Warfarin and flying

[Dave]

Hi Guys
I have been taking warfarin now for 14 months, with absolutely no side effects. I had a mitral valve replaced with a St Judes, and all is well.
I have monthly blood tests, and they are always stable with an INR of 2.5-3.0.
I have not changed my diet, i just eat and drink exactly as before.
The only problem I have is that before surgery I had a private pilot licence, now our local CAA authority will not issue a medical certificate to anyone who is taking a blood thinner. I have heard that the FAA in the USA do not have the same rule. Does anyone know of anybody still flying in the USA who uses Warfarin or similar.
The authority here are not concerned about my heart or the mechanical valve, its just the warfarin that keeps me grounded.
I am 50yrs old and physically fit, in fact just last week I spent three days hiking in the mountains carrying a full pack, without distress.
Cheers Dave

 

[Perrster]

Encouragement!

Encouragement!

Cheers to you, Dave!

What an encouraging story! Thanks for posting it.

Sorry about the flying rules. Perhaps more documentation from your pharmacist, doc or cardiologist will help you cross over the boundary the CAA (or whatever it's called down under?) has created to keep you from flying?

Try posting your question on the Coumdin site or writing to Dupont : http://www.coumadin.com/ I have written Dupont in the past and they have ALWAYS followed up as well as mailed good information to me. Also recommend sending vr.com member: allodwick e-mail. He's a pharmacist with much Coumadin knowledge.

Stay persistent and hopefully you will get back in the air soon

Cheers!

 

[Phil]

Your story reminds me when I want to put a 6 ft wood bear on my building roof, I went to county planning to see if it was ok, well the ansewer was yes, if I jump through a bunch of hoops for the planning board.

The lady told me never ask the question you might not get the ansewer you want to hear. My suggestion, don't ask, just do...

 

[Guest]

There is not one bit of scientific evidence to back this decision. At least in the US, they would not stand the slightest chance of upholding this decision in court.
Pose this scenario to them. If I stopped taking warfarin, I would be qualified to fly. But I would be at immense risk of having a stroke and crashing the plane. But, if I take the medication to prevent this from happening, you disqualify me from flying. What is the logic?
I have done a study (unpublished but I presented it at a meeting of anticoagulation specialists) that shows there is no statistically significant increase in bleeding if the INR is below 5 and the person is being monitored approximately once a month so that they do not stay at that level for very long. I could provide you with that data if you need it.

 

[Dave]

Hi Guys
Thankyou all so much for your replies to my thread, I am greatly encouraged to continue with my fight with the authoritys to get back in the air. prior to my valve failure, I had been flying for twenty five years, I have a aircraft brokerage business and it does present me with some problems not being able to fly anymore, apart from that I really love it.
It is interesting that the authoitys knew I had a prolapsed mitral valve but they still issued me with a flight crew medical, and i was flying up until the day i was operated on???Now that i have a new valve and everything is fine they ground me!!! My cardiologist told me he would be happy to fly with me now, not so happy before the operation.
I really would like to get a copy of the study you have done allodwick, it will probably be a great help, and thankyou for offering.
I dont want to appear to be ungratefull for the fact that my health is good again, its just that a part of my life has been taken away without any good reason, I really do feel lucky that everything worked out ok, and if I was unable to fly for a valid reason I would accept it.
Dave

 

[Guest]

The study is in Microsoft Power Point format. If you can receive that, please send your e-mail address to [email protected]. If you need me to convert it to Microsoft Word you can e-mail a request also, but it will take a little longer as I am preparing for a talk I am giving on the 19th - but I will get it to you as soon as I have time to convert it.

 

[Guest]

Reosting above

I could also just print the handout and mail it to you.

 

[Guest]

I must be getting old, I wasn't even on the pump too long as MATXR says.

The study is on my website at http://www.warfarinfo.com/experiences.htm

 

[Marty]

Flying status on warfarin

Flying status on warfarin

Dave, I have an old friend who is both a cardiologist and a pilot.
I think he is now the top medic at FAA here in DC. I have heard him pronounce on coronary disease and CABG surgery but not on mechanical valve on warfarin. If you like I would be happy to make an inquiry on your behalf. Email me the details of your case at [email protected] and I will try to find outwhat our people would do in your case.Marty

 

[Marty]

Any questions for FAA?

Any questions for FAA?

To all pilots! I talked to my friend the top Doc at FAA who is himself a cardiologist and noted pilot. He said Dave would be returned to flying status in the US as long as he keeps his INR around 3. The FAA thinks mechanical valves are fine and they are OK with the bio valves too. My friend is Dr. Robert Poole and he would be glad to hear from any of you who have flying related questions. Contact him at [email protected]

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Marty. I get this question frequently from from truck and bus drivers who are being forced out just because they take warfarin. I'll use this for a reference.