen and treated now than risking a more serious diagnosis because you want to be a pilot.

 

[BearlingBababeano]

I would rather get seen and treated now than risking a more serious diagnosis because you want to be a pilot.

Not even wanting a pilot slot, already been delegated to Restricted Line Officer only w/ MEPS waivers. I'm getting it looked at in March over Spring Break - figured I'd like to go in with it knowing whether or not I'll get med DQ'd if it comes back bad, or if it's something the Navy is willing to work with.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Not even wanting a pilot slot, already been delegated to Restricted Line Officer only w/ MEPS waivers. I'm getting it looked at in March over Spring Break - figured I'd like to go in with it knowing whether or not I'll get med DQ'd if it comes back bad, or if it's something the Navy is willing to work with.

Got it. As a heads up this forum is centered on aviation and flight physicals. I would suggest the same advice and be seen ASAP.

 

[Mouselovr]

What's the current medical prognosis on melanoma wrt DQ'ing? I've got some moles I want to get looked at by a dermatologist, but am a little concerned on what happens if they come back as a "yup that's cancer".

Dude. Go find out if you have cancer. Odd are you're fine, but skin cancer is extremely treatable in the early phases and not worth delaying care for bc it might DQ you.....
Cant fly planes if you're dead.

DQ wise:

"WAIVER: Malignant melanoma or a history of malignant melanoma is disqualifying for aviation duties. Applicants are generally not considered for waivers, but may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis if greater than 5 years disease-free. Waivers may be considered for designated personnel after treatment is complete, using the AJCC staging system as a guide."
p158 of the NAMI waiver guide.

Edit, forum just updated that you're a non aviation select. Going to leave my original answer up.

I'm not sure non aviation wise, but I imagine melanoma would be temporarily disqualifying from service. You would need to to wait a set amount of time before regaining eligibility to join.

 

[ChillBeast69]

Hey guys, i’m having some neck issues,tightness, etc sometimes causing me dizziness. I was planning on going to a chiropractor to see if they can help. Does anyone know if those records can be accessed by Nami?

 

[Brett327]

Hey guys, i’m having some neck issues,tightness, etc sometimes causing me dizziness. I was planning on going to a chiropractor to see if they can help. Does anyone know if those records can be accessed by Nami?

Please do not ask for advice on concealing your medical information from NAMI. You don't get to decide what is or isn't relevant in determining your medical suitability for flight status. You lack the expertise and have an inherent conflict of interest.

 

[ChillBeast69]

Please do not ask for advice on concealing your medical information from NAMI. You don't get to decide what is or isn't relevant in determining your medical suitability for flight status. You lack the expertise and have an inherent conflict of interest.

Okay nvm then I guess delete so nobody gives me advice.

 

[Hestermine]

Hey guys, what are my chances of getting my hypertension waiver approved for SNFO, its currently non-waiverable for student NFO. However the flight surgeon has a little hope that it might be approved as I was hastily diagnosed without giving me the standard 3 months to control it without medication.

I would like to know what you guys think. Should I start looking at other designators or keep waiting for the waiver. Also how long does a NAMI waiver typically take?

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Hey guys, what are my chances of getting my hypertension waiver approved for SNFO, its currently non-waiverable for student NFO. However the flight surgeon has a little hope that it might be approved as I was hastily diagnosed without giving me the standard 3 months to control it without medication.

I would like to know what you guys think. Should I start looking at other designators or keep waiting for the waiver. Also how long does a NAMI waiver typically take?

I think you found your answer.

 

[BradL17]

Hey guys, what are my chances of getting my hypertension waiver approved for SNFO, its currently non-waiverable for student NFO. However the flight surgeon has a little hope that it might be approved as I was hastily diagnosed without giving me the standard 3 months to control it without medication.

I would like to know what you guys think. Should I start looking at other designators or keep waiting for the waiver. Also how long does a NAMI waiver typically take?

Who diagnosed you?

 

[Hestermine]

Who diagnosed you?

Got diagnosed at bootcamp

 

[Mouselovr]

Hey guys, what are my chances of getting my hypertension waiver approved for SNFO, its currently non-waiverable for student NFO. However the flight surgeon has a little hope that it might be approved as I was hastily diagnosed without giving me the standard 3 months to control it without medication.

I would like to know what you guys think. Should I start looking at other designators or keep waiting for the waiver. Also how long does a NAMI waiver typically take?

Bootcamp is a stressful place where I'm sure they didnt do multiple repeat studies or let you take it at home then slapped you with a hypertension diagnosis.

Buy a BP cuff and measure yourself at home a couple of times to confirm theres is something actually wrong with your parameters. Its amazing how stress, being measured the moment you walk in the door and people yelling at you will raise your BP outside 140/90.

I'm not saying the docs are wrong, but the medical world does BP measurements quick and lazy.

However, NAMI waiver guide is pretty clear on this one:
p.51
"Blood pressure exceeding 139 mmHG systolic or 89 mmHG diastolic is CD and a waiver will not be recommended"

I'm a victim of bad white coat syndrome that developed a year or so into the navy, so I've had plenty of initial readings well beyond 140/90 as an aviator..... but after a couple of minutes and a 2nd reading, everything calms down into range. Pretty much if you can show you don't have hypertension, you'll be fine and likely wont need any waiver.

 

[Hestermine]

Bootcamp is a stressful place where I'm sure they didnt do multiple repeat studies or let you take it at home then slapped you with a hypertension diagnosis.

Buy a BP cuff and measure yourself at home a couple of times to confirm theres is something actually wrong with your parameters. Its amazing how stress, being measured the moment you walk in the door and people yelling at you will raise your BP outside 140/90.

I'm not saying the docs are wrong, but the medical world does BP measurements quick and lazy.

However, NAMI waiver guide is pretty clear on this one:
p.51
"Blood pressure exceeding 139 mmHG systolic or 89 mmHG diastolic is CD and a waiver will not be recommended"

I'm a victim of bad white coat syndrome that developed a year or so into the navy, so I've had plenty of initial readings well beyond 140/90 as an aviator..... but after a couple of minutes and a 2nd reading, everything calms down into range. Pretty much if you can show you don't have hypertension, you'll be fine and likely wont need any waiver.

I already got an at home bp kit. Stopped taking the medication 3 weeks ago and my blood pressure is still normal. I know that it takes a while to get rid of the meds from my bloodstream but I'm working towards it. The doc said even if I’m off the meds i'll still need a waiver as I already had one. I hope it works out fine because my packet is already complete, just waiting for medical

 

[Mouselovr]

I already got an at home bp kit. Stopped taking the medication 3 weeks ago and my blood pressure is still normal

As long as it stays normal after the meds clear, the waiver should go through.

NAMI waivers can take anywhere from weeks to months. Best point of contact is the flight doc for estimated timeline.

 

[Hestermine]

As long as it stays normal after the meds clear, the waiver should go through.

NAMI waivers can take anywhere from weeks to months. Best point of contact is the flight doc for estimated timeline.

Okay