Bypass x5 with 3 of those 5 blocked again, multiple catherizations and 4-5 stints in heart, one in the aorta and one in the right femoral artery. Next step is the transplant list. That’s just the cardiac portion of my issues. Don’t even want to get into the spinal fusions and lower back or renal issues.Man, what a loaded question!
Yes, but probably no.I went helicopters, and loved every minute of it! Flying helicopters is literally all I’ve ever wanted to do with my life, and I knew it from before I could talk (from the stories my parents tell, that’s no lie). Funny enough, a CFI gig is what brought me out here to Indiana! However, with the discovery earlier this year that my cardiovascular system lost the genetics lottery big-time, I don’t know what my chances are of ever flying again will be. We have some tough decisions to make on that front, but at the moment I’m not able to obtain a medical (on nitroglycerin and I have two blockages over 50%, both of which are disqualifying). One blockage is in a tough spot, hence the nitro. If that works, I may be on it for a good while. If it doesn’t, we’re probably looking at bypass as it’s in a high-risk area for a stent. I have a second, “lesser” blockage at 80% in a vein too small to stent, and the cardiologist who reviewed my recent cath said it’s in a spot “that’s never killed anyone” (comforting, huh?), but it would probably still be a no-go even if we fixed the one in the larger vein.
So at the moment, I can fly with someone else who holds a medical/can act as PIC, and that’s it. If I maintain my CFI then I can do BFRs, Commercial training, and will eventually be able to do initial CFI training, but I don’t have enough dual given for that yet. People joke about maintaining their CFI because getting it back is a PITA. For me, if I ever let mine lapse, I’m done. It’s the only thing keeping me in the air (if I can even say that), and if it lapses I can’t get it back (gotta have a medical for the checkride).
My last heli flight was June 28th of this year. I think the heartbreak from knowing what could have been is doing as much damage to my heart as anything else at this point lol. But I’ve met some of the most amazing people because of it, and my current career path (airport manager) wouldn’t have happened without it. We’ll see how long I last, sometimes I’m not sure if staying in is worth it (pay is OK but not great, and the pain of seeing others live their dream when I’ve likely been robbed of mine is tough).
Like I said, loaded question…
OP KEEP The 452.
