Xolair MEB

Army aviator here with 12 years TIS. Went on a downslip in December for sever lip, face, head swelling along with hands and arms on occasion. I had also been dealing with Ocular migraines that became increasingly more of an issue until I felt it was a safety of flight issue. Long story short I’m about 5 months in and was just prescribed Xolair to trial with a follow up in late July. If that works doc said it will trigger an MEB do to non-deploy ability and just seeing if anyone has been in this scenario. If so would love any insight into what the results were and whatever you may feel comfortable sharing.

I am still dealing with Migraines at the same frequency as a few months back. Am now on Ubrelvy which does help a bit with the intensity/duration but is non preventative. Just trying to get some educated guesses on what my future may look like here in the next 6 months or so? Never thought I’d be in this situation and am having a bit of an identity crisis now. Thanks in advance for anything provided!

I am in a similar boat to you. AF pilot with migraines, currently on triptans with sporadic to little efficacy. Been on non-flying status for nearly this whole year. I would expect a neurology consult if you haven't already. I am in the dark like you, but from what I surmised from the pubs and whatnot, there is roughly a 300-day window that would force an MEB if you have no improvement or waiverabilty. Your doc has some leeway to extend this if you work/fight with your command for it. Realistically, I think once you pass the 5-8 month window with no improvement, the MEB gears will start turning. Also, dependent on the severity of symptoms, they can pretty much jump straight to MEB without months in the 'grey zone' (where you and I are), but it increases the likelihood of the MEB being kicked back. I would say, keep the visits and appts as needed, but prepare yourself to be in a different line of work by this time next year. Maybe still army, but definitely not aviation if your requirements are anything like ours... worst yet, being stuck in simulator hell as an instructor.

I’m sorry to hear that man it’s definitely not been ideal. I have honestly been slowly accepting my fate and at this point more worried about getting stuck in a job I hate and would rather start my life on the outside while I still have some time. I have been to Neuro it just the months in between with pretty much no measurable progress is what bums me out the most. Hoping for the best for you my friend