Type 1 Skydive

[Hel252]

Hi,

I need advise please.

My partner is type 1 and has been since he was about two, I have arranged for him to do a Skydive for his 30th birthday in June. I was made aware by the sky diving company that he will need a form completed by his doctor which will give him the ok to jump, fine (I thought).

Having been to his doctors the said they could not give the form to me (we're not married yet so I'm not his next of kin). So I asked if his mum could do this, being his next of kin, they said no. Finally I said if he makes an appointment to see the doctor himself (spoiling the surprise) would the doctor sign it, to which they have said no! So basically his doctor is not willing to sign the consent form for him to ever sky dive!!

I'm really upset, this is ruining his 30th birthday now. Has anyone else had this problem with not being allowed to jump?

My partner works out every, day plus cycles to work 5 miles in total every day, he's lived with diabetes his entire life, is fit and healthy. I can't understand why they would refuse this.

Your help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Helen

 

[noblehead]

Hi Helen and welcome to the forum

I'm just wondering if your partner is under the care of a hospital diabetes team, if so you could try giving the clinic a ring and ask to speak with his DSN (diabetes specialist nurse) to see if they can help in any way without spoiling the surprise, worth trying anyway. Good luck.

 

[Hannah3003]

Hi,
I was diagnosed Type 1 in January. When I was at the consultants she ran through a list of things I shouldn't do as a diabetic (things such as being a pilot) and one was bungy jumping as the process of tipping over the edge could lead to bursting of blood vessels behind the eye causing instant blindness.
I can't remember the exact details about it, and know that skydiving is different but this could be a possible reason.
Sorry it's the vaguest answer ever but perhaps this is a reason why they won't sign the form?!

 

[TorqPenderloin]

Hi,
I was diagnosed Type 1 in January. When I was at the consultants she ran through a list of things I shouldn't do as a diabetic (things such as being a pilot) and one was bungy jumping as the process of tipping over the edge could lead to bursting of blood vessels behind the eye causing instant blindness.
I can't remember the exact details about it, and know that skydiving is different but this could be a possible reason.
Sorry it's the vaguest answer ever but perhaps this is a reason why they won't sign the form?!

Your consultant sounds like they're still living in the 1980s. There's absolutely no reason why you can't be a pilot as long as you're well controlled.

As far as what she said about bungee jumping....that's downright hilarious.

I have no interest in skydiving or bungee jumping, but my diabetes certainly isn't what's keeping me from doing either.

Unfortunately, this is why I'm selective about who I tell and don't tell that I have diabetes. There are people who need to know, and people who do not.

 

[copepod]

Hi,

I need advise please.

My partner is type 1 and has been since he was about two, I have arranged for him to do a Skydive for his 30th birthday in June. I was made aware by the sky diving company that he will need a form completed by his doctor which will give him the ok to jump, fine (I thought).

Having been to his doctors the said they could not give the form to me (we're not married yet so I'm not his next of kin). So I asked if his mum could do this, being his next of kin, they said no. Finally I said if he makes an appointment to see the doctor himself (spoiling the surprise) would the doctor sign it, to which they have said no! So basically his doctor is not willing to sign the consent form for him to ever sky dive!!

I'm really upset, this is ruining his 30th birthday now. Has anyone else had this problem with not being allowed to jump?

My partner works out every, day plus cycles to work 5 miles in total every day, he's lived with diabetes his entire life, is fit and healthy. I can't understand why they would refuse this.

Your help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Helen

I think you may have to approach this from another angle - see British Parachute Association website http://www.bpa.org.uk/your-first-jump/ It depends on whether he's going to do a static line jump / accelerated free fall / tandem
Health forms to download here http://www.bpa.org.uk/bpa-forms/
Form F114A Solo Student Declaration of Fitness can not be completed by someone with diabetes, so it appears another stage is required. Personally, I think this is a question for Diabetes UK Careline - see https://www.diabetes.org.uk/careline
When you say doctor, do you mean GP or diabetes clinic doctor (assuming your partned attends a clinic)? If GP is unwilling to sign, may be worth asking other GP in same practice (if it's not a solo practice) or clinic doctor.