SQ Medical Clearance Procedure

[SQ322]

Hi SQtalkers,

Few years back i posted a trip report about my flight to LHR onboard SQ with regards to a medical condition of "Tourette Syndrome". Well u see during that trip to LHR in 2006 and another trip to PER in 2007 i did not inform SQ about this issue.

Cutting straight to the point, I suffer from a neurological condition of Tourettes (unfortunately some perceive it as a cognitive condition). I shout and at times swear (vocal tics), however apart from this i'm 24/7 totally in control of my thoughts, physically and mentally. My tics tend to very much loosen up when i'm settled down all by myself.

The dilema i'm in right now is this:
I ranged up and also went down to SQ Town Office in ION Orchard and was told that i do not need to fill up the medical clearance form (MEDIF) except for a doctor's note to explain i have this condition.
However after an email to SQ yesterday i was now told that i need my doctor to fill up the MEDIF form and submit it to SQ, and SIA Doctor will make the final decision if i'm fit to fly.

I understand that my condition may or even certainly cause a security concern at airports and inflight as by nature humans will be thinking why am i shouting for no reason. I may also cause some disturbance to my fellow pax who are travelling 14hrs with me.

SQ told me they can't permanently add my medical reason into their database and i need to obtain a clearance each time i travel with them, which is really troublesome.

Now fellow SQ talkers i know some may think it's very funny/interesting to see someone with tourettes but then i seek your mature and honest opinion on what is the best possible thing to do should i which to travel.

I honestly felt that if my application to travel is rejected, it may also imply that a blind will not be fit to travel too as he/she may not be able to find the emergency exit easily in the event of an emergency. (In my own opinion)

Here's a link for those who don't understand what is Tourette Syndrome: http://ticcare.wordpress.com/

Cheers
SQ322

[Datex Ohmeda]

Do the vocal tics continue when asleep? If not, then some sedative may be helpful. I often pop ativan/stilnox/dormicum when flying, not for Tourette's but for insomnia.

[SQ322]

nope it does not happen when in sleep mode.. yes i'm prepared for sedative too but i'm very sure it won't last 14hrs to lhr..

[Jamiegutz]

nope it does not happen when in sleep mode.. yes i'm prepared for sedative too but i'm very sure it won't last 14hrs to lhr..

There are a number of presription medications that you can take which will last alot longer than 14 hours. Some even have a half life of a few days.

I would recommend speaking to your doctor at length to assess the options available to you and how best to handle he situation.

I read your earlier trip report and can sympathise. I too have suffered from (and now recovered) from panic attacs (although mine were very mild in comparison to what you experience) and the fact that you are willing to confront the issue head on is fantastic!

Another suggestion: i would also introduce yourself to one of the senior cabin crew prior to take off. Explain the situation so that they can see you are a normal person and that you have a medical condition that they should allready be aware of.

[KC*]

SQ322,

Do you have a regular family doctor?

Tourette's Syndrome is not that uncommon and it should not prevent you from flying. What I suggest you get are:

1. A specialist report on your condition and stating that you are fit to fly (once only) and;

2. A note from your GP/Family Doctor each time you want to fly. He can base his recommendation from your specialist.

I am not sure if a letter from your GP is good enough, but it might, esp if he had been managing you for years. Then you can spare the trouble and expense of getting a specialist report.

It should be easy enough getting the GP's letter each time you need to fly. A few scribbled words on a memo will do. Bring a copy of the specialist letter with you each time you fly, just in case.

If SQ require their panel doc to clear you, it should be done only once. Subsequently, your GP can refer to his report / note for you. If the MEDIF form is to be filled, ask if your GP can do it for you.

Hope this helps.

[SQ322]

Another suggestion: i would also introduce yourself to one of the senior cabin crew prior to take off. Explain the situation so that they can see you are a normal person and that you have a medical condition that they should allready be aware of.

that's my intention and if i'm able to fly i think i need to arrange for a meet and assist service (MAAS) as long waits at security and immigration just makes the condition worst.

Do you have a regular family doctor?

Hi KC* i do have a GP but it's only for mild aliments. As for my tourettes i am seeing a specialist for it but doubt he will write a note for me, he is never fond of writing notes for his patients and i maybe thinking on seeking a second opinion with another specialist. But i'll heed your advice and try to sit down with my specialist to fill up that dreading MEDIF form.