Update: Super AME Dr. Kramer called to say I don't need a tilt table test anymore (yipee!!) and he'll talk to the cardiologist directly to get something in writing from her (phew!) and that he's confident that we can put all this behind us soon.

My next homework assignment is to have the doctor who did the tilt table test way back when to do a brief physical check up so he can comment on my superbly healthy state.

Bad news: I doubt I'll have my license in time to pilot us to Emily's wedding in Virginia.
Good news: The end (of this mess) is near!


I am officially not on good terms with my cardiologist.

I worked with a doctor acquaintance I know to draft a letter on behalf of the cardiologist based on her reports since May. I sent a soft copy of the letter on a memory stick so she could edit as she saw fit ,and I asked for her to put it on letterhead and sign it.

Waited 2 days with no response. I called today to see when I could retrieve it. I was informed that she didn't want to sign it but felt an electrophysiologist should sign the letter after an examination.

Oh no you didn't!

I argued that the letter was for HER based on HER report.

"Have you seen Dr. Khan regarding the tilt table test? She feels Dr. Khan would be more appropriate to comment on the syncope-"
"-I disagree!" I butted in, "I think Dr. Agarwal is the ONLY doctor who can comment on the syncope since it's her report to the FAA that was questioned."
"Well, she doesn't... hold on." She goes away for a few minutes then comes back. "Have you scheduled with Dr. Khan yet?"
"Listen, I had a tilt table test done years ago and my doctor is in communication with the doctor who has those files. So no, I do not want to see another doctor, I don't want to pay for unnecessary testing, I just want Dr. Agarawal to sign a letter stating what HER report states, that there's no clinical significance to the syncope or the septal hypokinesis or anything else. She can even edit it before she signs it."
There was a pause then the receptionist said she'd put it back in front of the doctor again.

win.

I was so pissed after that call. I don't get why this doctor is so resistant. I listened to angry loud music and skipped lunch trying to keep busy with other things at work.

I've got a fire of persistence and stubbornness burning. It's going to take legal action to make me stop trying!

Here's the progress of one week:

  1. the cardiologist to write up a letter - I have the report she sent the FAA (not a letter but maybe it will do)
  2. copies of my physician's notes about my muscle strain in February - got it
  3. copies of "doc in the box" notes about said muscle strain in February - got it
  4. fasting blood lab work - getting it tomorrow
  5. a letter from me stating (again) that I had 2 instances of fainting and I am healthy - got it
  6. a tilt table test with a cardiologist report on the results - I found the researchers who did a tilt table test on me in the past. I'm hopeful this will be sufficient enough. I'm waiting to know from the Super if that's the case. I gave the researcher's information to the AME so my job for this task is done until he advises differently.
That's all the update. I've been studying the PHAK. Sort of. And wishing I could fly. I've also taken to drinking wine in the evening more frequently and junking out. That's what I do when I'm bummed.

Joshua is excited to start first grade in ~12 days. He's begun reading one book at bedtime just about every night this week and last. His favorite series is the Pig and Elephant books. He's also big into Captain Underpants. I've read the first 2 in that series and he's itching for more.

Elliot is excited about bunnies at his school. They're cute little bunnies in cages. Sad really, being caged up to amuse children.


I saw the Super AME today. He did a brief examination and gave me marching orders to get the FAA to stop focusing on my heart's anomaly that has nothing to do with anything. He says to bring him all the reports listed below and then it should take ~10 days to talk the FAA supervisor into reconsidering my case. I need to get:

  1. the cardiologist to write up a letter regarding my echo and Septal hypokinesis confirming that I am asymptomatic w/ a normal ETT - in progress
  2. copies of my physician's notes about my muscle strain in February - it's coming
  3. copies of "doc in the box" notes about said muscle strain in February - got it
  4. fasting blood lab work - need it
  5. a letter from me stating (again) that I had 2 instances of fainting and I am healthy
  6. a tilt table test with a cardiologist report on the results - *sigh*

This last one almost has me convinced this isn't worth it. My 3 visits to the cardiologist has so far cost me $2500 after insurance. A tilt test probably costs at least $1500. And I doubt my insurance will cover it because I'm asymptomatic.

I can sell blood plasma for $200.

I hate to quit at this point now that I've sunk so much money, energy and effort into getting this far. Yet I'm wondering how far is far enough? Is this worth it?

I could sell some of my eggs for $5000.

I've already contacted 2 doctors to get their medical notes and contacted the nearby hospital to see if they can do a tilt table test. They'll get back to me on availability. Of course I'll be paying the hospital for equipment and the staff and doctor for the procedure and write up. It's a 2 hour appointment with recommendations to have someone drive me home afterwads so I'll likely miss a day of work for this

I could sell a kidney for $70,000.

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