Hello there!
I am someone who is serious about becoming an astronaut at some point in the future. I have already recognized the requirements and that there are currently no positions open for the next few years -- so I will be spending my time focusing on education, as well as may join the Air Force (if medical problems do not get in the way.. Which is also a part of this question).
I was diagnosed with an inner ear disorder known as Meniere's Disease in December after a long fight for half a year with several specialists, hospitals, tests, and incorrect diagnoses. My Meniere's Disease is a mild case and is easily controlled through a rare diuretic known as Acetazolamide. It helps with migraines as well, which I get very often -- this is why I am taking this specific diuretic. However, I can still get vertigo spells. My spells are not normal and feel like I am in zero gravity, or the ocean, rather than spinning.
I noted that certain simulators (specifically high G-force) have a warning for people with inner ear disorders to not use them.
This leaves me worried if my Meniere's Disease could affect my ability to work as an astronaut in the future, especially since I must pass a flight physical and be able to handle launch into space. My doctor specializes in aerospace medicine and knows of my desires, but I am afraid to ask what he thinks. I am also curious what zero gravity can do to affect the disease if this is known.
Will this disease disqualify me from joining the Air Force, passing a flight physical, and/or from working as an astronaut?
Thank you for any responses.
Submitted March 01, 2018 at 11:09AM by SultanaVerena http://ift.tt/2tavGuC
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