FAA Medical... Is there a doctor in the house?

[Canardman]

I have been on a midnight shift at work. So I scheduled my FAA medical for 10:15am , I got off at 7:30am. I came home and took about an hour nap and went in for the exam. After all was done he pulled out my lab results and informed me that I had failed my medical due to protein in my urine. This happened yesterday. He told me to come back today after drinking all the water I could, and I did, and passed with no problems. The reason I am posting this is because there are some things people should know that I did not. Maybe I could save someone from the hassle I just went through.
1: Do NOT go in for you physical just after waking up.
2: Do not have sex before you go in.
3: Drink lots of water before you go in.
4: if you work out, run, jog... don't do it the day of your exam.

All of these things can fail you on your exam. Now, If there is a doctor here, and you know of other do's or don'ts please let me (us) know

[rdgood]

Yeah I may have to study for that " No Sex part" of the exam..


Just kiddin,

Ronster

[dangerboy]

If you are a caffeine fiend, lay off of it for a couple of days. I know of one pilot that got his medical deferred due to a heart palpitation resulting from having a few too many cups of coffee in the hours preceding his exam. It also increases your blood pressure.

[Judge]

Amazing. Real time lab results?? I usually have to wait for those. Was this a 3rd Class medical or higher??

[Canardman]

It was a 3rd class. I only have SEL PP.

[NCFRgal]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Judge
	Amazing. Real time lab results?? I usually have to wait for those. Was this a 3rd Class medical or higher??

Protein found in the urine is determined by a test called a "urine dipstick". They take your specimen and dip this stick that has all kinds of pads on it, one for protein, one for sugar, one for blood, etc... It is very real time as this test is usually performed in the office and takes all of one minute. Bloodwork usually requires a waiting period.

One other thing to remember is to lay off any over the counter decongestants. Those too, can raise your blood pressure and elevate your heart rate.

[todhog]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Canardman
	I have been on a midnight shift at work. So I scheduled my FAA medical for 10:15am , I got off at 7:30am. I came home and took about an hour nap and went in for the exam. After all was done he pulled out my lab results and informed me that I had failed my medical due to protein in my urine. This happened yesterday. He told me to come back today after drinking all the water I could, and I did, and passed with no problems. The reason I am posting this is because there are some things people should know that I did not. Maybe I could save someone from the hassle I just went through. 1: Do NOT go in for you physical just after waking up. I always go right after I wake up, it's the morning. Never mattered. 2: Do not have sex before you go in. I've done that plenty of times, at least with myself. Never mattered. 3: Drink lots of water before you go in. I try to do that just so I can pee. 4: if you work out, run, jog... don't do it the day of your exam. That's rarely a problem. All of these things can fail you on your exam. Now, If there is a doctor here, and you know of other do's or don'ts please let me (us) know

You need to learn how to take these physicals and pass every time. Look at all the airline pilots out there and tell me they are all perfectly healthy. My experience has been, if you can walk in and walk out you can pass.

Todd