Posted by Artman on October 12, 2002, at 12:27:04
In reply to Re: Any artists, musicians out there on meds? » Artman, posted by lawrence s. on October 11, 2002, at 23:28:08
Lawrence,
Sorry for the delay. I was casting some pewter items and the days got away from me.
I'm taking 20mg Prozac a.m., and 300mg Lithobid a.m. & p.m. I've upped the Prozac to 40mg. since I've been stressed out over my job loss in April. Been having terrible break-through depression/obsessing lately. Always caused by stress every time.
As for flying, I haven't flown for about a year and a half. I was already a Private Pilot SEL before meds. I got my glider rating in the middle 90's. My meds didn't seem to cause me any problem at all. My main problem was getting enough flight time in to stay current and safe. I felt confident during my training due to the long hours in the cockpit, but once I got the ticket it became harder to afford flight time. I taught myself spins in a 1-26. Boy! What a rush! I fly a Blanik most of the time. I've also flown a 2-22 as well. I never flew on days when I felt upset or worried. I'm not one for taking chances. I miss being in the pilot's seat though. I went back to school in 98 and pretty much had to say goodbye to the flying. But what I miss the most is having an engine. I liked taking trips. I've been keeping up with the EAA's new Sport Pilot Proposal. If you haven't heard about it, go check it out. It's at the OBM in D.C. at the moment. Public review has been closed. If it passes, you'll be able to fly an airplane without a 3rd-class medical. The restrictions are 1252 lbs gross takeoff weight, two occupants, 115 cruise, and 39kts or below stall speed. No night or Class A,B,C airspace. EAA/FAA realized the glider pilots weren't falling out of the sky incapacitated without a medical. Only two accidents for 20 years I believe.
If you are using lithium, remember your reaction times may be slower. Your awareness dulled. I never flew out of sight of the airfield since I wasn't that experienced. Mainly Sunday thermaling and sled rides with friends. Certainly nothing to write home about. But I do hope that I can get back in the sky someday. I do miss it so. But for now I'm just sitting tight until I can get more money to fly more often and stay current.
poster:Artman
thread:122468
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021012/msgs/123351.html