Medical Issues
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Medical Issues
Hey folks,
I had my NATS medical on Friday and it didn't go quite as well as expected. I passed everything except the ECG which showed T-Wave inversions on all leads (Or something like that), the doc seemed pretty concerned and started asking if I was feeling any chest pains as the results pointed to angina
After confirming that I feel no pain whatsoever he phoned up a specialist at the local hospital who suggested that it might be a heart murmur. One quick check with a stethascope and this was confirmed. So I now have to be referred to a cardiologist by my GP (I have an appointment on Tuesday) in the hope that it turns out to be nothing to worry about (Fingers crossed, I'm crapping myself tbh).
So, if it does turn out to be something that I need something done about what is the NATS stance on putting me on hold awaiting a class 1? If I need surgery for example (God forbid), will I still be able to start at the college as soon as I've been given the all clear and have a class 1? Or do I need to re-apply?
I had my NATS medical on Friday and it didn't go quite as well as expected. I passed everything except the ECG which showed T-Wave inversions on all leads (Or something like that), the doc seemed pretty concerned and started asking if I was feeling any chest pains as the results pointed to angina
After confirming that I feel no pain whatsoever he phoned up a specialist at the local hospital who suggested that it might be a heart murmur. One quick check with a stethascope and this was confirmed. So I now have to be referred to a cardiologist by my GP (I have an appointment on Tuesday) in the hope that it turns out to be nothing to worry about (Fingers crossed, I'm crapping myself tbh). So, if it does turn out to be something that I need something done about what is the NATS stance on putting me on hold awaiting a class 1? If I need surgery for example (God forbid), will I still be able to start at the college as soon as I've been given the all clear and have a class 1? Or do I need to re-apply?
Join Date: Aug 2004
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I got my class 1 medical in July, all was well for starting course 209 in September 06.
About a week before I was due to start, I was diagnosed with Testicular cancer, and so I obviously lost my class 1 certificate.
NATS were really helpful with this, and were willing to hold me for upto a year, without any re-assessment (interviews or tests etc).
I was lucky and got all my treatment within the year, and I started on course 210 in Januray 07, so don't fret, NATS are helpful in keeping your place open, you just need to make all the right phone calls, to the right doctors, and get your treatment as soon as possible.
Ian.
About a week before I was due to start, I was diagnosed with Testicular cancer, and so I obviously lost my class 1 certificate.
NATS were really helpful with this, and were willing to hold me for upto a year, without any re-assessment (interviews or tests etc).
I was lucky and got all my treatment within the year, and I started on course 210 in Januray 07, so don't fret, NATS are helpful in keeping your place open, you just need to make all the right phone calls, to the right doctors, and get your treatment as soon as possible.
Ian.
Join Date: Nov 2005
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Several years ago I passed my medical then recieved a letter saying they had seen T Wave Inversions on the ECG. I was reffered to CAA medical, treadmill etc. After much worry and stress I was finally "Yeah, we thought it was just a fault with the leads in the first place. Nothing wrong."
Fingers crossed it will be the same problem, just a faulty conection on a lead.
Fingers crossed it will be the same problem, just a faulty conection on a lead.
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I have an arrhythmia of the heart, it meant when I first had my Class 1 I was subject to a number of additional tests including 24 hour monitoring and stress tests on the treadmill. I got my class 1 with no exceptions. A few years later they said lets do another thorough check and again no problems. They will check it out and hopefully it wont be an issue for you but if it is then hopefully you can get it sorted early.
Good luck
Good luck
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Just to second the other guys. I also had some "T wave" abnormalities picked up on my initial ECG and had to have 3 visits with a cardiologist, including some strenuous, sweaty exercise on a treadmill. All was OK in the end. I've no doubt there are a multitude of issues that "T wave" abnormalities can indicate, but NATS Occupational Health were very good with everything and arranging cardiologist appointments. Good luck and try not to worry. As you can see, there are a few of us that have had further investigations to play it safe, but found nothing in the end and are now happily controlling.
Join Date: Jul 2005
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I had the same on my medical aswell.
I play a lot of sport and heart problems are the last thing I thought I would have problems with in a medical.
The doctor told me however that the "T wave" checks they do for aviation medicals are way more stringent than if it were just for a general member of the public. 999 times out of one thousand it means nothing and tis just a different type of heart beat. They have to play it safe because of the industry we work in. My wife (who is a medic) when she saw my results said that a member of Joe Public would not even be bothered with my "T wave"
And as per flower..I was chucked on a treadmill..where I sweated all over the lovely nurse as she attached leads to me.....they made sure my heart didn't explode...and hey here is your medical back.
Neo Dude.....100% certain it will be the same for you. They are just playing it safe.
I play a lot of sport and heart problems are the last thing I thought I would have problems with in a medical.
