U
Unregistered
Guest
FYI, this is more of a vent.
I passed my Class 3 medical. My AME had me write down that I use Ibuprofen / Aspirin as needed for pain. That's not the problem though...
I suffered a major automotive calamity a few years back. This has left me with permanent damage that can cause me intense pain at times, but most often in the winter when it's icy.
I had two prescriptions, the worse of the two (as far as the FAA would be concerned) would be the Vicodin. Never mind the fact that it's only for 20 pills a year, and I've never turned in less than 15. Never mind that I don't even drive if I take the stuff. I can't use it at all. They won't trust that I won't use it for a reasonable period (like 72-96 hours) before flying. So if I fall now, it's probably not going to be 24 hours off and back to work, but more probably 3 days off and struggling back to work.
I understand they don't want pilots to fly with diminished capacity. No, I really do. I just wish they'd show a little humanity for people that actually do need pain medication and don't abuse it. Worst of all, now I'm worried they're going to see that I had this prescription written a couple months ago, and even though I haven't used it, they'll still yank my medical. That will mean that I'll have to go through all of the extra pain for nothing in the end.
I passed my Class 3 medical. My AME had me write down that I use Ibuprofen / Aspirin as needed for pain. That's not the problem though...
I suffered a major automotive calamity a few years back. This has left me with permanent damage that can cause me intense pain at times, but most often in the winter when it's icy.
I had two prescriptions, the worse of the two (as far as the FAA would be concerned) would be the Vicodin. Never mind the fact that it's only for 20 pills a year, and I've never turned in less than 15. Never mind that I don't even drive if I take the stuff. I can't use it at all. They won't trust that I won't use it for a reasonable period (like 72-96 hours) before flying. So if I fall now, it's probably not going to be 24 hours off and back to work, but more probably 3 days off and struggling back to work.
I understand they don't want pilots to fly with diminished capacity. No, I really do. I just wish they'd show a little humanity for people that actually do need pain medication and don't abuse it. Worst of all, now I'm worried they're going to see that I had this prescription written a couple months ago, and even though I haven't used it, they'll still yank my medical. That will mean that I'll have to go through all of the extra pain for nothing in the end.
