Family medical history

[Number Cruncher]

I have the initial class 1 at Gatwick next week.

Do they ask much about family history?? Will it affect my ability to gain the certificate given the fact that my grandfather (aged 70) has a history of Glaucoma and diabetes? Should i just keep quiet??

This may sound quite pedantic, but i have worked myself up for this so much over the last few weeks i feel as though i am constantly trying to find things that will fail me!

Advice appreciated!

[The Boy Lard]

Hi Number Cruncher,

My understanding is that the CAA will be looking at you, and not necessarily your family history.

Lets face it if ALL of your family on your mothers side have died at an early age of heart attacks (God forbid!) then they MAY make a note to keep a close eye on things in the future but if you are fit enough on the day of the medical then you will pass.

Plus, if you DID have a family history that was worrying you then I'm sure you would be taking all the necessary precautions anyway.

With regards your Grandfather, I see no need to mention it, as I said, its YOUR health that they are interested in and in should no way affect your ability to gain your Class 1.

Remember that its renewed yearly so I'm sure things would be picked up as and when they appeared.

Dont worry about the medical, when I had mine everyone was really helpful and wanted you to pass, they wont try and trip you up and will let you have several goes at for example the spirometer test (they did for me, until I passed!)

Sorry if I'm waffling but I dont think you have anything to worry about, enjoy the day, its really quite interesting!

Good luck!

TBL:D

[redsnail]

The family history thing is to spot markers.
Usually it is applicable if the family member was under 65 when the condition developed. One family member is nothing to worry about. Many is.
Since it is your grandfather then I can't see them getting too nervous about it. If it was your father and he was aged 35 when the conditions developed then they make take a closer look.
With regards diabetes, so long as you don't have it now and you keep your weight in check then the chances are very slim that you'll get it. Glaucoma is often a secondary effect of diabetes. (Other causes as well).
Have a scratch around Google and learn more about the conditions and you'll find you have nothing to worry about.

[gingernut]

Number cruncher, try and get it all in perspective.
Most 70 yr olds have some medical labels attached to them.
Your grandfathers FH will not affect your medical prospects.
Try and keep the whole thing real and chill out a bit !