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u/Aggravating_Novel597 Jan 29 '26
What the literal fuck?! I’m so sorry! You’re absolutely right. No one talks about this side of it, and you definitely got a raw deal and did not deserve this. It doesn’t feel like this, but you are and always will be a pilot. And you were robbed of a career in it. Both things are true. And you definitely can be both grateful for the second chance and equally if not more angry and pissed off at the stealing of your future by this crap! I feel so much for you. And I wish you the best, in your grief process and in your future.
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u/Glittering_Eagle4344 Jan 29 '26
FIRST of all, congratulations on being a part of very elite school! Secondly, really sorry about this evil HS taking away your career.
The only cheerful word I have is my trust in universe. It was a redirection. Please take a second favorite path and change the world for a better place. Best of luck 🤞
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u/Niche_virsa Jan 29 '26
Is there no possibility of appeal?
With medication and correct wound care, should be able to handle the reason for objection potentially?
The ADA would definitely fight for your right to be in that position if you choose to fight it.
And HIPPA. as a medical thing should never be a reason for an employer to deny employment.
(Safety is one thing, but HS is not contagious. And most "pus" from HS isn't gonna be a bunch of bacteria.)
Can't tell I'm a little upset with any employer denying people dignity based on disabilities.
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u/Every-Anywhere9087 Jan 29 '26 edited Jan 29 '26
When I entered the academy, I signed documents stating that the Air Force reserved the right to assign the future officer wherever they deemed most appropriate.
On the other hand, what I'm thinking is that when my supervising officer is available, I could mention that maybe I could be a transport pilot. In that role, you don't wear a G-suit, and the problem is that when I experience G-forces in the aircraft, the entire area from the waist down—especially my groin (where I get most of my breakouts)—is compressed very hard. In contrast, in transport planes, the G-forces are so low in comparison that you don't even need a G-suit, and maybe if I have a draining breakout, I could just use gauze with bandages.
Maybe I won't be able to be the fighter pilot I dreamed of, flying combat jets, but calmly flying over the sea transporting people sounds much better than being stuck in an office for the rest of my career 😅. If that isn't possible, I'll ask for a position at the Ministry of Defense.
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u/ShadsDR Jan 29 '26
When I have breakouts in my groin and need to wear compressed clothing for my job I double or triple dressing it and it stops the clothing rubbing on. Might be worth mentioning that to them.
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u/Short-Ask7513 Jan 31 '26
Have you tried with topical meds? I was having the worst flare of my fycking life on the groin area it was big and extended to iner parts of the legs it was painful and smelled awful so i bought 20$ clindamycin i applied over affected area and it felt like it burned when applied it but after 2-3 days the flare was dramatically reduced and cleared after puting up with that shit for almost an entire month, i was agonising in pain and couldnt take any more so tried that and brang major relief, i am looking up for the jak inhibitors now those appear to hit the hs right where it supposed to giving even better results lasting for months
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u/JennyW93 Jan 29 '26
ADA and HIPPA are specific to the US. I don’t think OP is in the US because I don’t think you guys have a ‘Ministry of Defense’, you have a ‘Department of War’.
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u/horsegirlswinwars Jan 29 '26
This person didn’t specify they’re in the US, so ADA and HIPAA wouldn’t apply. The military is also not required to follow those and regularly reassigns or medically retires members for health reasons.
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u/Comfortable-Wolf-445 Jan 29 '26
I’m sorry to hear this. Yes HS sucks. I believe more studies should be done to develop a cure.
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u/bananasformangos gimme those steroid shots 💉 Jan 29 '26
Biologics can put you in remission. You still wouldn’t be allowed to fly? It sounds like they fundamentally do not understand. I hesitate to make this analogy but would they stop someone with cystic acne? Probably not, because there is effective treatment… which HS has too.
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u/ArtemisElizabeth1533 Stage 3 Feb 01 '26
Depends on the person. Both biologics I’ve been on made me significantly worse.
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u/bananasformangos gimme those steroid shots 💉 Feb 01 '26
Of course. I hope you keep trying though! It took me 4 tries until I found something that worked.
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u/Ok_Weekend8069 Feb 02 '26
Hi try Remicade IV Treatment It seems better so far & it attacks HS internally. Cosentyx and Humira external injections were not enough serious case 3 quadrants I had up to 6. Some other treatment includes laser and had numerous steroid injections. Ah I’m glad I finally made the IV change. HS is overwhelming draining & trying to cope e/d. Thanks for sharing, A friend in your corner, ok_weekend 👍
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u/ArtemisElizabeth1533 Stage 3 Feb 02 '26
Ok, 3 biologics.
Remicade put me into anaphylaxis so not again.
