hiigaran

I have this condition, and I was wondering if it would affect my flying. If anyone here is in the military, I would especially value your thoughts on this.

Also, while I'm at it, how strict are the eye examinations for military pilots?

SpringHeeledJack

Me too and it would appear to be hereditary. It would seem that the bad end of the scale is not unlike jaundice and you can see people with yellow tinged skin and eye whites. As I understand it, it is due to a missing enzyme that helps metabolise alcohol amongst other substances. To be honest it has only shown itself when drinking, or rather trying to compete with some of the better bar-flys and having to admit that I'm a light-weight A couple of beers when Gilbert is in town and the next day or two are spent in hangover hell.

I would suggest, drink water regularly, be aware of your fatty food intake and keep anger to a minimum, as all of these things will keep the old liver in good form and you should have no problems. Exercise helps as well, as I keep reminding myself from the sofa!

hiigaran

Strange...I can down 7 shots without feeling a thing...Or perhaps I am just overconfident!

I don't really have to do anything for this condition, though, as far as my doctor was concerned. I only found out about my issue because it seems to be related to my weight problem (I am 50 kilos). This is actually the most concerning thing as far as flying is concerned, because it seems like the health requirements to be a pilot in the air force is 55 kilos. No matter how much sugar I pump in to my tea, no matter how many carbohydrates I consume, and no matter how much oil I have, I can't seem to put on those measly 5 kilos.

But in any case, as far as the actual condition is concerned, it shouldn't stop my from flying, right?

SpringHeeledJack

Good for you When my liver/system is in good order I too have had happy nights and no punishment the next day.....I'm not in any way able to say if it's an issue with your weight, but remember that at 19 you still have some growing to do, but as you (and most) 'sufferers' of Gilbert's Syndrome have no symptoms that affect daily life, I would be inclined to not get stressed about it.

hiigaran

At least that is reassuring.

Angel_1_five

Hi i have that too,found out by accident after a blood test because i'm skinny too
It does have advantages being light, more fuel baggage !
also take your fat friends go karting you will beat them all !

cheers

pudoc

Join the club! I've been living on fast food for 3 weeks now due to travelling immensely and not even having a reasonably priced restaurant near by. I was feeling rather sick but I was hoping I'd have put 1kg on...nothing.

You could try appetite stimulants, not sure on their side effects though.

I live for the day where I drink a milkshake and gain 5kgs like the old man.

gingernut

Most (?All) of the people I've met seem to live a full and active life. In fact, most people only know they've got it, because a medic to "run" a blood test.

Not sure of the AME's approach, suspect it shouldn't be an issue.

deltahotel

First found out after a full blood test in the RAF after serving for nearly ten years. Conversation went something like this "well, deltahotel, you have Gilbert's syndrome."

"which is?"

"an increased level of bilirubin in the blood, similar to a mild case of jaundice"

"which means?

"well, just that your bilirubin levels are higher than the norm"

"which means?

"very little really, just that your levels ........."

eventually "am I fit to fly, can I keep my medical?

"oh yes, no problem at all"

hope this helps!

blind pew

Diagnosed to Gilberts in 1974 which unfortunately included two liver biopsies.
Flew short/long range - instructed light aircraft and gliders including aerobatics and still paraglide.
Stress effects the condition - mental, fatigue and physical.
Avoid alcohol although I still participate in a glass of plonk a day - but didn't drink for ten years when younger.
Turbulence and long night flights especially through the ITCZ weren't good.
A**e warming currys particularly bad.
Motocross also isn't the best idea.
Just had two days of climbing mountains to paraglide and have a typical Gilberts headache this morning.
Symptoms include headaches, sore eyes (bright lights a problem), irritability and when chronic liver ache and itching all over -(possibly caused by sweating the billirubin out through the pores).
With all of the above still managed to reach and enjoy the top of my profession but I would advise you to understand the effect of your irritability on others!

albertnices

For that you require more point of view and you need proper treatment for that so you must choose experienced GP who handles your case effectively.

blind pew

GP that understands the problem?
I was investigated by Rodger Williams who was the Hepatologist involved in the world's first liver transplant and even he was a little hazy about the effects.
Had a few doctors who didn't even know what it was!
It is very common as in 10% of the population but the degree of intoxication from bilirubin varies - mine is apparently on the high side....
but then again I was a little sensitive fairy

gingernut

I'd be interested to hear how the chosen experienced GP treats and handles this condition, I might learn something.