Choosing new Rheumatologist for Ankylosing Spondylitis

[guest]

It is time for me to choose a new Rheumatologist for my Ankylosing Spondylitis. I won't be applying for a medical right away, but on the first introductory visit, I feel it is important to convey to the Doctor that there will be some coordination with the FAA. This will open the dialogue for the Doctor to express his thoughts and adjust the management plan to achieve this goal. This will have a major impact on my choice of Rheumatolgists.

For those who have been down this path, do you have any insight as to what I should tell the Doctor regarding the anticipated interaction with the FAA? I want to start out the relationship amicably.

 

[flyingron]

Just make sure any "coordination" goes through you and your well-versed AME. A lot of aviators get needlessly sidelined because the doctor writes something into a record that shouldn't likely be there and that there need to be certain things written so the FAA has the data they need for their decisions. A lot of practitioners don't understand why they can't just write "I see no reason why this person shouldn't be allowed to fly" and be done with it. Obviously, you need to also keep an eye on disqualifying meds so they don't get proscribed.

The condition you are describing is almost certainly going to require a special issuance. This is a condition that can cause (as you well know) unpredicted debilitating pain.