The doctor told me however that the "T wave" checks they do for aviation medicals are way more stringent than if it were just for a general member of the public. 999 times out of one thousand it means nothing and tis just a different type of heart beat. They have to play it safe because of the industry we work in. My wife (who is a medic) when she saw my results said that a member of Joe Public would not even be bothered with my "T wave"
And as per flower..I was chucked on a treadmill..where I sweated all over the lovely nurse as she attached leads to me.....they made sure my heart didn't explode...and hey here is your medical back.
Neo Dude.....100% certain it will be the same for you. They are just playing it safe.
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Just to continue the story for anybody thats interested...
Had my final cardiologist appointment today after having to go for an Echoscan, 24hr BP test and an MRI. The Echoscan showed slight LVH (Thickened heart wall) hence the need for the other 2 tests. So the final verdict after 3 months of tests and waiting is that there is sod-all wrong with me. The doc says I have a slightly thickened heart wall but that is probably just the way I am.
Just waiting on the go ahead from NATS medical now.
Fingers Crossed
Had my final cardiologist appointment today after having to go for an Echoscan, 24hr BP test and an MRI. The Echoscan showed slight LVH (Thickened heart wall) hence the need for the other 2 tests. So the final verdict after 3 months of tests and waiting is that there is sod-all wrong with me. The doc says I have a slightly thickened heart wall but that is probably just the way I am.
Just waiting on the go ahead from NATS medical now.
Fingers Crossed
niknak
Join Date: Dec 2001
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The fact that you have been tested for more or less every medical eventuality, means that if anything was wrong, it would have been picked up early and I suppose that you could argue that knowing you've got your health is the most important thing.
Once the CAA Medical Branch get a sniff of something, they get stuck in big time but I (having had an enforced lay up for three months last year), have always found them to be very fair and helpful.
No doubt they'll want to see you before re issuing the certificate, but I'm sure you've nothing to worry about.
All the best.
Once the CAA Medical Branch get a sniff of something, they get stuck in big time but I (having had an enforced lay up for three months last year), have always found them to be very fair and helpful.
No doubt they'll want to see you before re issuing the certificate, but I'm sure you've nothing to worry about.
All the best.
Join Date: May 2003
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Heart issues are a very common thing with NATS medicals. I thought I was fit as a fiddle until being told I apparently had a heart murmur on my first medical before I joined NATS. Turned out they were getting excited over nothing, as the private cardiologist they paid for didn't have a clue what they were on about and gave me a clean bill of health!
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Excellent news
Hi NeoDude,
this is great news, hopefully we'll see you at the college come January. Sure there's more than a few of us who would have liked it to have been September; but hey, always look to the positive
All the best
UTT
this is great news, hopefully we'll see you at the college come January. Sure there's more than a few of us who would have liked it to have been September; but hey, always look to the positive
All the best
UTT
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Another update. God this is the longest job application ever 
So, the CAA having read the reports and results from my MRI, Echoscan and 24hr BP test now want me to do an exersice ECG and 24hr ECG. I have been deffered to the March/April course due to my medical taking too long. Assuming I make this course that will be over a year from first application to start, Nice
So, the CAA having read the reports and results from my MRI, Echoscan and 24hr BP test now want me to do an exersice ECG and 24hr ECG. I have been deffered to the March/April course due to my medical taking too long. Assuming I make this course that will be over a year from first application to start, Nice
niknak
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OK, you've got to do what you've got to do, an exercise ecg isn't easy but perfectly achievable.
Just get on with it and I look forward to the day that you tell us that you've validated.
all the best.
Just get on with it and I look forward to the day that you tell us that you've validated.
all the best.
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Neo all the best for your follow ups.... Nats follows up on these issues a lot and even the slightest anomalie is refered. Many people out there with heart murmers that have no affect on their lives or their medical. They are always cautious, we get a lot of grief over high blood pressures at moment from the medical branch.
good luck.
good luck.
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Good luck with everything.
You think you had a long recruitment, I applied in December 1983 and started in April 1986 LOL
That was without any complications along the way.
You think you had a long recruitment, I applied in December 1983 and started in April 1986 LOL
That was without any complications along the way.
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I was reading on some thread's regarding medical that they (staff) do mistakes or errors by machines , sometime because of lead problems, they fail people for class 1 medical so really i dont trust them for that.
If somebody is facing the same problem, i suggest that they may check from diffrerent surgery or doctor.
If somebody is facing the same problem, i suggest that they may check from diffrerent surgery or doctor.
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chaud..... It is extremely unlikely that they would base such a major decision on faulty equipment. Whatever medical - initial or renewal - if there is a problem you would be referred to SRG where specialist consultants are available... and they are very good as I know from personal experience.
Sure, machines do play up. A friend of mine had his ECG at Heathrow and when he went in to see the doctor he was told that he was dead!! A further ECG on a different machine revealed that he was actually alive (although many of us tended to believe the first result!). Great sense of humour the medics have.
Sure, machines do play up. A friend of mine had his ECG at Heathrow and when he went in to see the doctor he was told that he was dead!! A further ECG on a different machine revealed that he was actually alive (although many of us tended to believe the first result!). Great sense of humour the medics have.
