Posted by detroitpistons on July 21, 2006, at 18:21:38
In reply to Re: ADD and work » detroitpistons, posted by laima on July 21, 2006, at 17:23:57
> Oh, ADD and work a subject close to my heart!
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> I'm sorry to hear what you say about a previous bi-polar disorder and becoming a pilot. Is it true in all states?Yes, the rules are created by the FAA and apply everywhere.
>Can you contest the earlier diagnoses, or ask to be "re-tested"? Or prove yourself in some sort of "amateur" way?
I suppose I could go to another doctor and have him write me a letter, but I'd have to actually convince him that I don't have bipolar II. That would be very hard. Also, the FAA doesn't understand anything about mood disorders. Bipolar isn't about sudden mood swings. That couldn't be further from the truth. Besides, bipolar II people don't even get manic.
I think that in England, you can be treated for a mental disorder as long as you can prove that it doesn't affect your ability to fly...That makes a whole lot of sense. I should be able to prove myself, but that's just not the case. As far as the diagnosis goes, I'm going to have to check with my doctor to see how he reported me. I don't know how the whole medical history reporting thing works.
>I hear pilots take provigel sometimes...and what of all those military pilots and others who are rumoured to take amphetamines?? Why ok for them to take psycho-active drugs?
Well as far as I know, commercial pilots aren't supposed to be taking provigil.
>I sure hope there turns out to be a way for you to make this dream come true- it sounds so perfect for an add person. Good luck! You are
really fortunate to even know your passion.Thanks. If my doctor tells me that there isn't anything on my medical record with "bipolar," then my next step will be to try and get off of my meds. I'm scared to do that though. I really did need them in the first place. I'll have to try going off of them and taking 5-HTP or other supplements and see how it goes. If after a year I'm doing fine, then I'll think about trying to go fly. It's really a longshot. I will not be able to take meds for as long as I'm a pilot. I can't take out $70k worth of loans if I'm not absolutely sure that I'll be able to stay a pilot.
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> > Thanks for your response. I can identify with what you are saying. Right now my job isn't very satisfying and I've wanted to get out of corporate America altogether. I just don't know that I'm cut out for it.
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> > For a moment, I thought I had discovered the greatest possibility of my life...becoming a pilot. It seemed perfect for me. But almost as soon as the idea was budding, it ended....You can't fly if you take AD's and/or if you've had any previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder. I've been diagnosed bipolar II.
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poster:detroitpistons
thread:646259
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060717/msgs/669122.html