DVT and CAA PPL

[foxtrot-oscar]

HI ,I have done search on this but not dragged up anything, so appologies if this has been tackled before.

I have just come out of hospital after suffering from DVT, Lord knows how I got DVT, but a scan on my leg showed some clots still in my leg, I went to hospital because during a game of tennis, I suddenly couldn't get my breath. I have been prescribed Wolferin. Will I loose my CAA medical? Will I ever get my CAA medical back, or is this the end of my flying? Any AMEs out ther who have an opinion?

Thanks

FO

[uklocations]

I'm not an AME, so unfortunately can't advise you on your class2.

You certainly need to inform your AME of the current situation, as you are clearly unfit to fly at this present time.

Long term, I suspect you need some further investigation as to the cause, (depending on age,sex,risk factors).

It sounds like you may also have suffered a pulmonary embolism.

[foxtrot-oscar]

That is exactly what I got, thamks for that. Is it my responsibility to inform the AME who last issued my medical, or do I inform the CAA directly?

Thanks

FO

[marty1468]

Hi FO,
I'm just wondering what your symptoms were for your DVT besides lack of breath? I seem to be getting funny tingly feelings in my legs (especially my left) and arms and a little short of breathe. Hmm

[uklocations]

Marty, on assuming your a fit&healthy 39 year old male, I doubt very much that you a DVT- your quack should be able to rule it out in a short consultation.

It sounds like you may have a severe dose of spendingtoomuchtimeonthemedicalandhealthforum-itis:) It can be quite severe.

DVT alone shouldn't cause breathlessness- only if the thrombus moves to the lungs- (pulmonary embolism)

[marty1468]

Haha you are probably right UKL, i just started a new job at Boeing 4 months ago and it's a desk job and the leg problems have started since then. I'm reasonable fit but i knew a marathon runner who got a dvt on a flight. I was just phishing for an idea. Didn't want to waste money on a doctors appointment so he could tell me it's probably a pinched nerve or something hehe.

Thanks anyway

[uklocations]

Bit difficult to advise via the internet, but it won't be a waste of time if your worried.

Just for information, he's likely to make an assessment based on the story you tell of the symptoms, your risk factors, (age, smoking, family history etc), and examination.

Depending on his "index of suspicion" he may refer you for a blood test (the D-Dimer), to rule out the condition.

Unfortunately, like most things in medicine, the d-dimer isn't that "good" a test though.:)

[foxtrot-oscar]

Hi Marty,

Sorry so long getting back.

It started about three weeks ago with a sore leg, I thought I had pulled a muscle or maybe it could have been sciatica. A week after that, I was palying tennis (and was 5 - 0 up, so doing very well) when I just couldn't get my breath. I gave up and walked up a slight incline to my car and was puffed out when I got to it. The next day I went to my GP and he put the leg thing and the puffy thing together and sent me to A & E. They diagnosed Pulmunory Embolism brought about by DVT and a clot dislogging and hitting my lungs. I have since called my AME who has informed the CAA and they have now grounded me until the facts of my treatment, and an idea of what caused it can be established.

[marty1468]

Hi FO,

Wow that does sound pretty bad. I understand a PE can be fatal!!!

As i mentioned in my earlier post, a month or 2 into this desk job at Boeing i have a painful what feels like back of my knee and Hamstring area in my left leg and it is worse in the mornings when i wake up. It kind of feels like a stretched muscle or semething but i haven't done anything to get this condition in the first place. Hmmm!!! Got me thinking now....

[Skimmer2]

Very similar to my experience 2 years ago. DVT in leg (Measure around calf muscle - blocked one will be a bit larger!) with bits moving off into lung causing pulmonary embolism -> shortness of breath. Started with feeling like muscle cramp that did not go away. Rushed to hospital for MRI and Clexane (anti coagulant). Granny stockings & Warfarin prescribed for life but after consulting clot specialist dropped the wafarin. Lost license due to Warfarin but believe there is now a warfarin protocol in place. D-Dimer test proves clotting activity but not reverse. Really hope you come through this one OK.

[marty1468]

Thanks Skimmer, i'll get it checked out.