Possible Colitis and class 1.

[AngusAir]

Hello all,

About 9 months ago for a period of 2 days I passed bloody stools ( not diarrhoea but normal form).I generally pass movements roughly 2 times a day. I went to the doctor as I had never had this before and he couldn't find a reason so was referred to a specialist.

I saw the specialist about 2 months later and all she could find was a slight hardening and ever so slight tenderness to the right side of my intestines when pushed. Even though I have only ever had this one instance of bloody stool and nothing since she wants me to have a colonoscopy (partly because I'm in my early 30's). She reckoned everything is probably ok but could be small chance of it been Colitis.

My biggest worry is not my health but the potential effect on my class 1 caa medical. I'm seriously thinking of not getting the colonoscopy done so I can't be diagnosed with colitis. I work for a small airline flying 50t plus aircraft and depend on this for my livelihood. Day to day I function normally and my bowel movements have no effect on my flying however what I am worried about is if I get labelled with Colitis I will have to end up putting this on my medical renewal. They could potentially slap me with a medical restriction for Colitis even though I don't have any real side effects. Could this effect my ability to command in a multi crew environment?

My question is does any one have any experience of colitis or having colitis with a Class 1? Also does anyone know of any confidential medical advice available?

[xrayalpha]

Make up a name and GP, go to Lifescan or some such outfit - choose one in another city if you wish - and get a scan. Remember you'll have to pay cash!

You really need to check out for bowel cancer or polyps.

(I had a scan , under my own name, and they found the polyp that the NHS hadn't which was causing my "hemorrhoids" - fortunately polyp benign)

I know some people who have gone for a few days to Tenerife to get checked out too, but the Spaniards are always keen on id

[Radgirl]

Sorry that wont work :=

Your specialist has given you a differential diagnosis that included colitis. The CAA will consider that a possibility until it is resolved one way or the other. Even if you don't inform the CAA now you won't get past your next medical as you will have to declare it on your form.

I would save your money and let your specialist help you find out what is wrong. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Good luck

[gingernut]

A two day history of bloody stools, 9 months ago, without any further problems, doesn't comfortably fit with a diagnosis of colitis.

Tick the boxes, from what you've posted on here, it doesn't sound like a career ending episode.

However, always treat rectal bleeding seriously.

[gingernut]

as an afterthought, I think I've seen stories on here from pilots who do have colitis. I suspect that the authorities would be interested in frequency of exacerbations, meds, hospital admissions etc. Keep us posted.

[Radgirl]

Sorry Gingernut that wasn't my point. OP will have to declare at his next medical at he has consulted a doctor. Why is almost irrelevant because the doctor was a specialist who has said there is a chance of it being colitis and he/she has requested a colonoscopy.

Unless OP has the colonoscopy and returns to the specialist, any report the specialist could provide would be on the lines of

This guy could have colitis. He has refused to be tested and done a runner.

I very much doubt the CAA will say that's ok carry on mate. Ignoring or refusing sensible medical advice hardly gives the regulator confidence......

Given the low risk of a positive result OP is best advised to have the test and hopefully get cleared. If the colonoscopy is positive, early management and or surveillance is essential regardless of the class 1

[gingernut]

I agree. Lying to your doctor is a bit like sleeping with your sister in law. It may seem a good idea at the time, but it usually comes back to bite you.

So I'm told:oh:

I guess my point was to offer reassurance, but agreed, he will have to jump through the hoops.

[Go2matt]

I have Ulcerative Colitis. I suffered for 3 yrs(1st GP said hemorrhoids) before I finally had a colonoscopy.

3 days after being diagnosed (I was diagnosed within 2 secs of insertion of camera) I was like a new man.

I was prescribed Prednisolone, Asacol and Calcium (as Prednisolone can weaken bones)

I now take 3 x 800mg of Asacol daily and don't really have any symptoms.

Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones.

Good luck anyhow

[AngusAir]

Thank you for your messages.

It's good to hear from Go2matt that there is medication that could sort colitis out but do you know wether you can use it on a class1?

Also at the moment my digestive system seems normal and apart from the 2days of blood way back, I have never (touch wood) had symptoms resembling colitis but this was the one suggestion the specialist mentioned as a possibility. So hopefully it will turn out to be nothing but I am just preparing myself incase it is something and mainly how it will effect my class 1. Does anyone know what sort of restrictions can be placed on a class 1 in relation to this sort of problem?

She did say if it was the blood by itself she would not want me to go for a colonoscopy but it was the slight hardened feel and slight tenderness which convinced her to send me to one.

Not saying that I wouldn't inform the CAA but surely patient confidentiality would mean that no else apart from the patient is allowed to inform the CAA of a condition unless they have had permission from the patient concerned?

AngusAir

[combineharvester]

you have a private message

[Steak&Kidney_Pie]

As a Crohns and Colitis sufferer who eventually required surgery, I can tell you the CAA will allow you to fly on a Class 1, PROVIDED, the colitis is controlled/in remission, and you are not taking steroids.

SKP

[defizr]

I'm not a pilot but I had Colitis diagnosed 4 years ago because I was having sharp stabbing pain in my lower gut.Once the diagnosis was made I was put on 4 x 500mg of Pentasa a day and have had no problems at all since.