It's Been Great, but an MI cut me down

[efs4ever 3]

I've been doing tandems for eleven years, and last Saturday I got to find out what a heart attack feels like. I dodged a bullet, but I'm now the owner of some foreign material in my Right Coronary Artery. I've put my tandem rig up for sale, and resigned myself to solo jumping for the rest of my days.

Does having a stent ban me for life, or not? If I see the light and follow Doctor Orders is there ever a chance of getting a medical?

Russell M. Webb D 7014
Attorney at Law
713 385 5676
https://www.tdcparole.com

[Beachbum 0]

I was wondering if you were going to have to stop the tandems, and I'm sure someone will have an answer for you on that. The REAL question now though, is how are you gonna pick up chicks since you won't be able to use that "let me strap you on the front of me and throw you out of an airplane" line?? ...

As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

[airdvr 210]

Welcome to the stent club. Amazing little piece of equipment ain't it?

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[MrHixxx 0]

That is a shame. We appreciate seeing you at Couchfreaks. Take care of yourself and I would think you could get back in it.

I know a TI that had coded with a torn aorta was revived and taken care of in ER, that still got his medical years later. It just takes some time I think and proof that your fitness is managed.

take care, Hixxx

death,as men call him, ends what they call men
-but beauty is more now than dying’s when

[PhreeZone 20]

Here is the FAA's take on Stent's:

PROTOCOL FOR THE EVALUATION OF STENT IMPLANTATION
A six-month recovery period shall elapse after the stent implantation to
ensure recovery and stabilization.
1. Copies of hospital/medical records pertaining to the requirement for the
stent to include make, implant location, length and diameter,
admission/discharge summaries, coronary catheterization report, and
operative.
2. A current cardiovascular evaluation, preferably by a cardiologist or
specialist in internal medicine, shall be obtained. This evaluation must
include an assessment of personal and family medical history, a clinical
cardiac examination and general physical examination, an assessment and
statement regarding the applicant's medications, functional capacity,
modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, motivation for any necessary
change and prognosis for incapacitation during the certification period.
3. A report of fasting blood sugar and a blood lipid profile to include:
total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides.
4. A current maximal treadmill stress test.
All stress testing should achieve 100 percent of predicted maximal heart rate
unless medically contraindicated or prevented either by symptoms or
concurrent medication, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers (spec.
diltiazem and verapamil), or digitalis preparations. These medications
should be discontinued for at least 48 hours prior to testing in order to
attain maximal stress and only after consulting with the attending physician.
An applicant will be expected to demonstrate a minimum functional capacity
equivalent to completion of Stage III of the standard Bruce electrocardiographic
exercise stress test protocol. Tabular report, interpretation and
actual electrocardiographic tracings should be submitted. Tracings must
include a rhythm strip. A full 12-lead ECG should be recorded at rest
(supine and standing) and during hyperventilation while standing, one or more
times during each stage of exercise, at the end of each stage, at peak
exercise, and every minute during recovery for at least five minutes or until
the tracings return to baseline level.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to provide the medical information
required to determine his/her eligibility for airman medical certification.
A medical release form may help in obtaining the necessary information.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[chutem 0]

Quote

I've been doing tandems for eleven years, and last Saturday I got to find out what a heart attack feels like. I dodged a bullet, but I'm now the owner of some foreign material in my Right Coronary Artery. I've put my tandem rig up for sale, and resigned myself to solo jumping for the rest of my days.

Does having a stent ban me for life, or not? If I see the light and follow Doctor Orders is there ever a chance of getting a medical?

The AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc) has a very good "medical" portion on their forum. If you would like to get your medical back it would probably help to discuss it with the doctors there. You can get a free 6 month aopa membership by indicating interest in becoming a student pilot with no further commitment.

James

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

A TI in this area had a heart attack (I don't know detail/severity) not too long ago. I don't think he had stents put in, but I'm not sure.

He is/was in the process of getting his medical reinstated. Phree's post is really similar to what he described having to do. Blood chemistry has to be good, and a max rate stress stest has to be passed.

It isn't an automatic retirement anymore.

Good luck on returning, if that's what you wish to try for.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[efs4ever 3]

I'll be sixty on Thanksgiving. I was in the process of winding down, anyway, so that will probably be the end. I plan on extreme lifestyle changes, and the result might be the type of energy I need to re-surface. In any case, I'll still be in the air solo.

Russell M. Webb D 7014
Attorney at Law
713 385 5676
https://www.tdcparole.com

[PiLFy 3]

Quote

I'll be sixty on Thanksgiving. I was in the process of winding down, anyway, so that will probably be the end. I plan on extreme lifestyle changes, and the result might be the type of energy I need to re-surface. In any case, I'll still be in the air solo.

Hi,
I'm sorry you had an MI. It sounds like you only needed one stent, correct? That's actually very good. I've seen patients need three or more. If your attack didn't do too much damage. You might be fine to return to tandems in six months. I'm saying this because it sounds a bit like you think it's a foregone conclusion. Modern cardiology can do wonders, friend. Give your body some time to heal. Best of luck.

[stayhigh 2]

are you Bill Booth????

if you are thanks for the three ring system!!!

Bernie Sanders for President 2016

[stayhigh 2]

nevermind.. you look like Bill Booth.

Bernie Sanders for President 2016

[MorfiusX 0]

Quote

are you Bill Booth????

if you are thanks for the three ring system!!!

From what I've read, when Bill posts here, his user name is simply "BillBooth".

[efs4ever 3]

Quote

are you Bill Booth????

if you are thanks for the three ring system!!!

No, that's an old profile photo. My beard only got to about 1/3 of his length before I had to try a case to a jury.

Russell M. Webb D 7014
Attorney at Law
713 385 5676
https://www.tdcparole.com

[BobMoore 0]

Quote

No, that's an old profile photo. My beard only got to about 1/3 of his length before I had to try a case to a jury.

You couldn't tuck it into your shirt? Maybe wear a turtleneck?

"For you see, an airplane is an airplane. A landing area is a landing area. But a dropzone... a dropzone is the people."

[Krip 2]

Quote

Quote

No, that's an old profile photo. My beard only got to about 1/3 of his length before I had to try a case to a jury.

You couldn't tuck it into your shirt? Maybe wear a turtleneck?

Think comb over

One Jump Wonder

[riggerrob 643]

A minor heart attack does not have to end a TI's career.
The last TI - that I trained - suffered a minor heart attack a year before I trained him.
Fortunately, his girlfriend rushed him to the hospital at the first sign of heart problems, so muscle damage was minor.
He changed his diet, lost 20 pounds and was cleared to return to the sky within a year.
And he flew well during all of our evaluation dives.

[longtall 0]

Sorry to hear that Russ. Hope you feel better soon.

" 90 right, five miles then cut."---Pukin Buzzards