PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - How do I get my class 1 medical with crohns?
Old 3rd Sep 2022, 07:55
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OvertHawk
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
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I'm sorry that you find yourself in this situation after you've put time, effort and money into your training.

I can't give you advice about Norway as I'm not familiar with it but in general EASA terms I think you're going to face an uphill struggle to be issued with an initial class 1 medical with a diagnosis of Crohns - even if it is in medicated remission.

What I would suggest you think about is the wider future. Crohns is a disease that can often be managed quite well using lifestyle and diet measures to limit its affect on you.

Aviation as a career contains almost all of the things that are worst for you in terms of managing Crohns - Stress, irregular hours and uncertain meal times; irregular sleep; fatigue; limited ability to prepare and eat your own food; limited ability to use the toilet at the time you choose.

I think you really need to consider the effect that these things will have on your wellbeing as you go forward. Lifestyle and wellbeing are critical to managing Crohns. Can it be managed for a while as a pilot - yes it probably can but I think there is a real risk that it will accelerate the deterioration of your condition. I've known a couple of people who've developed Crohns during their career - they've struggled on for a few years then had to stop flying.

You should also consider that if you do get a medical and continue then you will have a permanent sword of Damocles hanging over you as you worry about if / when the disease will return. This in itself will be stressful and increase the risk.

Plus you should consider the options for getting employment if you've got OML for a condition that can be unpredictable and flare up - Employers will think twice (They won't admit it but they will be doubtful).

Sorry if i sound negative but i really think you should think hard about what is best for you in the long term. Could you struggle on and make it work for a few years? Probably. Will you pay for it later in life - almost certainly.

Best of luck whatever you decide
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