Good Morning,
I’m a former Chemistry lecturer turned aviator and I’m motivated to pursue my life-long desire to fly and serve with the USAF. Currently working toward PPL certificate and in my mid twenties. Unfortunately like many other individuals affected with peanut allergies, I’ve been stressed about the process and not knowing if there even is a path to ascension that’s within grasp. Although not documented extensively I discovered the allergy in elementary school when I bit into a peanut cookie and developed itchiness and a stomach ache. Recently I’ve seen an allergist who determined a clinically significant peanut allergy via advanced blood screening with no clinical data on severity at this time (I plan to have severity investigated), and thankfully no tolerance issue with tree nuts. So tackling the peanut allergy is now the barrier between me and serving. I’ve discussed this with my recruiter who was excellently supportive. However understandably they were unable to comment on the technicalities regarding ascension of those affected by allergies. My recruiter is not a doctor and could only recommend pausing the application process, have me send as much information regarding the circumstances of the allergy as possible, and from there we see what happens.
I know oral immunotherapy is an option, but I wonder if anybody else has had success with it when it came to ascension. Ultimately I understand that along with other important factors, medical fitness is a priority for the military. But I can’t help but feel bad and in a rut for not knowing what to really do. Would really appreciate any pointers or suggestions or sharing of your experience. I’m eager not to give up.
Thanks a ton,
-RK
I’m a former Chemistry lecturer turned aviator and I’m motivated to pursue my life-long desire to fly and serve with the USAF. Currently working toward PPL certificate and in my mid twenties. Unfortunately like many other individuals affected with peanut allergies, I’ve been stressed about the process and not knowing if there even is a path to ascension that’s within grasp. Although not documented extensively I discovered the allergy in elementary school when I bit into a peanut cookie and developed itchiness and a stomach ache. Recently I’ve seen an allergist who determined a clinically significant peanut allergy via advanced blood screening with no clinical data on severity at this time (I plan to have severity investigated), and thankfully no tolerance issue with tree nuts. So tackling the peanut allergy is now the barrier between me and serving. I’ve discussed this with my recruiter who was excellently supportive. However understandably they were unable to comment on the technicalities regarding ascension of those affected by allergies. My recruiter is not a doctor and could only recommend pausing the application process, have me send as much information regarding the circumstances of the allergy as possible, and from there we see what happens.
I know oral immunotherapy is an option, but I wonder if anybody else has had success with it when it came to ascension. Ultimately I understand that along with other important factors, medical fitness is a priority for the military. But I can’t help but feel bad and in a rut for not knowing what to really do. Would really appreciate any pointers or suggestions or sharing of your experience. I’m eager not to give up.
Thanks a ton,
-RK