Hanging up my wings

On Aug 24, 7:39 pm, Orval Fairbairn wrote:
In article . com,
Mike Gaskins wrote:



Over the last few months I've unexpectedly lost consciousness 3 times
on two occasions (second time I went out again a few minutes later).
I've also had several episodes of not feeling "right" - dizzyness,
inability to focus, feeling disconnected, etc. I haven't been flying
at all during this time as I was afraid of anything happening in the
air, and now, though I haven't gotten an official diagnosis yet, all
signs are pointing to me having panic disorder.

Sorry to hear about that, Mike.

BTW, just a thought -- do you drink a lot of diet soft drinks? The
artificial sweeteners can upset the amino acid balance in some people.

No, don't drink any diet ones, but definitely my fair share (too much)
of the regular ones. That has affected my weight a bit, but not to
the extent that it's caused any problems (my heart, blood pressure,
and sugar levels are all checking out a-ok). We'll see. My biggest
fear regarding the medical is that if I'm denied one I can't exercise
sport pilot - ever. I had kinda told myself that if this gets sorted
out and I go 10 years or so with no further problems, I'd certainly
like to freshen up and try the sport pilot option.

We'll see though. If I could retain my medical and safely fly I
certainly would want to take that route. I just wanna make sure that
I'm actually safe to go up before doing so. The nature of this that
stress or fear can trigger it, and the last thing I wanna do is get up
there and think "what if" and have the mere fear of an attack actually
trigger one . I'll definitely try to keep my options as open as
possible though.

And BTW thanks for all the suggestions guys. They really do help.

Mike

"Mike Gaskins" wrote in message
oups.com...
And BTW thanks for all the suggestions guys. They really do help.

I wish to echo the remarks of others; don't give up yet!

That said, have all of your ducks in a row before you see an AME.
Regardless of what happens next in your medical situation, you will have to
check "YES" to two killer questions should you decide to fill out another FAA
Form 8500-8. ("Dizziness or fainting spells" and "Unconsciousness for any
reason") Talk to the AOPA folks before you do that!

Vaughn

Mike, please go see a competent neurologist, the first priority is to figure
out the
cause - then you can work out the consequences to your passion.
Good luck, and best regards
Todd

In article ,
"Todd W. Deckard" wrote:

Mike, please go see a competent neurologist, the first priority is to figure
out the
cause - then you can work out the consequences to your passion.
Good luck, and best regards
Todd

It seems to me that you lose consciousness due to reduction/loss of
blood flow to the brain.

If it were me the first guy I'd talk to would be a cardiologist.

Brugada syndrome, which I have and have lost my medical because of, is a
condition that can cause loss of consciousness and is generally
diagnosed because of "unexplained" LOC.