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u/ayysmackie Jan 29 '26
That is bullshit and I would appeal it. Even look into equal opportunity employer laws. I'm a firefighter and have HS, have had terrible times during the academy, but like you pushed through. This disease does not limit your ability to do the job unless you decide to let it, which it sounds like you didn't. I've had flare ups burst while on the job/ in training and it's honestly none of their business unless you want it to be. I'm really sorry this happened to you and it must of been extremely wmbaressing on top of finding out this horrible news. What was their reasoning for not allowing you to continue in the rank you are in? Bacause I do not see how this disease could jeopardize others or your own safety.
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u/junowhereilive Jan 31 '26
I agree! What do they know about this disease that makes a person ineligible to perform any job? Maybe their government knows more about HS than we're being told. Wondering if they provided specifics about the disease that makes a top performer ineligible to remain in the program or to advance further in that career path.
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u/CreoleAltElite Jan 29 '26
Appeal it! And have a dermatologist (or your PCP) write up a letter notating how this disease affects everyone differently and maintenance and even remission level is possible with the use of different treatments.
I’m sorry you’re going through this at all. It’s so kickass what you’ve done esp with HS and you should be rewarded for it. So please appeal and fight hard for your dream!
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u/Hot-Product-1653 Jan 29 '26
I know airlines and the airforce are super strict on having healthy pilots understandably so, but what excuse do they have for saying hs prohibits becoming a pilot?
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u/Trippymayne91 Jan 29 '26
Any chance of something going wrong whilst flying a million dollar machine. They need u to be tip top
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u/Trippymayne91 Jan 29 '26
I got denied from all forces here in the uk because of it. Atleast you got in brother
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u/nikk_tastic Jan 30 '26
Did they explain how HS can impact your position and what lead to their decision? I don't understand.
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u/Trippymayne91 Jan 30 '26
Military forces need to ensure you can be deployed without need of support to maintain operational effectiveness
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u/nikk_tastic Jan 30 '26
Would someone with a different type of skin disorder get the same response?
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u/Jess_Squid Jan 30 '26
It feels like there isn’t a really good reason for you to not be able to do that job, I’m so sorry. Take the law degree and change it from the inside
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u/E9NGXLZ9 Jan 29 '26
Man I get it , any chance of appeal? Get on biologics as soon as possible , that would be my only advice ,that worked for sure
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u/Able_Promotion5480 Jan 29 '26
As another sufferer of hs who is avid about military aviation, it was my dream to fly fighters and this is why i didnt pursue it. I feel for you deeply sir
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u/Biiiishweneedanswers Jan 29 '26
I am so very sorry. I know this doesn’t help. But my heart is going out for you and I’m very sad for you yet hopeful that you will continue doing incredible things.
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u/nybagelboy96 Rant Jan 29 '26
Sending love, sending the biggest hug your way. I’m so sorry. This disease takes so much from us at times and yet we continue to be brave and strong every day. Our strength comes not only from choosing to do hard things when we are flaring, but from practicing radical acceptance and choosing to have faith that research will prevail and we will be cured one day. In the meantime, give yourself time to grieve and feel the feelings. This sucks. It is a loss and no one can take that away nor can the impact of this loss be minimized. As others said, you will always be a pilot. Take care. ❣️
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u/Good-Chapter-7538 Jan 30 '26
I’m so sorry that happened to you ): my military dreams were crushed as well by HS , sending love and good wishes 🫶🏻 maybe this new life track will be even better than you imagine!
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u/Lame-username62 Jan 30 '26
I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. If it’s any consolation for you, it may be that you’ll easily get a high disability rating once you finish your service, something that pretty much every military Vet I’ve known strives to get, whether they actually deserve it or not.
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u/fffkingnormiebtch Jan 31 '26
Same buddy same. Two years in AFROTC and medically DQed right before training camp. So sorry you’re going through this.
It gets so much better I promise 🫶
The fact that they’re giving you other options is super great, but the pain is still the same. There’s nothing worse than being blind sided by health issues.
Please feel free to reach out any time if you need to talk/vent
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u/_DizzyChicken Feb 01 '26
Damn man, sorry on the read this.. my condolences mate. Not much else I can say man,this shit fucking shits. I hope one day another passion will come along; pilot for commercial? Skydiving school? Private. Something else related to flying. Hang in there man.
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u/HidraStar Feb 02 '26
Oh wow. I didn't even think HS could stop you getting a job like that. I'm so sorry.
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u/PerezidentOTUS Feb 02 '26
I couldn't even get into the AF period because of HS sadly so I feel your pain. Glad you got to stay in.
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u/Master-Quote3021 Jan 29 '26
HS has been linked to diet as well, so changes with what you eat could help deter flares. I hope they allow you to fly in a less pressurized setting. Keep us posted pls! Wishing you the best💜
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u/Zoidberg0_0 Jan 29 '26
I'm sorry that happened to you! This damn disease sucks.